First, I would like to introduce to you the “GAME BREAKER”. Perhaps you know of one that comes to mind or you may have been one in your younger years on the playground of your youth. Regardless, if it was Michael Jordan jumping over Craig Ehlo and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers and hitting the game winning jumper at the buzzer with the whole world watching or San Francisco 49er great, Joe Montana finding Dwight Clark with “THE CATCH” in the back of the end-zone against the Dallas Cowboys at Candlestick Park en route to winning the Super Bowl or a “dark horse” coming out of nowhere to win the Kentucky Derby - all of these are attributes of “game breakers.” Just when you thought the game was over, the crowd could head home and the betters in Vegas were already mentally counting their cash; the “gamers” stepped up and the game turned on a dime and faster than a Ferrari with no brakes the game was completely changed right before your very eyes. Some fans elated and others absolutely crushed.
Contestant number two enters in and we have the “ROOM CHANGER”. Perhaps you have been at a party or event when one of them walk or waltz into the room and literally it feels that the air changes, the music fades and all eyes in the room are now fixed on someone at the other end of the room. Perhaps it is a powerful politician, a beauty queen, Hollywood icon or rock star equipped with electricity and/or an entourage that would make the late James Brown proud. You’ve seen it - the papparazi start chasing, flash bulbs begin popping, women begin screaming and the room seems hopping over to that individual. It is something to behold if you have never experienced it first hand.
Behind door number three we find the “IDENTITY TAKER”. These bandits are not restricted to race, religion or reality. They strike in various venues and a variety of wicked ways. Some strike senior citizens whom are easy prey while others hit at random. Some steal credit cards and forge someone’s signature and enjoy exotic vacations, lavish lifestyles at another’s expense and begin to jet set, live large and hurt many in the process while they wine and dine on someone else’s dime. These folks resemble leaches because they cling on to others and suck the lifeblood out of others. Instead of being laborious they are lazy and like a drug addict desire and demand a “quick fix” now opposed to working for it later. They are thieves and thugs and are a major menace to society. If you have ever had anyone steal your wallet, purse or credit cards it can be a nightmare not only to try to recoup the damages in dollars but cleaning up your credit is usually more of a problem and can take much longer to restore. Personally, these folks resemble people whom would buy another’s trophy at a yard sale and prominently display it on their top shelf as if they earned it. How you can really appreciate a win if you didn’t work for it, deserve it or achieve it while playing by the rules.
In closing, despite these three contestants, champions and cons we can only point to One Person Who is a “CALENDAR SNAPPER”. When Jordan, Joe Montana, Ali, Angela Jolie, Brad Pitt, Elvis Presley, Britney Spears, Tiger Woods, Hannah Montana, Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Oprah or Usher was “ushered” into this world - NONE of them snapped the calendar in half. When Jesus was born it went from B.C. (Before Christ) to A.D. (After Death). That is just one reason alone, why I am a Christian because Christ is the centerpiece of civilization. He was born to die for our sins. Clear and simple - end of story. Not any more complicated than that. We do a disservice when we add more to the Gospel.
Yes, I loved Jordan as much as anyone. For years, I wanted to “be like Mike.” Growing up, I played countless hours of hoops in rain, sleet and snow. Traveled all over to shoot ball in driveways, gymnasiums and arenas while daydreaming day and night about playing ball. Yes, it was great fun to watch Michael at the top of his game and you knew you had a chance with M.J. on your team despite how much the Bulls were down by and what little time may be remaining on the clock; but it’s a fact that Jordan missed just many jumpers at the buzzer than he made them! Yes, I love him because he wanted the ball even when the entire arena knew it was going to him but the truth is he was not perfect.
Arguably, no one could change the climate of a room like Elvis Presley at the zenith of his popularity but even the most handsome and gorgeous humans are made of flesh and that fades eventually. As immature, insecure and insensitive as those whom steal the identity of another the truth is you cannot ever find freedom or experience true peace and purpose unless you meet first hand, Jesus Christ , the Son of the Living God. The Carpenter from Galilee and the Messiah of the Universe. The answers in life are not found in the “stars” of Hollywood but the Son of Heaven.
COWBOYS STADIUM - $1.1 Billion
It is always fun to visit Dallas, TX
. We just got home at midnight (last night) and I am feeling this morning like a muffler - EXHAUSTED. It was a wonderful trip and it was great reuniting with family and friends. Ruth’s brothers and sisters live in Irving (just outside of the old COWBOYS Stadium). Baby Andrew was a hit with everyone and he didn’t even cry on his first airplane flight - PRAISE THE LORD!While in town, we were blessed to attend the Inaugural event held at the brand new $1.1 Billion dollar COWBOYS STADIUM that Jerry Jones built. Over 100,000 folks showed up to attend the George Strait, Reba, Blake Shelton & Lee Ann Womack Concert! It was AWESOME and half way through George’s set he had Jerry Jones open the retractable roof and we enjoyed the rest of the show under the Texas stars. It was impressive to say the least.
Two things really hit me during the concert this past Saturday, in Texas while at the new stadium with my bride, Ruth. The TWO themes that kept coming to my mind were both SALVATION and SIMPLICITY. For those that know me, you realize I am not a “hater” but a helper. I try to celebrate other’s success as much as humanly possible. It has been said: “It is a small person who cannot celebrate the success of others without feeling threatened.” Sadly, many in ministry fail this test. Yes, the new COWBOYS STADIUM literally could be tapped the Ninth “Wonder of the World.” For brevity sake, I will talk about SALVATION on this post and “Simplicity” the next.
On one hand, my heart was happy for Jerry Jones to see his “baby” and dream become a reality. Hands down (even as a Redskins fan) I can attest that the new stadium is not only the nicest stadium in the NFL but arguably anywhere in the world. It boasts the largest HD TV in the world, largest roof in the world, largest square footage of any stadium in the world with now the most expensive price tag in the whole wide world. They always do things “BIG” in Texas. Very few human beings can enjoy the type of “success” that Jerry Jones has enjoyed personally and the Dallas Cowboys as an entity professionally. It has been said that the “STAR” in the middle of the field of that legendary team is now worth more than the New York Yankees.
In closing, the reason my heart was both happy and burdened is during the concert all I could think of was that verse: “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” This post is not to be harsh, jealous or even envious at another’s accomplishments. Quite the contrary (during the concert) and it was an indeed an honor to be present at this historic venue and incredible concert. However, as they would often show Jerry Jones on the massive jumbo tron (biggest in the world) I just kept praying privately to God that even Jerry would know Jesus as Savior (if he already doesn’t).
In life, one can be a “success in the world” and still a failure with the Lord. Success begins and ends with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Apparently, Cowboys QB Tony Romo, favorite line is “at the end of the day” during all of his press conferences. He repeats it so frequently that it has become a staple in his interviews and almost laughable by journalists because they mimmick him as he says it so often. However, if I may borrow his quote: “At the end of the day” the fact is we can have success, wealth and prestige and even, technological power but we are still bankrupt and skating on thin ice for those whom don’t know Jesus as Lord & Savior.
This Redskin fan would love to CHEER like never before for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the entire Dallas Cowboys to get “saved” before its eternally too late. Then and only then, will they really have “home field advantage” with God at the helm. Their logo of the Texas “Star” is known world-wide. Talk about “branding.” However, the answer in life is not found in their big, blue Star but the Son of God (Jesus) who bled red.
Go Cowboys and go God!
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.