Frank & Ruth @ Texas Stadium
In 2007, I had the pleasure to host Celebrate Jesus! Texas Crusade and we rented out the Arlington Convention Center. Musical guests invited were: “Grammy Winner and friends MICHAEL ENGLISH, Dove Winner AYIESHA WOODS and 1992 Miss USA and I preached.” What a time that was and while in town (despite being a life long Washington Redskins fan) we were invited to tour and play 20 minutes of “touch football” on the legendary field of TEXAS STADIUM (Home of the Dallas Cowboys). Arguably, the most recognized stadium in the entire National Football League. However, the Willie Nelson song is still true: “Momma’s, Don’t Let your Babies Grow up to be Cowboys.”
Recently, I preached a new sermon on learning to “WIN in the RACE of LIFE.” First of all we must be DEAF to our Critics. Secondly, we must be DUMB to Doubt. Third, we must DISTANCE ourselves from Deadbeats. Fourth, be DEDICATED to the Task at Hand. Lastly, never forget our DELIVERANCE comes from Deity (not humanity). That service, I opened up with this classic story that is both applicable in both secular and spiritual arenas. ENJOY -
A summer camp in the mountains for over two decades featured an obstacle course that was never won by any of the contestants. The hill was dirt, the race was long and the elevation was so high that it seemed to suck the air out of the participants. What was even more grueling than the race was the rants from the crowd.
Have you ever noticed that those in the sidelines are often guilty of mocking the contestants in a race, election or competition. The word “Critic” comes from an individual who wanted to be an actor or actress in Hollywood and didn’t make the “cut” but has made a healthy living criticizing those that did. Does that make sense?
Back to the race. For over 20 years folks would line up on the sides of the dirt track and scream at the top of their lungs: “It’s TOO high, no one has ever completed it, you can’t win, STOP and the insults and excuses were almost endless.” One by one, like flies the runners over the years dropped out. One year, this 15 year old seemed to run faster as the crowds screamed louder. When everyone else quit and kept on rolling. For the first time in all the years of running he won. How? Why?
Drum roll please…………………………………unbeknownst to the crowd and other contestants the one that won was born deaf. The morale of the story is he couldn’t hear the critics or their cheap criticism. In order, to win your race in life you need to stay in your lane, run your race, keep your eyes on the Goal and always, always turn a deaf ear to the wannabees when you are destined to win!
Friends, just returned from preaching last weekend in the Peach State and its always a treat to return to the Great State of Georgia. While in town, I spoke at Lighthouse Community Baptist Church in the morning and then preached the Sunday evening service at Wings of Faith Revival Center in Summerville, GA. God showed up and showed off! We had a time. LISTEN UP - this month on my radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” my guests are Dove Award Winner - MATTHEW WEST, “Authority on Attitude” - SAM GLENN and Five Time World Wrestling Champ - NIKITA KOLOFF - “The Russian Nightmare” now evangelist will be calling in to share about Life, Love and Living for the Lord.
We are now accepting bookings for Summer 09- Winter 2010. If you know of a church or group that could use me to come speak please feel free to visit the BOOKING info link. Love to grow as friends with you or e-mail me Frankmotiv8s@aol.com God bless you and go with God.
Aunt Jemimah - Pancakes & Consequences
I don’t recall the curse word that came out of my childhood mouth during those adolescent years but I can attest to this truth. Not to sound haughty or “holier than though” but it was nearly a decade later before another curse word slipped out of my mouth! Consequences can be hidden friends to help us grow in grace and get to the next level in life. Another episode occured when my parents told me and my two siblings to put all our toys in the toy box. Like most kids, their instruction went in one ear and out the other. My mother came back a second time and looked a little more serious and said: “I will not warn you again - clean this room and put your toys back in the box or you will have CONSEQUENCES.” Now picture Andy Rooney from “60 Minutes” saying this: “Have you ever noticed that sometimes we fail to take heed to instruction and/or worse believe the rules were made for others?” Boy, was I dumb growing up. The next thing I know my mom (who really is a loving person) stormed in our playroom the third time like a tornado in Texas and we were DOA (dead on arrival).
