NFL - Not For Long
First, the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE has also been coined “Not For Long” among players and fans. While preaching one year ago today in Ohio; I had the privilege to tour the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I saw the museum the day before the SUPER BOWL but missed the entire game after preaching three times in two days on the flight home. I am certainly not complaining because I know that the BIGGEST GAME is in souls and it’s wise to chase the ETERNAL not temporal.
Secondly, my hat goes off to the New Orleans Saints. One, I almost always root for the underdog and I love the NFC. Peyton Manning is a gifted student of the game and has had an amazing career (even if he elects to call it quits) but I must say that the Colts impressed me but the Saints inspired me. Much has been said the past couple years of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. What has been neglected is during that time their stadium housed the homeless while the Saints organization became homeless having to play every single game on the road. This is what we call “CHARACTER BUILDING.”
Talk about courage under fire, these brothers literally dug deep while going out and playing every single game two years ago in an opponents arena. Most would have buckled but some folks break under pressure while others Break Records. In life, some get bitter and others grow BETTER. I have always said: “Those that have come the furthest tend to go the farthest.” What do I mean by that? Consider a rubber band - the stronger the resistance the greater the distance. Perhaps, that is why God uses the BROKEN the most because they don’t rely on self but their Savior. I’m convinced that our adversity today prepares us for God’s Varsity tomorrow. Our mess now becomes one’s message later. The test in the present becomes our TESTimony in the future.
When crisis comes upon us we must get creative and cling to Christ. I shared before the game that Jesus en route to His death rode a Colt but in our lives via His Holy Spirit is present with the Saints. Some suggest that God is not in the affairs of men. I believe He is. It’s not that God isn’t interested in man but sadly, men are not always attuned to the affairs of God. Some suggest that the beer commercials are the best and the one where the people laid down their lives so the truck could deliver the “goods” was interesting. Talk about BEER OVER TROUBLED WATERS.
Its ironic, how Madison Avenue or Hollywood take a Biblical reference and twist it for their benefit. The chasm between man and God is not liquor but the Lord. Some got goods but do we got God? The other beer commercial with the plane wreck basically said “Life is a party” as long as you got beer. Just the Gospel Truth, Heaven NOT hell will be the biggest Party of all time. The Almighty not alcohol is the bridge that closes the gap and because of the cross we can have an eternal encounter with Christ. Nothing wrong with having fun but if we live and die without Faith in Christ as our Savior, Subsitute and Sacrifice we are deceived by the Devil.
Indeed, the football season is too short. Some wives may disagree but the season is over before you know it and many sports fans long to fill the void after the season. “March Madness” starts in less than two weeks and I often wondered if sports weren’t strategically placed to keep our mind off the Biggest Game which is salvation found only in Christ. God gave me a word recently. THE BIGGEST LOSER is not the one who lost the most weight but WAITED TOO LONG to find God. In this tough economy, loss of employment, feelings of fear, many Christians have taken some serious shots. Some are either on the ropes or sitting on the sidelines, wondering if it will pay off in the end? As the Saints had to play in a foreign stadium weekly, consider Christ who Divinity became Humanity. He left the worship of Heaven to come to the rejection of Earth. The Son became sin and tempted without ever sinning. Contradictory no but Champion yes!
Recently, I read where a man paid $14,000 for two tickets to the game and in my spirit I wondered if they would “neglect so great a Salvation” for FREE. 100 years from now even the Super Bowl will resemble the Toilet Bowl if we failed to grab the grace of God. This may sound harsh but Hell is hot, eternity is forever and no one wins if at the end we were not prepared to meet Him. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is in the soul, saving business! Nothing wrong with going to the big game - my parents went to the Super Bowl in 1992, when the Redskins beat the Bills in Minneapolis. But praise God - they got their reservation for Heaven long ago. If you are unsure if you died tonight if you would go to Heaven - CLICK THIS LINK from Billy Graham to show you how you can make Heaven your future home -
http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp
The Saints are living proof, it doesn’t matter where you have been but what matters most is WHERE you are going. Child of God, perhaps you have also taken some hits, dangled on the ropes of romance or just waiting for the Referee (Jesus) to either stop the fight or start fighting for you - rest assured, we win in the end. In closing, I also said that win or lose today I knew that in the end it will not only be worth it but when the Trumpet sounds, the whistle blows, the Game of Life is over and the Lord appears “The Saints Go Marching In.” Yes, this life is NFL (Not For Long) and get God before your Game is Over.
