End of An Era In Indianapolis

Yesterday was the day that many Colts fans hated to see happen. After seven successful years and a Super Bowl Championship, Head Coach Tony Dungy officially retired as Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy as a head coach with 149 career wins in 13 seasons and six seasons of 12 wins or more along with a Super Bowl Championship. Yet, what's even more impressive than Tony Dungy the coach, is Tony Dungy the man. He is a wonderful head coach and a tremendous man of faith and character, who demonstrates, by his life, what a real man of God should be. When I think of Coach Dungy, I always think of one word: INTEGRITY, and he possesses that in abundance. The scripture says in Psalm 25:21-"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee." And I think that is the heart of Coach Dungy. He is now going to pursue a future life in ministry, and somehow I have the feeling his successes are just beginning. God bless you and thanks coach for the wonderful memories, we'll miss you.

No Day Off for the Pastor

I hope you had an enjoyable weekend and the new year of 2009 is going well so far. It has been very cold and snowy here in central Indiana and this weekend was a busy one for me and my family although we still found time to enjoy a Saturday shopping trip. Yesterday was a wondeful time of worship and praise and I ministered upon the thought of "Don't Go To Church....Be the Church" and continued my Sunday evening sermon series "I AM" with a message titled, "I am the Door." Now another week is starting and there won't be a day off for me this week. I will be making several hospital calls and taking care of other church related business so maybe I can make some time later this week. I pray that you have a great day and wonderful start to your week. God bless.

Encouragement for the Discouraged

It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 AMP

Life is filled with many kinds of losses. All losses hurt, whether they are big ones or little ones. We recover quickly from some losses; others take months or years to absorb. Some losses are temporary while others are permanent. I am currently praying for several friends and family as well as church members who in today's environment of business closings and downsizing, are facing the loss of their job. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, especially the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival.

Consider this…
Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now?

These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult—but imperative—that we focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that he, not our job, is our source.

We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we can find hope. Our job may be gone. The economy may be falling apart. But God has not changed. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed. "His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness." Jesus will make a way.

An Interesting Giving Report

Something to think about as we receive our annual church giving reports and begin to prepare to file our taxes. Remember that God loves a cheerful giver.

God bless.

Hope of Heaven

Revelation 13: 8 ...whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.
Nothing is more common today than assured hopes of attaining heaven. Everyone has their reasons for having this hope. Most people, it seems, would say that they are basically a good person and that they have not killed anyone. Assuredly, some of those who hope of heaven will find themselves disappointed. Maybe to distinguish ourselves from the world Christians should respond, when asked why they hope of heaven, that their "names are written in the Lamb's book of life" as the reason for their hope. A response like that might really puzzle some folks. Today I would like to briefly think of the purifying influence of Christian hope. A Christian hope rejoices in the glory of God. There is a desire to be in God's presence and feel His mercy, grace, love and peace. I think this was the struggle of Paul in Philippians 1: 21-25. He was hard-pressed both to stay and continue to enjoy fruitful labor, but, desired more to depart and be with Christ. He seems to have had a taste of the presence and power of God. Christian hope leads to a desire to be delivered from the bondage of sin. The more a Christian loves God the more sin will be hated. David says in Psalm 51- "I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me...Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean, wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, let the bones which you have broken rejoice." Do Christians sin? Yes! It is the desire to be cleansed that is in mind here. A Christian is one who is willing to confess before God and the world that, yes, they do sin, even as their hearts long for deliverance from sins bondage. A Christian's hope will make him prayerful. The more we learn of, and from God, the more we see our need of help from God. A prayerless Christian is an absurdity. As Christians grow in grace, the also grow in prayerfulness. Prayer is a living testament to the purifying influence of their hope in Christ.

Signs of the Times

This sign says a lot to us today. In this wireless age we live in it's important to remember that we still need to pray. God bless and have a great weekend.

Welcome 2009

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and I pray that 2009 is a wonderful and blessed year for you. May God bless you as you start the new year.