Trying to Swim from Europe to the U.S.

Olympic swimming is incredibly exciting to watch.  Such as watching the young Missy Franklin come from behind to win the gold and seeing if Michael Phelps still has some speed left in him.  All of this swimming excitement has made some people (myself included) desire to jump in the pool and swim as fast as possible, just for the fun it.  One man took these excited feelings a bit too far.

A 34-year-old British man was overtaken with Olympic fever while at the beach in Biarritz, France.  He told his friends that he was going to swim across the Atlantic Ocean to New York City to show his excitement for the games.  His friends knew he was a strong swimmer, so they let him jump in the water thinking he was joking and would turn around soon enough.  Before long, the man was out of sight.

This man’s ambitious goal was soon interrupted by a rescue helicopter.  A diver jumped down, swam over to the man, and reminded him that the distance from Biarritz to New York City was 3,595 miles.  Despite the warning, the man boasted of his awesome aquatic skills and kept on swimming.  As a point of comparison, the average Olympic swimmer swims at about 5 mph (and they are swimming as hard as they can by the way).  Swimming 3,595 miles at an incredible 5 mph would still take 30 days!  Thankfully, the man eventually came to his senses and was rescued.

This man reminded me of the examples Jesus gave in Luke 14:27-32.  Jesus speaks of a man who tries to build a tower without calculating if he can afford it and of the king who takes his army into battle without considering if he can win.  Scripture consistently encourages us to think before we speak or act (Proverbs 3:5-6; 11:14; 15:22; etc).  Of all the advice given, some of the best is stated in Proverbs 16:1-3, “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.  All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives.  Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.”

It can be hard to remember to make good decisions, especially when that Olympic fever comes.  So, here is a little tip to guide us in making better decisions.  I call it the 3 P’s of good decisions: (1) Pray, (2) Ponder, and (3) Prepare.  Following these 3 easy steps can be the difference between a making bad decision and following God’s plan for you.  So, next time we feel like swimming across the Atlantic, changing jobs, moving, or even a small decision, let’s remember the 3 P’s of good decisions.

Chick-Fil-A and Boy Scouts

What does Chick-Fil-A and the Boy Scouts of America have in common?  If you have kept up with the buzz lately, both of these groups are receiving heavy backlash for their stance against homosexuality.  In response, Eagle Scouts have mailed in their medals to voice their disapproval.  Others have vowed to no longer eat at Chick-Fil-A.  There has been a huge amount of pressure put on by our culture lately to accept homosexuality.  Such messages have come from videos, news cites, and even President Obama.  Is our culture right?  Has Chick-Fil-A and the Boy Scouts of America gone too far?  As some are claiming, is this anti-gay stance just growing a new generation of prejudice and hate?

Determining which side is “right” and “wrong” can be slippery.  Hopefully we can all agree that there is a right and wrong answer and the ultimate authority on this topic is God.  After all, He said in Isaiah 55:8-9, “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.’”  God determines what is right and wrong, not men, not the President, and not our culture.  It is ultimately His words we must follow (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3).  So, where should we stand?

Here is what God has said on this topic:

• The only approved intimate, sexual, and marital relationship is between a man and a woman (Genesis 1-2; 2:18f; 2:24; Matthew 19:1f; 1 Corinthians 3:18f; Ephesians 5:22f; 1 Peter 3:1f; etc).
• Homosexuality was condemned in the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:22, 29; etc).
• Homosexuality was punished by death in the Old Testament (Leviticus 20:13).
• Entire cities were destroyed by God because of homosexuality (Genesis 19; 2 Peter 2:6-8; Jude 5-7).
• Homosexuality is a choice that can be changed and controlled (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, especially vs. 11 – “such were some of you”).
• Homosexuality is called unnatural and condemned in the New Testament (Romans 1:26-28; 1 Timothy 1:9-11; etc).

One has to do a lot of twisting and contorting to get around all of God’s teaching on this topic.  God has clearly stated that homosexuality is wrong.  This doesn’t mean God hates the sinner, but He does hate the sin.  We should never act ugly and hateful towards homosexuals, but we most definitely should speak against this sin!  Therefore, we should also show support for the position Chick-Fil-A and the Boy Scouts have taken and applaud them for their boldness.  We should even join with them in proclaiming God’s truth about homosexuality.

Chances are very unlikely that taking this stance against homosexuality will be popular, but the truth has rarely been popular in the first place (Galatians 4:16).  Even God Son was persecuted, ridiculed, and killed for teaching the unpopular truth!  For this reason, I pray that we have the courage to repeat the apostles’ bold exclamation, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

“I’m Not Getting Anything Out of Worship”

President James Madison experienced many health problems in the later part of his life.  A friend of his sent him a box of vegetable pills he had made and asked James to inform him if they helped at all.  After some time, the man received a letter from President Madison which said, “My dear friend, I thank you very much for the box of pills.  I have taken them all; and while I cannot say I am better since taking them, it is quite possible that I might have been worse if I had not taken them.”