Country Great - Ferlin Husky
Ferlin Husky may not be a household name to you but he has become a hero of sorts to me as of late. Just two weeks ago, I had the privilege to preach at RED SEA JAM VIIII at the historic Rodgers Theater in Poplar Bluff, MO. A special thanks to my friends Ray & Dawn VanDover for putting on the annual event. Ironically, Christian comedian TIM HAWKINS is playing this Friday at the very same theater.
It came to my attention that Ferlin is a native of Missouri and I learned that this brother from another mother is considered one of the most respected (yet un-recognized) singers in all of Country music.
Buck Owens from “He-Haw” fame apparently had a clause in his contract that he would never, ever follow Ferlin on stage. Why? Because Ferlin was not good but great. The legendary Marty Robbins admired Ferlin immensely and when the one and only Willie Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame to his credit he said in his remarks: “Honestly, I don’t deserve this tonight. Ferlin Husky deserves to be here before me.”
Ironically, Ecclesiastes 9:11 notes: “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” The Bible in the next chapter (Ecclesiastes 10:7) says: “I have even seen servants riding horseback like princes–and princes walking like servants!”
One dear friend and prominent preacher who made me vow not to say his name told me: “Frank, folks want you to do well but rarely better than them.” What a sad statement. Ferlin Husky went on to sell 20 Million albums and his classics “Wings on a Dove,” “Gone,” and “Dear John” have touched the hearts of multiplied millions of fans, earned the respect of his peers (even the most recognized names in the field). However, the fact is he despite being loved by so many is still not in the “Hall of Fame.”
Life is peculiar and not always fair. Regardless, of your vocation; if you are promoted or feel demoted remember it is not what man says about you but what God says that matter most.
In life, you may never get the recognition deserved but God settles all accounts. He knows your heart, talent and motives. Sometimes being “by passed” may be a blessing in disguise. Over the years, I have seen some folks get sidetracked with “success” and it derails them thinking it was more them than a great God that opened doors. I have always been an advocate in promoting God and promoting others. Zig Ziglar was right when he said: “What you do for others - God will do for you.” Today, if you are in a position to lend a helping hand, open a door, or mentor someone else like Nike: “JUST DO IT.”
Don’t let pride or ego hold you back from (as Spike Lee would say): “DO THE RIGHT THING.” May we promote others whom are more gifted than us (without feeling threatened) and we are all better for folks whom make us stronger in our giftings. I learned long ago that we don’t have to better than anyone but we should all be better because God allowed our paths to cross. We need to celebrate NOT tolerate them! What a sad indictment when some would not “follow them on stage” but should consider it an honor we got to share the stage with another who is just as passionate about life and their gift.
Ferlin may never make it in the Hall of Fame but if he is in God’s “Hall of Faith” is all that matters. Today, if you are en route to the top or feel kicked like a can we must stay humble because the favor of God is not fair and “time and chance happens to us all.” Someone always deserves the blessing (promotion) just as much as you (and me).
Yes, not all the best are promoted to the top but regardless if you are riding high profesionally or walking low personally (like the prince next to the horse) it is a Biblical fact “Many who are first will be last and MANY LAST WILL BE FIRST.”
Therefore, keep walking, keep working and keep worshipping and like the old hymn Ferlin sang: “He’ll Understand and Say Well Done.”
Ticket Booth @ Rodgers Theater - Poplar Bluff, MO
The Houston Athletic Dormitory has a sign that reads: “I used to complain that I had no shoes until I met the man who had no feet.” Proper perspective is powerful (especially as we enter Thanksgiving).
My friend, Joni Lamb (co-founder of DAYSTAR TV) told me that her interview with Nick Vujicic was her favorite interview of all time. After watching his life story in the video above I can see why. What an inspiration! Not just because he has no limbs but lives a life with NO limits. Even better is the fact that this guy is GRATEFUL!
Make no mistake, I am not the sharpest tool in the shed but I am convinced if “desperation” is the worse cologne than I would guess that wearing “GRATEFUL” is the sweetest fragrance known to man. When we have the ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE we are both appreciative and attractive! Society loves to be around winners but not whiners (complainers).