Mom had enough! Now, we were going to learn one of my most painful but powerful lessons of our childhood to date. Ironically, she helped us clean up the mess but instead of putting them back in the toy box she had a trash bag in her hand and she started putting all our favorite toys in that bag. TRUST ME - she had our attention now. Then she escorted me with my brother and sister “in tow” and we were instructed to get in the car (with our toys). Without saying a word (those are usually the most powerful statements, sermons or speeches) my mother drove to the poorest side of town and found the poorest house we had ever seen in Southern Maryland. Without missing a beat mom got out of the car while the three of us kids looked like a “deer in the headlights” sitting in the back of the car. Mom walked right up to the door, rang the bell and looked like a white female Santa with a bag filled with “OUR FAVORITE TOYS.”
The poor lady looked like Aunt Jemimah and her kids came from behind her and wrapped around her like a boa constricter and they began jumping, my heart was thumping and now the woman (with our toys) is crying and my brother, sister and I, were literally dying that our toys are now in the hands and home of someone else!
Why? Because of our carelessness and Mom’s CONSEQUENCES - we got what we wanted but lost what we had. It is imperative that we receive instruction and learn to live right and be grateful for what we have. That was a poignant lesson my mother taught us on multiple levels as kids. One, she taught us about OBEDIENCE. Because we failed to listen to her instruction - others won (with our toys). She also taught me about GIVING. They say it is “better to give than receive.” Looking back the truth is it is far “better to give” but more beneficial under more sincere motives. However, because of those childhood “wake up” calls as an adult, I try to be a “giver” not just out to get. Lastly, she taught us by her actions (more than words) that each decision comes with consequences. Today, as an adult I am better for it but may we all live for the Lord like never before. Three decades later, I am reminded it is better to be “content” than suffer CONSEQUENCES.
Aaron & Amanda Crabb w/ Frank
They are considered one of the most respected and requested Christian artists in the Country. The Crabb Family are both appointed and anointed “for a time such as this.” They are humble, gracious and the “real deal.” Jason Crabb is Aaron’s brother and very few sing like this AMAZING family!
ATTN: Pastors, Youth Leaders & Church leaders: Aaron, Amanda and I, would love to come to your church to share the vision for Praisfest Ministries this summer for a concert. For more info visit www.AaronandAmandaCrabb.com or www.PraisefestMinistries.com or www.FrankShelton.com
Patriotism, Prayer & Pride
My four month old son, Andrew Lincoln has taught me some powerful life lessons recently. His focus on his Bottle is second to none. He is like a laser, an arrow to its target, white on rice, a man on a mission when it comes to focusing on his formula (bottle). Nothing or no one matters at that moment. As I prepare to speak tonight I am reminding the graduates that we must focus (not on the bottle) but the Bible like never before. Someone wrote to her son going off to college: “Baby, this Book (Bible) will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this Book.” We need to major like never before on God’s Word. Our focus needs to be in the Word not world. Our gaze on God, sights set on the Savior and be looking for the Lord’s appearing because Arnold was not the first to say: “I’ll Be Back!”
Secondly, I have a 7 AM flight tomorrow to the Peach State (Great State of Georgia) and will speak twice on Sunday to two different churches. A Baptist church in the morning and a Pentecostal church in evening in that sweet southern state. Any place, with sweet tea, southern hospitality and Cracker-Barell is home away from home for me. Thirdly, my dear Aunt Georgia Shelton, was admitted this week to the hospital for chest pains and we initially thought she had a heart attack. Between my preaching this weekend in Georgia and my Aunt Georgia; hence, the title for this post: “Georgia on my mind.” On Monday, we celebrate “Memorial Day” and a special salute to all those whom and continue to fight for our freedom and safeguard our shores. Liberty is not FREE and I am reminded of this great thought in closing.