Today, many walk away from religious activities because they felt like they “didn’t get anything out of it.”  I don’t remember many of the meals I have eaten in my life, but one look at my waistline will tell you that I haven’t missed many.  Even though I don’t remember what I ate, my body has still grown and gained strength because of them.  If I’m honest, I don’t remember the vast majority of lessons I have heard in my life, but this doesn’t mean I haven’t benefited from them.  I know I have grown spiritually because of the godly influences that have been in my life.  In fact, like Madison, there is no telling how much worse I would be without them.  It scares me to think about where I would spend my time if not at church and other spiritual activities.  I would most likely be filling my mind with worldly influences from TV, video games, non-Christian friends, etc.  Surely many sins would not be far behind such influences (1 Corinthians 15:33).

It doesn’t always feel like we get something out of worship, but we do.  Just the simple fact of being present at worship brings us away from the world and around positive Christian examples.  Not to mention, the class or lesson might have something, even if it is little, to help us walk closer to the Lord.

Next time you feel like you aren’t getting anything out of worship, it’s time to take a good long hard look at yourself and ask some tough questions: (1) Can you honestly say you have NEVER benefited from worship in the past, and WILL NEVER benefit from it in the future? (2) Are you being selfish? (3) Why do you want to skip out on spiritual activities and being around other Christians so badly?  (4) What will you spend your time doing if not with Christians in the assembly?

The old saying is so true, “You get what you put into it.”  When we put selfishness, arrogance, and worldly thoughts into worship, it’s no surprise that we walk away feeling “empty.”  After all, there was no room for anything else other than our own selfishness (Philippians 2:3-4)!  However, when we put humility, an open heart, and a focused mind into worship, there is no limit to the benefits we will reap (James 4:10; Luke 14:11).

Whether we believe it or not, there is nothing better we could do with our time than being around other Christians and worshipping God (Luke 10:27).  If we feel otherwise then it is time to check our priorities.

Carrying The Sky On Your Shoulders

Greek Mythology has always been interesting to me.  Even though these characters are fictional, one that always stands out is Atlas.  Atlas is known best for being punished by Zeus to stand on the earth and to carry the sky and heavens on his shoulders (Wikipedia).  What an enormous burden Atlas was forced to bear.

It’s funny how easy it is to relate to Atlas at times.  When problems pile up, it feels like we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders.  We become so bogged down with worries about money, health, family, and life.  We lose jobs, possessions, and worst of all, people close to us.  On top of all of this, we deal with our spirituality and wrestling with the question, “What will happen when I die?”  At times life becomes so burdensome that it seems overwhelming.

Certainly this feeling is not new to our generation.  This is why the words of Scripture are so appealing.  1 Peter 5:7 says to “cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

Bringing God into our lives is a breath of fresh air and a weight lifted off our shoulders.  God never promised that life would be problem free, but He does tell us that He is willing to help.  The problem is that we get stubborn and try to bear the load alone.  We might be able to bear some of the stress and worry of life, but we cannot carry the weight of sin and walk with God at the same time.

God is offering to share the burden with us.  He wants to help with the worries and stresses of life (Matthew 6:25-34), but more importantly, He wants to take care of our burden of sin (Acts 2:37-41; 1 Peter 3:21; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 11:28-30).  We can’t bear this load for long.  Let’s bring God deeper into our lives and let Him help with our burdens.

Major Miscommunication

A photographer for a national magazine was assigned to get photos of a forest fire.  The photographer tried several times but the smoke was just too thick.  So, he asked his boss to hire a plane so he could take aerial photos.  Arrangements were made and the photographer was told to go to the local airport where a small plane would be waiting for him.  When he arrived, a plane was sitting on the runway warming up the engines.  The photographer ran over to the plane, jumped in with his equipment and yelled over to the pilot, “Alright, let’s go!”

The pilot revved up the engine and soon the plane soared into the air.  The photographer told the pilot to head north towards the mountains.  When they arrived at the forest fire, the photographer said, “Fly as low as you can over the fire and make three or four level passes.”  “Why would you want me to do something dangerous like that?” asked the pilot.  The photographer responded, “Because I’m going to take pictures.  I’m a photographer and photographers take pictures!”  After a pause the pilot looked over with a horrified look and said, “You mean you’re not the flight instructor?” (SermonIllustrations.com).

