On a stifling June afternoon in Philadelphia, New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre was about to step into the air-conditioned comfort of the players' entrance at Veterans Stadium when a middle-aged man called his name. Torre is not one of those celebrities who walk past people head down as if they didn't hear a thing. So he stopped, assuming he would be asked for an autograph.
He was wrong. "I met you almost 30 years ago," the man said. "I was in high school, and I wanted to drop out. My parents asked you to talk to me one day because they thought I might listen to a ballplayer. They were right. I'm a lawyer now. I just wanted to tell you thanks."
Torre was pleased by the story, albeit a bit stunned. "I had a little, tiny, vague memory when he brought it up," he said. "But that was it."
Before he could take the last few steps to the players' entrance, Torre was stopped again, by a younger man. "Twenty years ago I had cancer," he said. "They thought I was terminal. You were with the Mets. You came to see me and gave me a pep talk. I never forgot it. When you were sick, I realized I never said thank you."
Again, Torre was rendered almost speechless.
[Later, he said,] "It makes you realize what all of us in sports can do if we put just a little effort into things. And I mean just a little. A word here, a pat on the back there, a phone call. Right or wrong, because of who we are and what we do, it can have a tremendous effect on people. It's something I wish we could all be a little bit more aware of." -John Feinstein, "Pride of the Yankees," The Washington Post Magazine, July 25, 1999, 7.
You may be saying, “Nice story but Joe Torre is a celebrity sports figure. What he says matters to people. Me, well, I’m just me and nobody cares.”
Not true. There is a reason Joe Torre’s words have the impact they do on lives. It’s not because he’s a celebrity. It’s not because his big salary gives him influence. It’s not because of his success in his field. All of those things may enhance the impact of his words, but the power of his words is founded in a Biblical principle. “The tongue has the power of life and death...” Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) Think about it today before you speak. Your words could either create a champion or a casualty. Just a word today may make the difference in someone’s life to go on or give up. So walk around with your antennae up watching for that opportunity. Some of you right now are strategizing how you’re going to tell your co-worker off for what they did or said to you or how you’re going to set the boss straight. Instead, strategize how you can change someone’s life with a simple word of encouragement.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, use me today to encourage someone, bless someone, give someone what they need to continue on. Holy Spirit guide me in the words I speak today and everyday. AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
Friday, February 2, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Who Am I?
The following story is one you may have heard before, but it bears repeating. A great reminder who we are in Christ Jesus.
Fred Craddock was a seminary professor and a great story teller. Once, while he was lecturing at Yale University, he told of going back one summer to Gatlinburg, TN, to take a short vacation with his wife. One night they found a quiet little restaurant where they looked forward to a private meal——just the two of them.
While they were waiting for their meal they noticed a distinguished looking white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting guests. Craddock whispered to his wife, “I hope he doesn’t come over here.” He didn’t want the man to intrude on their privacy.
But the man did come by his table. “Where you folks from?” he asked amicably.
“Oklahoma.”
“Splendid state, I hear, although I’ve never been there. What do you do for a living?”
I teach homiletics at the graduate seminary of Phillips University.”
“Oh, so you teach preachers, do you. Well, I’ve got a story I want to tell you.” And with that he pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with Craddock and his wife. Dr. Craddock groaned inwardly. Oh, no, here comes another preacher story. It seems everyone has one.
The man stuck out his hand. “I’m Ben Hooper. I was born not far from here across the mountains. My mother wasn’t married when I was born so I had a hard time. When I started to school my classmates had a name for me, and it wasn’t a very nice name. I used to go off by myself at recess and during lunchtime because the taunts of my playmates cut so deeply.
“What was worse was going downtown on Saturday afternoon and feeling every eye burning a hole through you. They were all wondering just who my real father was.
“When I was about 12 years old a new preacher came to our church. I would always go in late and slip out early. But one day the preacher said the benediction so fast I got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. I could feel every eye in church on me. Just about the time I got to the door I felt a big hand on my shoulder. I looked up and the preacher was looking right at me.
“‘Who are you, son? Whose boy are you?’
“I felt the old weight come down on me. It was like a big, black cloud. Even the preacher was putting me down.
“But as he looked down at me, studying my face, he began to smile a big smile of recognition. ‘Wait a minute,’ he said, ‘I know who you are. I see the family resemblance. You are a son of God.’