“It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the VETERAN, not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote. Sadly, often times it is the VETERAN that still salutes the flag when most at sporting events are “Missing In Action” when it comes to respect and reverance.”
This weekend, pause and pray for our recent graduates around the Globe that they will walk and work for God’s glory. Pray for my Aunt Georiga and all those ill during these dark, difficult days with health issues. Please pray for our Nation that we continue to chase the Commandments of Christ because it is a fact; we will no longer be Home of the Brave if we lack in faith and use our freedom for selfish gains. Last but not least, thank a VETERAN and most importantly, praise God for “whom ALL blessings flow.” Our Liberty is because of the Lord and because He lives - we can too! God bless you and God bless America.
Meadowlark Lemon - Harlem Globetrotter
It was my high honor to first meet Meadowlark Lemon in 1985 (8th grade). I was invited to play basketball for an hour with the HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS before their scheduled game at the former CAPITAL CENTRE - Home of now defunct NBA team - Washington Bullets. Meeting Meadowlark then and playing ball on a NBA Court with he and Curly Neal is something I treasure today. Re-uniting with Meadowlark was a blast and I recent invited him to be a guest speaker at my home church - First Baptist Church of Accokeek in So Md. Visit www.FBCOA.org
Stranded Starfish
On the beach, a retired senior citizen every day in the summer can be found collecting stranded starfish along the shoreline. For years, his routine consists of picking up the starfish and tossing them back into the sea. Day after day, month after month, year after year. A teenager on vacation with his parents one week watched four consecutive days as this man with nothing better to do was found tossing them in the ocean. On his last day of vacation, the teen took off his headset from his iPod and finally got the nerve and approached the senior with this question: “Mister, what are you doing? I have watched you the past week throw countless starfish into the ocean, what is your story?”
The senior replied: “Son, if I don’t throw these starfish back into the ocean by noon, the intense rays of the summer Sun will bake them on the beach and they will die.” The teen paused and opposed to being compassionate said: “Old man, there must be over a billion stranded starfish around the World and hundreds if not thousands of beaches around the Globe. Do you really think you are making a difference?”
With tears in his eyes, the senior picked up another stranded starfish and walked toward the teenager. He said: “Young man, you are absolutely correct. They’re millions of stranded starfish around the World and hundreds and hundreds of beaches around the Globe and no I cannot reach them all.” At that very moment the senior tossed the starfish as far as he could back into the sea and as it was twirling in mid air in a perfect spiral right before it hit the water he replied: “No, I cannot reach them all but to that stranded starfish I can assure you it will make ALL the difference!”
Friends, we cannot reach everyone with the match-less message of God’s Gospel but we can ALL reach someone and the ones that we reach will make ALL the difference! You will reach people I will never be able to reach. One preacher preached a great message called: “God needs your personality!” Your life and lips will touch people and can make a eternal difference when we tell them of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. The world needs Jesus! Each one of us can reach one for God’s Kingdom! If McDonald’s boasts that over 99 million burgers have been sold; too bad we as Christians and the Body of Christ don’t attempt to reach more souls for Heaven’s sake. It has been said: “Whatever we do for self will pass. What we did for Christ will last.”
Today, millions of stranded starfish souls are stuck in society’s sin-sick shore waiting for a caring Christian to pick them up, dust them off and toss them into our Savior’s saving sea. Will you care enough for their eternal fate to point them to Jesus?
Friend, do you know where your going when you die? Ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins and click below to learn more about how to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior http://www.frankshelton.com/mnjesus.htm
Nikita Koloff - “The Russian Nightmare” is the “FIVE Time World Wrestling Champion” and bowed his knee and gave his heart to Jesus Christ. Today, he is one of the most powerful preachers and evangelists that I know. He serves on the Advisory Board of www.PraisefestMinistries.com with me and he is a dear friend, brother in Christ and loves life and the Lord. Nikita auditioned to play
Ivan Drago to fight Sly Stallone in “ROCKY IV” but was the last one cut out of 800 to play that part.