MARK THIS DOWN - someone always has it worse than you. The grass is NOT greener on the other side and until we can have be THANKful for what we have we will continue to exist but never really live. You cannot cherish Thanksgiving if you 1) don’t give thanks and 2) fail to give to others. THANKSgiving reminds me why we celebrate. To give THANKS to God for what He has done in our lives. Not just material things (certainly thank Him for that) but relationships, health, hope and the list is endless.
TAKE OUT A NOTEPAD and jot a list of the blessings in your life. Satan, the slick serpent in the Garden of Eden told Adam & Eve to stare at the one thing they felt like they didn’t have. They had a million and one blessings free of charge, provided by the Hand of God but Satan had them stare at what they didn’t have that they neglected all they had. They went from having it all to losing it all! It wasn’t the “apple” in the tree that messed everything up but the PAIR on the ground. They were un-grateful, they became greedy and forgot God in the process.
ATTN: Singles - If you are single and “waiting on the Lord” for that someone special don’t let that one area distract you or destroy you from being appreciative for all God has done in your midst. Remember, you don’t need someone else to complete you. When your identity and security is found in Jesus you are COMPLETE in Christ. Plus, we need to learn to become Mr or Ms. Right so when the “right” person comes you will be ready for them! Thanks Chip Ingram 
PAUSE AND PRAY and thank God for the provisions in your life. Be thankful for family who love you, friends who support you and a faith that forgives in Christ. We have freedom when we walk and talk with God. No longer should you look down but gaze UP and remember all the things God has done for you and be THANKful.
In closing, I heard a story years ago about a homeless boy who knocked on a door. It was cold outside, ice on the window and snow began to fall. A woman answered the door and saw this eight year old boy shivering in the cold. She invited him and made him homemade soup and hot cocoa.
As he raced down the warm food to his frozen stomach he finally spoke: “Lady, are you rich?” She humbly replied with a laugh: “Heaven’s no! Why would you say that?” The boy replied: “Ma’am, I noticed the saucer matched the coffee cup. Your curtains matched the colors of your kitchen and your two kids are playing with your husband.”
Tears began to stream down her face. She grabbed her purse and handed him $20 as the boy was heading to leave. He didn’t say: “thanks” but he didn’t have to because he reminded me in a most special way of just how “rich” I really am. May we take an inventory of what we have and not dwell on what Satan, society and self tells us we don’t.
Thank you Jesus and Happy THANKSgiving!
This is the second installment of my initial post on rejection. If you go back and glance at the last blog title notice that in the first post REJECTION was in caps. This post it is in small font - Make no mistake it is intentional. When we are first rejected we are distraught, discouraged, depressed and feel like dying. Immediately, following rejection if not careful we become filled with resentment. This post will serve as a remedy to remember that RECOVERING is more important than rolling down the raging river of rejection.
How we handle a situation is just as important as what happens to us. I love that quote: “Adversity causes some to break and causes others to BREAK RECORDS.” I’ve come to the conclusion that adversity, stress, trials, nervousness and rejection are more friends than foes. Jeff Bostic, retired Washington Redskin said after winning three Super Bowl rings with Hall of Fame Coach Joe Gibbs that the one Super Bowl loss to Marcus Allen and the Raiders in 1983, taught him more than the three world championships they won!
Rejection should never be the end. Initially, rejection resembles and appears “larger than life” but remember God has the final say since He is the “Author and Finisher” of our faith. Nothing crosses His desk and catches Him by surpise. Regardless, if you are on the mountain or in the valley God sees your proximity but in His wonderful wisdom He also knows your destiny! Rejection is more a comma than a period but when it happens we assume automatically it is an exclamation mark! Your test today becomes your TESTimony tomorrow. Your mess now is your MESSage later and I love the fact that God never wastes a trial. A tragedy turns to triumph when we worship Him in the storm.
The movie “RUDY” is one of my all-time favorite flicks. Anything with patriotism or perseverance is worth the watch in my book and I love the scene depicted above for this post. If we are not careful we are tempted to dig our heels in the ground and prove the world wrong for the way we were mistreated. It is imperative to remember that TWO wrongs don’t make a right. Without queston, all of us can relate to Rudy in the scene above. Not so much for practicing with one of the best sports teams in the world but trying so hard and still coming up so short regardless of your vocation or venue. What the wise man was sharing in this scene with Rudy is that sometimes the only thing that you need to prove something to is not others but self.