“With that he slapped me across the rump and said, ‘Boy, you’ve got a great inheritance. Go and claim it.’”
The old man looked across the table at Fred Craddock and said, “That was the most important single sentence ever said to me.” With that he smiled, shook the hand of Craddock and his wife, and moved on to another table to greet old friends.
Suddenly, Fred Craddock remembered. On two occasions the people of Tennessee had elected an illegitimate to be their governor. His name was Ben Hooper.
(from Power for Living, by Jamie Buckingham, 1983)
Let us each be reminded today that we are children of God with great futures and unlimited possibilities.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- John 1:12 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, today I want to live up to my family resemblance. I am not a defeated, hopeless individual. I am one with high family lineage, with all power available to me, and a future filled with Your blessings and planned successes for my life. I humbly but proudly declare, “I am a child of God.” AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
Fred Craddock was a seminary professor and a great story teller. Once, while he was lecturing at Yale University, he told of going back one summer to Gatlinburg, TN, to take a short vacation with his wife. One night they found a quiet little restaurant where they looked forward to a private meal——just the two of them.
While they were waiting for their meal they noticed a distinguished looking white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting guests. Craddock whispered to his wife, “I hope he doesn’t come over here.” He didn’t want the man to intrude on their privacy.
But the man did come by his table. “Where you folks from?” he asked amicably.
“Oklahoma.”
“Splendid state, I hear, although I’ve never been there. What do you do for a living?”
I teach homiletics at the graduate seminary of Phillips University.”
“Oh, so you teach preachers, do you. Well, I’ve got a story I want to tell you.” And with that he pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with Craddock and his wife. Dr. Craddock groaned inwardly. Oh, no, here comes another preacher story. It seems everyone has one.
The man stuck out his hand. “I’m Ben Hooper. I was born not far from here across the mountains. My mother wasn’t married when I was born so I had a hard time. When I started to school my classmates had a name for me, and it wasn’t a very nice name. I used to go off by myself at recess and during lunchtime because the taunts of my playmates cut so deeply.
“What was worse was going downtown on Saturday afternoon and feeling every eye burning a hole through you. They were all wondering just who my real father was.
“When I was about 12 years old a new preacher came to our church. I would always go in late and slip out early. But one day the preacher said the benediction so fast I got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. I could feel every eye in church on me. Just about the time I got to the door I felt a big hand on my shoulder. I looked up and the preacher was looking right at me.
“‘Who are you, son? Whose boy are you?’
“I felt the old weight come down on me. It was like a big, black cloud. Even the preacher was putting me down.
“But as he looked down at me, studying my face, he began to smile a big smile of recognition. ‘Wait a minute,’ he said, ‘I know who you are. I see the family resemblance. You are a son of God.’
“With that he slapped me across the rump and said, ‘Boy, you’ve got a great inheritance. Go and claim it.’”
The old man looked across the table at Fred Craddock and said, “That was the most important single sentence ever said to me.” With that he smiled, shook the hand of Craddock and his wife, and moved on to another table to greet old friends.
Suddenly, Fred Craddock remembered. On two occasions the people of Tennessee had elected an illegitimate to be their governor. His name was Ben Hooper.
(from Power for Living, by Jamie Buckingham, 1983)
Let us each be reminded today that we are children of God with great futures and unlimited possibilities.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- John 1:12 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, today I want to live up to my family resemblance. I am not a defeated, hopeless individual. I am one with high family lineage, with all power available to me, and a future filled with Your blessings and planned successes for my life. I humbly but proudly declare, “I am a child of God.” AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
Got a "Gut Feeling?"
I have been around church life for longer than I like to talk about most days. I have memories that go back 50 years. I have seen a lot of things, enjoyed many of them, questioned many of them, and rejected many of them. One thing that raises perhaps more questions in the church world than many other is what is “faith healers.” I have had people ask me if I consider myself a “faith healer.” Usually those with some scepticism in the matter ask that question. I have prayed putting my faith in God and His Word many times and have seen people healed. It was my faith in God (and hopefully theirs too), and my voice that spoke the prayer, but it was God who healed them. So I guess my answer would be, “No, I am not a faith healer, but rather one who has faith in God’s healing power.” I would also say that I do not believe that anyone else is a “faith healer”. There is only one healer. His name is Jesus.