Nikita’s website is www.NikitaKoloff.com and he is also on staff with Fellowship of the Sword. It is a Christian retreat for Men that chase the heart of Father God. If you are looking to draw closer to Christ visit www.FellowshipoftheSword.com and it will change your life.
“American Idol” continues to dominate the television airwaves. Multiplied millions each week tune in and text away their vote for their favorite future star. Folks all across America are glued to the tube to witness the contestants shine and fall (like many shooting stars) and eventually one by one get eliminated. For most of the contestants many are dissapointed while only one gets appointed to be that season’s shinning star.
Yes, some of the winners deserved to go the distance and win the whole thing. However, I have also witnessed a trend that is worth repeating and maybe for some revealing. Often times, those that come in second on the show often succeed far greater during their career long after that show’s season. How many times have we seen Idol “runner ups” bounce back only to “run circles” in concert dates and CD sales later around the one who won.
It was over three decades ago that an unknown Sylvester Stallone captured millions of movie goer hearts with “ROCKY.” The ultimate underdog who was a million to one shot proved he was one in a million, chased his dream, went the distance and won by actually losing. Never before in Hollywood had someone won for losing, yet captured the audience and won his girl’s heart in the process. The movie went on to be nominated for TEN Academy Awards and won “Best Picture” and considered today the greatest sports movie in Hollywood History. Not bad for losing.
The Bible reminds us “The stone that the builders rejected was the Chief cornerstone.” The architects neglected the Almighty, the carpenters “cut out” the Carpenter from Galilee and the masons made the Master mundane when He is Messiah, Mighty and Magnificient. I love that classic quote: “The R.M.S. Titanic was built by professionals but Noah’s Ark was built by amateurs.” Sadly, many who try to be relevant are not even relevant. Today, we promote “wannabees” and fail to allow the Winner to shine, succeed and stand out.
Even in Christian circles, I have seen folks talk evangelism but not walk it out. Worse, they have countless conferences on the subject but bring everyone to the table but the expert who lives it out daily. It’s like Billy Graham in town with Bible in hand and yet the pastor tells him he can’t have him minister in his pulpit because he cannot afford to snap a 12 week sermon series. Hello? It’s like playing basketball with the whole world watching and before the game teammates have the audacity to tell Michael Jordan with six diamond championship rings on his fingers to sit on the bench with ball in hand only to watch others lack luster effort. It’s going to war and telling John J. Rambo that his resume is not needed and with machine gun in hand and survivor knife on his side only to be relegated to sit in the back of the bus. You get the point.
The only thing worse than mentioned above is going through life without embracing Christ as Savior. The Bible says: “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul.” Success is not found in your ‘Crib’ but do you know Christ? It’s not driving a Lexus but living for the Lord. Someone handed me a card 18 years ago and it read: “If you meet me and forget me you have lost nothing. But if you meet my Lord and Savior, Jesus and forget Him - you have lost everything.” In life, don’t chase Earth’s goods but Heaven’s God. Jesus is the Answer to ALL life’s questions. Jesus was rejected so you could be accepted. He experienced grief so we could enjoy’s God’s great grace. He died - so we could LIVE.
Abraham Lincoln lost 13 times for public office then before occupying the office that happens to be Oval now. However, those loses led him to be arguably America’s greatest leader of all time. A valley is an upside down mountain and when God elects to flip your dilemma you will not only get “double for your trouble” but become a much better candidate and champion. Why? Because your character has been tested, tried and now found true. Don’t tolerate your loses but celebrate them!
Jesus knew what it was like to win but also lose. Sometimes, how we handle defeat is just as important as how we handle victory. Today, regardless of your profession ponder this point: your temporary setback today could be your eternal success story tomorrow! Plus, our dissapointments are often Divine appointments. Remember, if God be for you - WHO can be against you? Bishop T.D. Jakes said it best: “Be thankful for your “enemies” or those that try to hold you down because if they were on your team they would be broadcasting to the world that your success is all because of them!” If God is first place in your heart you are winner regardless what society or the score board says in life.
