Who Do You "Go To"?

You probably have heard the expression “go-to guy” before. This is the person that people go to when they need something or when times get tough because they know that the “go-to guy” will come through. Wouldn’t it be nice to always have someone that you could count on regardless of the circumstances in your life?

Fortunately, there is one who is able to provide just that for those who have trusted Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Saviour. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...”. Jesus also tells us “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-12). These gifts include that God will never forsake or leave us (Hebrews 13:5), will meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches (Philipians 4:19), and He asks us to cast all of our anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7). We are further told God will deliver us in our day of trouble if we call upon Him (Psalm 50:15).

These promises are not made by a weak god, but instead by the one true God. Jesus was able to control the sea, cast demons out of men, feed thousands by multiplying food, and conquer death. This is why Paul was able to write “No, in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).

Letting Go of Your Clunker

Today, it was reported that approximately 700,000 clunkers were traded in for new vehicles during the government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program. People who brought their clunkers into dealerships as trade-in value for a new vehicle knew they were giving their vehicles up to be destroyed and that they would never be able to get them back. How then can we as Christians better get rid of the “clunker” aspects of our old life and grasp the new creation we are in Christ? (2nd Corinthians 5:17)

One thing we can do is to turn our focus to God. We are reminded that “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25). Jesus also told us “...do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:4-5).

Focusing on God also allows us to let go of worry when we believe God’s promises for us. Jesus told us “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).

We need to let go of the “clunkers” in our life on a moment by moment basis. Focusing on fearing God more than man and remembering His promises are the keys to doing this. We have a great God who declares “For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Are you ready to give up your “clunker” for God’s hope and future for you?

That’s Not Fair!

Athletes often find themselves asking for fair treatment, especially when they perceive that they are getting the short end of the stick (i.e. less money than a “comparable” player). We hear them whine and pout, sometimes threaten to skip practices and/or games, and in general be a negative influence on their teams.

Peter knew what it was like to feel this way. He was told by Christ that he would he would be crucified for his faith (John 21:18-19). He quickly wanted to compare his fate to his fellow disciple John. Jesus told Peter “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” (John 21:22). Job is another example of circumstances not seeming fair. Job had practically every worldly thing taken away from him including his children. Job’s friends accused him of sinning against God and his own wife told him to curse God and die.

We may wish we had someone else’s circumstances sometimes, but that is not our decision to make. Proverbs 16:9 states that “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” The next time you start to bemoan your circumstances, remember that God has allowed your circumstances for a purpose...regardless of how unfair they may seem...because He allowed his Son to come to bring you life more abundantly (John 10:10).

Playing a Full 48 Minutes

Professional basketball coaches will often talk about the importance of playing a full 48 minutes of a basketball game. This is especially true when their team played well most of the game and let things get out of hand for just a few critical minutes. The interesting thing about that is we don’t necessarily know which minutes will look most critical at the end of the game…or we would play our hardest during those times.

What are the most critical things for us? Proverbs 3:1-4 says “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commandments in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” What commandments are most important to follow? Jesus was asked this question and said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these 2 commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

So, God wants us to play a “full 48 minutes” for Him. He wants ALL of your heart…ALL of your soul AND ALL of your mind. He wants you to keep His commandments in your heart because He knows they will bring you good things. Do you believe Him? Do your actions say you believe Him? If you don’t like your answer, ask the great physician to work a change in your heart and see the wondrous work He will start in you.

I Want That!

You may remember the scene from Napoleon Dynamite where Uncle Rico is trying to get a couple to buy a 24-piece set of Tupperware. As soon as he gets out the miniature ship that comes with the 24-piece set, the lady in the scene goes “I want that!” You can tell that no matter how good or bad the product is, she is willing to pay the price to get that ship.

This got me to thinking…how often do folks look at Christians and see enough of Christ to go “I want that!” We are clearly told in that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, Proverbs 3:17-18 tells us that wisdom’s “ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.” Proverbs 24:5 adds that “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.” That sounds pretty appealing, doesn’t it?

So, what is this wisdom? James 3:17 tell us that it is “first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” What should we do if we lack wisdom? James 1:5-6 says “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God…and it will be given to him. But he must believe and not doubt…” Therefore, we have to not only ask God, but believe that He wants what is best for us, including provision of His wisdom as He gives freely. Then we can live lives filled with peace that are full of mercy and good fruit that others will want for themselves.