My friend in school had a 1985 Mustang LX with the 5.0 litre engine. Ironically, the word on the street is that the economic LX equipped with the V8 engine is faster than the more expensive GT because it weighed less. The LX equipped with the same upgraded engine (standard in GT) was quicker and the only way to differentiate between the two was if the 5.0 emblem was on the side of the car. The LX with no emblem was a six cylinder but the 5.0 told the world that it was the V8. My buddy had the 5.0 engine in his LX but intentionally removed the insignia. Most of us in life are desiring to step up but he was one brother willing to step back. When asked why he did it he said two powerful points: 1) It makes me a sleeper on the street and by going “under the radar” I blow them off the line in a race because they underestimate my car. 2) I know what’s under my hood and that is all that matters.
I have failed in this category a million and one times and maybe you have too. Some in ministry circles today and “self help” gurus implore us to never say anything negative. The fact is we must not only learn to respect but expect rejection at times. Jesus said the storms of life will come but when the Almighty is your Anchor and Christ your Captain you will win regardless of the waves, wind or weather! One lesson we must learn is never share your present success with past critics. They couldn’t comprehend it then and mostly likely they won’t get it now. It is a FACT that you will never get ahead by trying to get back at those that caused pain. Too often, the one you focus on is no longer focused on you. That is why it is imperative that we focus on God because He cares for YOU!
Over the years I have had some Major League helpers and minor league haters. What I mean by that is God strategically put people in my path to help me when some could care less. The key is we need to recover from rejection and become THANKful not resentful. When we are ACCEPTED by God we no longer need the approval of man.
Christ is the classic example. As He was suspended between Heaven and Earth with His dying words He said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” We live in a fallen world with less than perfect people. Jesus was mocked, ridiculed, beaten and rejected more than any man in the history of humanity. But despite their wicked ways - He never retaliated but returned their rejection into His acceptance. His grief became our grace and despite Him being torn nearly into two we could be made whole. Wow - that will preach!
In closing, Nelson Mandela was shackled in prison for some 28 years. The guards posted at his prison ridiculed and rejected him day and night for nearly three decades. When he was finally free and he walked out no longer incarcerated he had a dilemma. He had two options: Did he resent those that rejected him (knowing they were dead wrong) or did he recover and move forward. Mandela said: “I chose the second.” He went on to say: “If I harbored any hatred to those that wronged me I would walk IMPRISONED mentally although I am now a free man physically.” He went on to note: “Forgiveness is for me as much as it is for those that hurt me.”
It is a fact that those that wronged you may never ask for forgiveness. Therefore, by forgiving others we exemplify Christ’s character and compassion and we grant freedom to self in the process. Ironically, Mandella was named President of his country and at his inauguration it is customary to invite heads of state from various nations to witness the transfer of power. Surprisingly, Nelson Mandela invited the prison guards to sit in the front few rows of his inauguration. His message was twofold: The past is the past and I forgive you. Secondly, I cannot help but think despite forgiving his new “friends” that they were hit head on with the truth that there was no doubt who was in control now.
Ultimately, God is the One in control but He has a Way of flipping the table, turning the tide and granting us double for our trouble! Christ certainly makes the crooked - straight and the cloudy - clear. Like that old song: “I can see clearly now the rain (rejection) is gone.” But the mark of maturity is will you sing God’s praises in the storm even when you cannot see where the Lord leads and God guides?
We must let go and let God have His way in our lives. Freedom cannot come if we are still in bondage from replaying the reel of rejection repeatedly in the mental movie of our lives. But when we RECOVER from rejection we know the real relationship of our Redeemer because despite our sins and shortcomings He found a WAY to forgive us - may we do the same with others. RECOVER from rejection and you will become BETTER and not bitter and then you will really have something to REJOICE over.
Just flew back tonight from preaching twice yesterday at a REVIVAL in South Carolina at Sandbridge Baptist Church and it never gets old bringing the Word to the world. In the past two weeks, I have been blessed to visit Punta Cana, Dominican Republic / Miami, FL / Charleston, SC / Charlotte, NC and I preach this Sunday, November 8 in Baltimore, MD at 11 AM and then catch a 2 PM flight to Chattanooga, TN to preach that evening and then fly to Birmingham, AL on November 14-15 to preach at two pentecostal churches. While on the road some random thoughts come to mind and I would like to share this two part series on how to Respect and Recover from Rejection. I pray it will bless you and remember your situation is temporal but Salvation is ETERNAL!