This is what one might call “a major miscommunication.”  This entire fiasco could have been avoided if either person had communicated at the beginning.  Everyone has been guilty of miscommunication at one point or another.  Whether it is not saying enough, saying too much, or having the wrong words come out.  Good communication is vital in all relationships, even our relationship with the Lord.

Philippians 2 is a great section of Scripture.  Here we can learn some great lessons about proper communication:

• Encouragement, love, fellowship, affection, and compassion are essential for unity (vs. 1-2).  None of this is possible if these aspects do not show up in our speech.
• Don’t be selfish or conceited, but be humble by putting other above yourself (vs. 3-4).  Often miscommunication and hurt feelings come when our words reflect selfishness.  However, if our words are helpful then good will be the result.  This is how Jesus lived His life (vs. 5-11).
• Don’t grumble and dispute (vs. 14).  This only causes problems and negative feelings.  Avoiding this type of speech will make us blameless and stand out among our culture (vs. 15).

Sometimes miscommunications are unavoidable.  However, if our speech is full of encouragement, love, and other positive qualities instead of selfishness and complaints, we will avoid many forms of miscommunication.  But above all else, we will bring glory to God with our words.  Let’s take these lessons from Philippians 2 to heart and speak as God wants us to speak.  As 1 Peter 4:11 states, “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”

The Mighty Payara

Meet the payara.  On the outside it looks just like any other fish, but as soon as it opens its mouth, it is obvious this is not a cute little aquarium fish.  You thought piranhas were scary?  This fish hunts piranhas!  The payara is found mostly at the mouth of the Amazon River.  It can grow as large as 4 feet and 40 pounds.  It has developed a reputation for being an unbelievably aggressive and powerful fish, especially since it hunts a fast and strong fish like the piranha.

God has equipped the payara to be a mighty predator.  Easily the most interesting fact about the payara is it’s massive fangs.  For a full-grown payara, these teeth can get as long as 4-6 inches!  The fangs are very sharp and easily pierce through another fish.  Doing so will typically immobilize the fish, making it unable to swim, and it becomes an easy meal.

These fangs are formidable weapons, but you would think they pose a danger to the fish.  Why doesn’t the payara pierce itself when it closes its mouth?  First of all, this fish has a specially designed upper lip.  This lip is thick and has holes for the huge teeth to slide into.  These compartments accommodate the length, width, and curvature of the teeth.  So, when it closes its mouth, the teeth will slide into these special compartments without harm.  Second, the lower jaw swings up and closes at an angle with the upper jaw.  Most animals, including people, have jaws that are horizontal when closed.  The payara’s top jaw is high and angled so that the teeth will slide perfectly into their compartments.

(Click Here For Video On The Payara)

God engineered the payara to be a formidable predator from its powerful, fast, and sleek body to its frightening fangs.  He even protected the fish from itself by providing custom compartments for the teeth.

In the discussion with his friends, Job explained that all the animals of this earth proclaim God as their creator (Job 12:7-10).  Animals do not do this with words, but with their unique abilities and designs from God.  We are wise when we look out and take notice of God’s creation.  Let’s join in with all of creation in Psalm 148 and praise God for His magnificent workmanship.

From Winner to Loser In Record Time

French runner Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad is a terrific track and field athlete.  He took second at the Beijing Olympics and first at other competitions in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.  This week, Mekhissi-Benabbad won the gold in the European Championship’s 3,000-meter steeplechase.  However, instead of celebrating his victory, he reacted in a ridiculous way.  He walked directly over to the mascot, slapped a gift bag out of her hand and proceeded with a two-hand shove.  Inside this mascot was an innocent and unsuspecting 14-year-old girl.  At this point Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad went from being the gold medal winner to being an absolute loser in record time.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

No matter what reason or excuse he would give, Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad showed a lot about his true character after winning that race.  This got me thinking.  This doesn’t just happen with stuck-up professional athletes and celebrity divas; this happens in nearly every congregation.  In the bright lights of the auditorium people smile, are complimentary, and act Christ-like.  However, some of these same members are the gossips or those who cause divisions and inappropriate controversies over little details and minor disagreements.  Members who are guilty of such hypocrisy, like the French runner, quickly go from being winners to losers.

Christ often preached against hypocrisy (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; 7:3-5; 15:7-9, 23:13, 15, 25-30; etc).  Many other Scriptures speak about hypocrisy in regard to gossip, squabbles, and divisions (James 3:10-12; Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 13:15; etc).  It is easy to become hypersensitive and hypercritical with others, but this kind of attitude brings nothing but ill feelings and division within the church.  We can deceive people into thinking we are better than we really are, but God is never fooled.  Let’s strive to be the same person in public and in private, in the light and in the dark, and in others’ eyes as well as in God’s.  Only then will we be true winners (Revelation 2:10).