Being Matt Cassel

Can you imagine having to sit on the sidelines for 7 years before getting your big chance? Matt Cassel of the New England Patriots can. He can because he went to USC to be the quarterback for one of the great college football teams in the country. Instead, Cassel learned that he would be standing on the sidelines while Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart were leading the Trojans and winning Heisman trophies. He saw Carson Palmer get drafted as the number 1 overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft and Leinhart follow by being selected number 10 overall in 2006. Cassel was drafted (pick number 230 overall) by the New England Patriots in 2005. Most folks thought the Patriots were razor thin at quarterback and doomed to fail when Tom Brady got injured during the first game of the season. Admittedly, Cassel has grown into the position over the past 10 weeks...but who would have thought that he would be 1 of only 5 quarterbacks in the history of the NFL to pass for over 400 yards in 2 consecutive games and that the Patriots would have a winning record while both Palmer (injury) and Leinart (due to Kurt Warner's great play) have been on the sidelines for weeks?

So, what's Matt Cassel got to do with anything relating to God? Directly, he may or may not (as I don't know him or his relationship with Christ)...but I'll give you some examples of men God used for extraordinary purposes after waiting in what seemed to be everyday activities. David was tending his family's sheep when Samuel came to anoint him as the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:6-13). God waited until Moses was 40 years old to deliver his plans for Moses by speaking to him from the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-4). Peter and Andrew were just doing their jobs when Jesus came and recruited them to be His disciples.

The bottom line is, we never know when God is going to come calling with His new mission for us (Proverbs 16:9). All we can do is to be faithful with what we have been given, have open ears, and a pure heart...and be ready to play when God calls our number, just like Matt Cassel was ready for the Patriots.

The Benefits of Chopping Wood

The slogan for Rutgers football team during their 2006 rise was “chopping wood”. Chopping wood was meant by the coaching staff to symbolize staying focused on the task at hand. How often are we distracted by circumstances that are out of our control or things that really aren't that important in the big picture? What could we gain by keeping focused on the task at hand?

The book of Proverbs has a lot to say a being diligent (and folks say Proverbs is only about wisdom!). Diligence is rewarded with positions of authority (Proverbs 12:24), an abundance through hard work (Proverbs 28:19), and the ability to give without sparing (Proverbs 21:26). So, what does it take to be a diligent person? Diligent people are planners (Proverbs 21:5), take care of business without procrastinating (Proverbs 10:5), and prize their possessions (Proverbs 12:27).

Things may not always look like they are going our way. If you don't believe me, just ask David (Psalm 13) or Job. If this is where you are, Romans 5:3-4 has good news for you, “...suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” So no matter whether things are going well or we're in need of some good news, let's keep chopping wood.

Playoffs and Focus

We are on the eve of the baseball playoffs and 8 teams have the opportunity to end the year as World Series champions. For the next month, individuals on these teams will have a single focus...everything else is comes second to winning that title. Have you ever felt that way...whether it was about a friend, girl/boyfriend, family member, or work? If so, you know how your thoughts can be a runaway train and everything else is an afterthought.

We all know that a single focus on another human or a secular event can have adverse consequences. Maybe you've seen the person who plastered himself into a wall just to look at a beautiful lady/gentleman for one more second...or seen the person who got in a car wreck because they were texting on their cell phone while driving.

Now flip the switch...what if our sole focus was on God? We are told that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, wisdom, and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). We are also told to meditate on the God's word day and night, that we may be careful to do everything in it (Joshua 1:8). Psalm 84:10 reminds us that one day in God's courts are better than 1,000 days anywhere else. The beautiful thing about this is that serving others is part of our single focus on God. Jesus told us that the most important commandment in the Law is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind...Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).

I don't know about you...but if Jesus tells us 2 principles to follow will help us be right in every other area of our lives, it's good enough and you can lock it up and take it to the bank (not only is Jesus better than Tiger and Shaft...He's also better than banks). We love to focus so much on things that will only let us down with time....let's flip the switch and focus on the one who is the great I Am...because at the end of the day if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?