Monday, August 29, 2011

Murphy's Law

Murphy’s Law is a familiar, old adage that goes something like this: “If anything can go wrong at the most inopportune time, it will.” It is a universal precept which, I’m certain, we all have referenced at one time or another. As one preacher put it “It’s the reason why our offering plate is never dropped until it’s full of coins.”

Dear Abby published proof of the expanded version of Murphy’s law which says, “If something can go wrong, it will, and in the worst possible sequence”. As evidence she provided a four day typographical nightmare printed by a small town newspaper:
Monday - For sale – R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Phone 948-0707 after 7:00PM and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him cheap.

Tuesday - Notice: We regret having erred in R.D. Jones ‘ ad yesterday. It should have read “One sewing machine for sale cheap. Phone 948-0707 and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him after 7:00 PM.”

Wednesday - Notice: R.D. Jones has informed us that he has received several annoying telephone calls because of the error we made in his classified ad yesterday. The ad stands correct as follows: “For sale – R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Cheap. Phone 948-0707 after 7:00 PM and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him.

Thursday - Notice: I, R.D. Jones have no sewing machine for sale. I smashed it. Don’t call 948-0707 as the telephone has been taken out. I have not been carrying on with Mrs. Kelly. Until yesterday she was my housekeeper, but she quit.”

To R.D. Jones, Murphy’s law probably understated the facts!

As we serve the Lord together, we can expect things can and will go wrong. Jesus Himself warned us “In the world ye shall have tribulation”, so we should not be surprised when a “Murphy’s law” moment invades our life. But the truth is, we can often learn more from the difficulties of life than from the successes. I am reminded of what King Solomon said as to one of the primary goals of life: “Acquire wisdom. Honor her and she will give you life”.

Murphy says: ”If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.” But Solomon’s admonition takes a much different view: “Lazy people want much but get little, while the diligent prosper.”
The truth is, there is no shortcut to success. The road to a fulfilling life is full of potholes and struggles, but when you are serving the King of Kings, it’s always worth it in the end!

Now the proverbial pot of gold people speak of may have a certain allure, but as author Bert Whitney warns, if this is the ultimate prize which you seek:

“If I traveled to the end of the rainbow
As lady fortune did intend
Murphy would be there to tell
The pot’s at the other end.”

Have a super week. See you Sunday! God is good, and Jesus is wonderful!
Pastor

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

God Wants Us to Thrive!

When life is going well it’s easy to feel hopeful. But when this fallen world brings trouble into your life, feelings of hopelessness will naturally arise. Thankfully, God gives us hope that is much more than a feeling. Unlike the worldly concept of hope as a wishy-washy emotion, the biblical definition of hope is the earnest expectation borne of a settled confidence that our Heavenly Father will deliver on His promises. One of these promises is manifested in the reality of His presence with you, through the Holy Spirit, one which we can experience in any situation; when health fails, the loss of a job, or any of the multiple tragedies which life may hurl your way.

While many Christians are “going through the motions”, merely surviving the daily routine, God wants us to thrive. Even when times are tough, He desires we make the most of each day. We are never to simply endure a troubling situation; we are expected to be fully engaged in whatever circumstances in which God has seen fit to place us.

Remember, each day you have in this life is a gift from God; thank Him for it. I have a sign on the mantle of my fireplace which reminds me of this simple truth – “Today is a gift from God; remember to thank Him for it”.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind each day (see Romans 12:2!) so you can have positive attitudes that you will need to confront whatever the day may hold, and to have power to demonstrate a Christ-like spirit in your life. Remember others are watching us. Help them to be drawn to Christ though your spirit and attitude.

I was participating in the soccer camp with kids all last week. It was a blast, but the coach is not what he once was!
I’ll see you Sunday!

Pastor