It’s ironic how the words: Rejection and Dejection both have the word EJECT in them. Ejection as you know resembles the seat in a fighter plane that is “tossed or thrown out” before the plane crashes below. One flip side about being “ejected” in a plane is that at least you graduated off the ground before being dismissed. Sadly, so many shackled on the sidelines will never know the view from above. In basketball terms if you were “dejected” or REJECTED that means that your ball was not only blocked but usually followed up with some good old trash talk as to say: “Get that outta here and stay out!”
All of us can relate to rejection. For some it was being picked last for a game in recess back in elementary school. No one wants to be picked last but at one time or another all of us can relate to being by-passed for someone or something else. Some have endured a rejection in a relationship, some know the trauma of enduring a divorce or in job circles hearing the all too familiar words: “You are not qualified for this position.” Sometimes, I wonder what is worse - being not qualified or “over-qualified” for the job. Either way you still walk out without work and perhaps that is a polite way of saying “no thanks” or rejection.
The people that I admire most in life are not those that became a success but endured setbacks. Perseverance probably is my middle name and I would like to think that encouragement and evangelism are a close second, respectively. The above video highlights some classic cases of folks who failed forward. The blessings about falling is that if you can fall forward you are still progressing in a positive direction. We can learn much from a cat - notice that they almost always land on their feet. They know the art of how to BOUNCE BACK.
Boxers know firsthand what it means to dangle on the ropes and/or fall backwards. The key to being knocked down is to regroup and get UP. The METRO train by my house is a powerful force. It has the potential to carry hundreds of people from point A to B and back. However, after observing them closely for a couple years while working in Washington, DC I noticed something peculiar. The massive train always goes backwards briefly before moving foward.
QUESTION: How many times have you entered a fitness gym and after a week quit because your muscles were screaming, your body was burning and your spirit was barely breathing? Tempted to throw in the towel (your mind starts talking to you). This is too hard. It must not meant to be - I am going backwards not forward.
We must realize that sometimes in life we have to temporarily lose in order to win. Often we find ourselves going backwards before progressing forward. Consider the sling shot - The greater the resistance equates to the greatest DISTANCE! The adversity you face today just might be God preparing you for His VARSITY tomorrow! I have always said that those that have come the furthest go the farthest. Adversity is a hidden helper. Sometimes man’s rejection is God’s PROTECTION!
Plus, rejection never has to be permanent. Unless, you allow it. Some corporate leaders want to deny you initially just to see what you are made of. Major League Baseball coaches remind players NEVER to swing at the first pitch. My Uncle Bobby Shelton played three seasons with the Detroit Tigers organization in late 1960’s and was playing AAA with them in 1968-1969, the year they won the World Series. My cousin, Missy’s husband, Mike Butler was drafted by the California Angels in the early 1990’s after being the pitcher for NC State with a 96 mph fastball. Ironically, my Uncle Joe hit a 500 foot home run at old Griffith Stadium (home of Washington Senators) and the late, great Ted Williams at the game said that was one of the hardest hit balls he had ever seen. It’s AWESOME when the “big boys” brag on you.
Some rejection is good. Women with class will tell you that in dating, they are known to “reject” a man initially just to see how he handles criticism and will he have the courage and confidence to come back and try again. Because if he is too weak to handle a “no” now he will most likely buckle later in a long term relationship.
In closing, take heart and glean hope from the following initial failures who became lifelong leaders. Evangelist Billy Graham was thrown out of Bible college. Michael Jordan cut from varsity in high school before gaining a gold medal in Olympics and winning SIX championships in the NBA. “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books were rejected 134 times from publishers before selling $1.3 Billion and Hollywood actor Harrison Ford was initially fired from Columbia Pictures and was told: “You will never make it here.” Well, after playing Han Solo, Indiana Jones and portraying the President on “Air Force One” he did alright.