Speaking of Jesus... not even He was a “faith” healer”. No, it wasn’t His faith. Although, because He was the only perfect human being ever he also had perfect faith and never doubted. Jesus told us, according to Mark’s gospel, that if we believe we have received what we asked for and do not doubt then we can have what we say (Mark 11:24). So I am not diminishing the importance of faith. The Master of faith also said according to Matthew’s account chapter 21 verse 21 that if we have faith and do not doubt we can tell mountains to jump into the ocean and if we believe we will receive whatever we ask for in prayer. James said that when we ask we “must believe and not doubt.” If we do doubt he said, “That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord...”
Faith is important, vital, necessary in the Christian life, but it applies to all our life and to all of us not just a select few. But back to “faith healing.” If Jesus wasn’t a “faith healer” then what about all the people He healed? Jesus was a COMPASSION HEALER. When He saw need He was “moved with compassion” or “had compassion on them.” The Greek work for “had compassion” or “was moved with compassion” is “splagchnizomai” pronounced “splangkh-nid’-om-ahee.” Maybe you’ve never heard anything like this unless you have studied in the medical field and studied “splanchnology.” This is the study of the internal organs or more commonly the study of the gut. This particular Greek word mentioned above is used, only in reference to Jesus, 12 times in the New Testament. The root word is used 11 times and is translated in the KJV as “bowels” 9 times and once each as “tender” and “inward affection.” “Splagchnizomai” as it was applied to Jesus, was translated either “moved with compassion” or “had compassion.” That means literally “felt it in his gut.”
When Jesus healed it wasn’t great faith that motivated Him. It was compassion. There was never a moment that He did not have great faith, but He healed when He was moved with compassion. I have observed through the that, in my opinion, the most effective medical professionals are those who have compassionate hearts. So, if I want to be more effective in healing, praying the prayer of faith, or however you would frame that experience in your own language, I need to be more compassionate, feel it in my gut. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I be more like You and feel the pain of those who hurt enabling me to be more effective in my prayers for them and ministry to them. In a world where we see so much hurt and pain it is easy to be calloused and hardened. May I be the giver or and recipient of the compassion of Jesus. AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
Speaking of Jesus... not even He was a “faith” healer”. No, it wasn’t His faith. Although, because He was the only perfect human being ever he also had perfect faith and never doubted. Jesus told us, according to Mark’s gospel, that if we believe we have received what we asked for and do not doubt then we can have what we say (Mark 11:24). So I am not diminishing the importance of faith. The Master of faith also said according to Matthew’s account chapter 21 verse 21 that if we have faith and do not doubt we can tell mountains to jump into the ocean and if we believe we will receive whatever we ask for in prayer. James said that when we ask we “must believe and not doubt.” If we do doubt he said, “That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord...”
Faith is important, vital, necessary in the Christian life, but it applies to all our life and to all of us not just a select few. But back to “faith healing.” If Jesus wasn’t a “faith healer” then what about all the people He healed? Jesus was a COMPASSION HEALER. When He saw need He was “moved with compassion” or “had compassion on them.” The Greek work for “had compassion” or “was moved with compassion” is “splagchnizomai” pronounced “splangkh-nid’-om-ahee.” Maybe you’ve never heard anything like this unless you have studied in the medical field and studied “splanchnology.” This is the study of the internal organs or more commonly the study of the gut. This particular Greek word mentioned above is used, only in reference to Jesus, 12 times in the New Testament. The root word is used 11 times and is translated in the KJV as “bowels” 9 times and once each as “tender” and “inward affection.” “Splagchnizomai” as it was applied to Jesus, was translated either “moved with compassion” or “had compassion.” That means literally “felt it in his gut.”
When Jesus healed it wasn’t great faith that motivated Him. It was compassion. There was never a moment that He did not have great faith, but He healed when He was moved with compassion. I have observed through the that, in my opinion, the most effective medical professionals are those who have compassionate hearts. So, if I want to be more effective in healing, praying the prayer of faith, or however you would frame that experience in your own language, I need to be more compassionate, feel it in my gut. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I be more like You and feel the pain of those who hurt enabling me to be more effective in my prayers for them and ministry to them. In a world where we see so much hurt and pain it is easy to be calloused and hardened. May I be the giver or and recipient of the compassion of Jesus. AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
The Key to Success
Theologian Henri Nouwen once said, "We cannot make it rain, but we can see to it that the rain falls on prepared soil."