In closing, you may be down, discouraged, defeated, discredited, have debt, endured divorce, diseased and disliked but if you are not dead than God is not done with you. Get UP, go OUT and live for the Lord like never before. Learn to appreciate your adversities and always be mindful that sometimes we win even by losing.
“The difference between a Champ and a chump is U!”
Coach Larry Metcalf
Frank Shelton & Dr Ergun Caner
www.FrankShelton.com
Frank's Mom & Dad w/ Michael English
Many over the years have heard me share on more than one occassion what my father means to me. He still seems larger than life to me (although I am now a few inches taller). I could grow to be seven feet tall and will always look UP to my father. My father served in Vietnam, worked 28 years with the U.S. Capitol Police, retired as Acting Assistant Chief of the entire department (he was number two out of 2,000 officers), protected SEVEN U.S. Presidents and worked the crowd with more charm and charisma than any politician I have met to date. The difference was for dad it was not for a vote but because he truly lives to love on people. Today, it dawned on me that I admire Dad greatly for his success professionally but I admire mom for her sacrifice personally. Now that I have two children of my own I have learned two main things: One, I didn’t appreciate God’s love until my babies were born. Secondly, I must admit - I am slow (it took me two hours to watch 60 Minutes this past Sunday), but it didn’t register how much my mom (and Dad) did for us then until helping raise my own kids now.
Looking back, I see more clearly that my mother truly gave when she could have got. In a nutshell, if it was buying her an outfit for work or fitting me or one of my siblings - she always put us first. When deciding to feed herself first or serve us - she always chose the latter. For years, I don’t know where we bought the lie but assumed that mom’s are all supposed to do that. Well, right or wrong not all mothers are so self-less. She quietly stood by my father as he climbed the career ladder and she always applauded. When he succeeded - she smiled and we all won. Never getting resentful and I have learned that because she was “behind the scenes” didn’t mean she was not on the scene praying for us, pushing for us and pulling for us. She was and still our biggest cheerleader, our comfort and our counsellor in need.
One of the snap shots that catch the class and character of my mother was when I was still a student at Malcolm Elementary in Waldorf, MD. We had a poor African-American female student in my class. Mom accompanied me on one field trip. After spending as much time with the girl in my class as me on the class trip when the day was over the young girl looked at my mom and said: “Mrs. Shelton, are you sure you are really white?” My mom puzzled said: “Yes, I am. Why do you ask?” My friend in third grade at the time reply was priceless. She said: “Mrs. Shelton, I was just certain that you really had to be black on the inside they way you made me feel so special today.” Tears rolled then and they roll now as I type. That is my mom in a nutshell. In a world filled with cubic circonia’s - she is the genuine article.
When we all graduated from school, my mother finally registered to go to college (when she was 47). She graduated from a four year college (at age 50) and graduated top of her class. Imagine that. Someone once said that true success is not what we cling to but what we are willing to let go. Mom always put us first but when she stands before God, she will be the one way ahead of the line of me and many others. Today, she too seems larger than life but like the Lord easy to approach, always attentive and although, God is a prayer away, my mother is just a phone call away.
Daily, I thank God that my parents are both still alive. My heart aches for friends whom parent(s) have already gone ahead. My greatest resource in life is my personal relationship with Jesus. My second is my relationship with my wife, family and parents. As a kid, I always wanted to please the Lord and honor my parents. Today, I am still striving daily to be that person. Over the years, I have met a few neat folks in life ranging from politicians to preachers, celebrities to common folk, athletes to academia but although my mother stood behind the limelight in my youth as an adult she is out front and stands heads and shoulders above every one else I know.
God blessed me with my mother, Sharon Lee Shelton and I pray the Lord blesses her like never before this Mother’s Day. Mom: “I LOVE YOU” and thanks for teaching me to go with God.