If you have been rejected - you may be on right track! The blessing about rejection is that it keeps us humble in the long run. Secondly, it makes us more determined. Third, it gives us a laser like focus that only “failing” can bring. Perhaps most important, when you succeed it is not to gloat and scream “look at me” but praise God - look what He did because we know now that had God not stepped in we still would have been left out (rejected). But the beauty is that with rejection comes RESPECT for those that endure, run your race, stay in the game and win or lose live with class, act like a champion and realize that “if God be for me - who can be against me?”
In case you don’t know, I am one of the biggest Sylvester Stallone fans this side of the Mississippi. It was my honor to meet Sly at age 13, in Hollywood, CA and then be an “extra” nearly 20 years to the date in 2005, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas as I sat ringside as he filmed: “ROCKY BALBOA.” Yes, this is a Christian blog but I revere and respect both “Rambo” and “Rocky.” Why? For starters, both characters fought for freedom, filled with faith and passion for “God & Country.” Rambo fought outside the ring and Rocky fought inside but both realized that ideals are worth fighting for and yes, like it or not: “Life is a Fight.” One mistake we have made in church today is that we act like we are not at war. Well, in case you missed the memo we are on two fronts. War abroad and war within.
More on the movie nostalgia in the future but the truths I would like to extract for this post packs a powerful punch from the third installment of the “ROCKY” saga. The theatrical trailer reminds viewers the point blank assessment from his mentor and manager, Mickey that rocked Rocky like no opponent in the ring. Mickey noted in Balboa’s palatial mansion: “Kid, the worse thing that could happen to any fighter - happened to you - “YOU GOT CIVILIZED.”
The best people on the planet to be around are those who just trusted Christ as Savior. For them, losing is not an option, “all things are possible,” moutains are moved in their midst, God still saves and rejoicing comes more frequently than retreating. But somehow, somewhere, someone threw “cold water” on their buring fire for Jesus and was told that it was not proper, professional or practical to be sold out for their Savior. Pharisees and back row Baptists told them to calm down, shut up and chill out. Sad but true. Some backslid, others gave up, scores confused and some cursed the church and left to never return. For many who rode out the storm, were so badly beaten by “friendly fire” that they too lost their edge and “eye of the tiger” to live for the Lamb of God.
It is one thing when your mentor and coach tells you to your face, point-blank and pulls no punches that you are “civilized,” not as sharp, nor on all cylinders. If that doesn’t rock your world or light your fire than your wood is wet. This stinging statement should really get one’s attention. However, when the Lord personally remindes us in Scripture (Revelation) that we have been wasting time, wasting punches and worse - wasting His time we really need to re-evaluate where we are at. Jesus said: “You are neither hot nor cold and He would spit us out of His mouth.”
Friend, I am the eternal optimist and I believe the best days are still ahead. However, the things we need to talk about the most - sadly, are often talked about the least (even in Christian circles). This blog will always be broadcasted in love but I will not post posts that don’t have truth and teeth to them. We need to highlight where we may wrong and also shine a light on things we got right. Today, is a mixture of both. Too often, the Church has tried so hard to accomodate the world that at times we have come close to leaving the Lord outside. What do I mean? Today, countless churches across America can be found “having a form of godliness but denying the Power of God.” What that is saying in modern english is we have religion and rhetoric but restricted the Redeemer in our religious routines.
We “play” church but at times fail to be the church. Many Ministers have bought the lie that “crowds” equate success. Therefore, we have succeeded at “building a church” but were “knocked-out” when it came to leading the lost to the Lord or making authentic disciples. This is a broad statement so no offense should be taken unless it applies to you. The GOOD NEWS is that God still gives grace, forgiveness is still found in Jesus and today is a new day - repent and don’t make the same mistakes tomorrow in ministry.
The reasons we resemble Rocky on the ropes at times is because we have forsaken our first love. Scores are preaching a “cross-less” Christianity. Worse, a “Christ-less” Christianity and folks fail to remind millions of faithful followers that following Christ comes with a cost. It is more than prosperity but the reality that Christ is coming again! We need to store up our treasures up there NOT down here. Many who are first now will be last later and it is imperative that we keep Christ at the center of church and Christianity. Another reason scores of churches have lost their power is because they act like the world not the Lord. We need to get back to basics and get a burden on saving souls not big buildings or budgets.