To be honest, this is as far as our contribution to success goes. Our job is to get the soil ready for the rain of God's blessings. The rest is up to him.
Paul said to Timothy, "If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:21(NLT)
“Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.” 2 Timothy 2:21 (MSG)
There are many things in life I cannot control. Final outcomes are seldom in my control, but my preparation (or lack thereof) is controlled by me. My preparation, my diligence, my investment of time, my training, and my discipline are completely controlled by me. I am preaching to me and hoping you get the message as well so we can both be helped.
No athlete in any sports discipline can guarantee the outcome of a game because he is only one member of the team. What he can guarantee is how well prepared he is mentally and physically to do his part in winning the game. He can control his attitude about the opposing team (whether he sees them as a worthy opponent that can be beaten or a giant impossible to topple) and his fellow team members. His attitude toward his team members will do much to push them to the next level by way of encouragement and positive attitude helping them believe they can win.
But the real issue is me. “Become the kind of container God can use...” Somehow if I can do that then others issues seem to fall into place. Someone said, “I you want to be a better leader become a better person.” If I want to be a better pastor then I must become a better person. If you want to be a better manager then become a better person. If you want to be a better doctor, lawyer, or candlestick maker just become a better person. From a pastor’s perspective I heard someone say, “Don’t focus on building a ‘bigger church’ but focus on building ‘bigger people.’”
It comes down to (or up to) the fact that the only thing I control in life are my actions, my commitment, my discipline, my attitude, my preparation, my heart, etc. All that determines if I will be one that can be used by the One that controls everything else. Somehow it seems senseless for God to give us what we are not prepared for. He is not a senseless God.
Ladies and gentlemen lets prepare well.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, today I want to be what You need, what You look for to use. I ask for Your help and encouragement to become the person that you can use to accomplish your purpose. I want to be your “go to” person, the one You know you can depend on. But I know I must conquer myself to be that, and I cannot conquer myself alone. For that You are my “go to” because only You can help me become what You can use. Thank you for this day and what it will bring. Use me. AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
To be honest, this is as far as our contribution to success goes. Our job is to get the soil ready for the rain of God's blessings. The rest is up to him.
Paul said to Timothy, "If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:21(NLT)
“Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.” 2 Timothy 2:21 (MSG)
There are many things in life I cannot control. Final outcomes are seldom in my control, but my preparation (or lack thereof) is controlled by me. My preparation, my diligence, my investment of time, my training, and my discipline are completely controlled by me. I am preaching to me and hoping you get the message as well so we can both be helped.
No athlete in any sports discipline can guarantee the outcome of a game because he is only one member of the team. What he can guarantee is how well prepared he is mentally and physically to do his part in winning the game. He can control his attitude about the opposing team (whether he sees them as a worthy opponent that can be beaten or a giant impossible to topple) and his fellow team members. His attitude toward his team members will do much to push them to the next level by way of encouragement and positive attitude helping them believe they can win.
But the real issue is me. “Become the kind of container God can use...” Somehow if I can do that then others issues seem to fall into place. Someone said, “I you want to be a better leader become a better person.” If I want to be a better pastor then I must become a better person. If you want to be a better manager then become a better person. If you want to be a better doctor, lawyer, or candlestick maker just become a better person. From a pastor’s perspective I heard someone say, “Don’t focus on building a ‘bigger church’ but focus on building ‘bigger people.’”
It comes down to (or up to) the fact that the only thing I control in life are my actions, my commitment, my discipline, my attitude, my preparation, my heart, etc. All that determines if I will be one that can be used by the One that controls everything else. Somehow it seems senseless for God to give us what we are not prepared for. He is not a senseless God.
Ladies and gentlemen lets prepare well.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, today I want to be what You need, what You look for to use. I ask for Your help and encouragement to become the person that you can use to accomplish your purpose. I want to be your “go to” person, the one You know you can depend on. But I know I must conquer myself to be that, and I cannot conquer myself alone. For that You are my “go to” because only You can help me become what You can use. Thank you for this day and what it will bring. Use me. AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
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