“Rocky” & “Rambo” both were not afraid to bleed, nor were they ever embarrassed by blood. Gov. Jesse Ventura made a cult statement in the movie: “Predator” when he said: “I ain’t got time to bleed.” Well, fortunately for us, my Savior stepped out of Heaven and into Earth to bleed for me and mankind. Today, one reason the Christian Church is weak is because many preachers, pundits and professional pharisees saw fit to try to down play or remove the red blood of Christ from our conversation. Friend, our power comes from the crimson red blood that dripped out of Jesus’ veins and because it was shed we could be saved. Too many in ministry are playing the music but are missing the notes therefore it could very well be a smashing cymbal to the Ear of Almighty God. My motto has always been why preach if you don’t preach with power.
Today, the church too often relies on its laurels and not the Lord. Our success is in Christ not crowds. It is in Beulah Land not big buildings or budgets. It is in the cross not a cause. It is on the Person of Jesus - “The Prince of Peace” not a personality, performance or program. It’s in personal purity not finding purpose professionally. We need to return to righteousness and a hunger and thirst for God not goods. We chase “stars” and not the Son. The church may have “cash” but it lacks class if Christ is not the Head of His House. Let me slow down here because I was starting to get ready to preach
If you recall in that first fight against “Clubber Lang” in ROCKY III, Rocky became rich in wealth and poor in work ethic. He relied on his past success not his future sacrifices. He thought he could just show up and still win. What happened? Clubber cleaned his clock and rung Balboa’s bell. The tragic truth why he lost that first fight was three fold: “He lost the edge and “eye of the tiger.” Secondly, past success kills as much as future failures. Lastly, his manager and mentor, Mickey Goodmill dying certainly helped take his mind out of the game. The battle is truly won in the mind. You can be all heart but if your head is not in the game you are going down for the count. The Bible is true: “A double minded man is unstable in ALL his ways.” Henry Ford was right: “If you think you can or can’t - you’re right!” Jesus said: “As a man thinketh - so is he.” We need to get a check up from the neck up because we are in the final rounds of the fight of our lives. Satan is still a roaring lion, looking to devour anyone and anything in his path.
Today, the church has got to get back to basics and willing to work like never before. We have taken our eyes of Christ and the Great Commission to seek and save those that are lost. The reason Rocky was reduced to the canvas in the second round of that first fight was not just his lack of preparation (didn’t put on the Full Armor of God) but he went to battle with his mentor dying. Today, the Church is guilty at times as acting if our Mentor, Master & Messiah (Jesus) is dead. The truth is that the Lord lives, He reigns and He is coming back. We are victors NOT victims.
No doubt, in ministry personally and the Church corporately, we have taken some serious shots. We have been bruised, beat, bloodied, badgered and dangled on the ropes more than Rocky in all six installments. However, the beauty about bruises is that they do heal. The Bible notes: “The Lord is coming back for a Bride (church) without spot or blemish.” We have been down but not out. We have been bruised but not broken. We have been exhausted but not extinguished. In the classic words of Rocky’s manager as Rocky lie on the cold Philadelphia pavement in “ROCKY V: “Get UP, because Mickey loves you!” Then the theme song comes on, the trumpet blast blarring: “Gonna Fly Now” and Rocky replies: “Yo, I ain’t hear no bell.”
The morale of the story is the bell (Gabriel’s trumpet) hasn’t blown yet and with God’s great grace, we can still “rise up as wings of eagles” and fight not only for another day but finish the race that Christ called us to run. How? Because more than Mickey - our Master and Messiah loves us, in our Corner and He still fights our battles. The blessing about bruises and beatings is that which doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. With surviving comes confidence and with the Word we can talk back to the enemy and like Balboa at the bell come out swinging for one more round. Time is running and like Rocky told “Clubber Lang” at the start of their second fight: “Go For It!”
Today, the church cannot nor will not be pushed around any longer. Like that precious preacher of years ago said: “I have read the back of the Book and we win!” Today, tonight and all our tomorrow’s may the “real” Christians’ stand up, be accounted for and swing for the fence, serve the Savior and spend the rest of our days living for the Lord. Remember this - it is not wrong to be knocked down but to stay down. The war is won to those despite taking shots, knocked down and around but endured and actually have their head and hands held high when the bell sounds. Victory is ours because we are on the “winning side” with Christ. As Sly would say: “Keep Punching!”
Sly & Frank - Los Angeles, CA (age 13) - 1985
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.