We should agree by now that the quote we learned as kids: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” are false. Actually, sometimes we would be fortunate to have broken a bone than bruised the soul or psyche.
In the final installment of “ROCKY BALBOA” we find Stallone shooting the breeze at a bar that he rarely frequented in his hometown of Philly. It was always ironic to me that the “City of Brotherly Love” produced so many fighters! While minding his own business a young teenager approaches him and begins to berate him for no reason. Over the years, I have learned that sometimes your success can scare the daylights out of others. Your gift may bring the best out of you but sometimes it extracts the worse from others. After her hurtful remarks to Rocky when she leaves; ironically his head is still ringing as if he endured another avalanche of assaults from Apollo Creed. When Balboa gets his bearings back he realized that the lady behind the counter is an acquaintance from years gone by.
Rocky says: “Yo, do I know you?” She doesn’t remember him at first but he then replies: “You’re little Marie.” Rocky in the original film walked her home one night because streets are no place for a kid. Rocky remembers a negative word that she (when she was much younger) said to him. She was blown away that he would remember her much less the words she said some three decades earlier.
Rocky, went on to say: “Insults last a long time.” The fact is there is great power in the spoken word. The accuser never lost a wink of sleep over what she carelessly said to the soon to be champion of the free world but truth be told I bet not a day went by that either her words or the negative remarks of another rung Rocky’s bell like no opponent in the ring before or since.
Perhaps that is why the Bible notes: “We will have to give an account for EVERY idle word spoken out of our mouth.” I was taught as a child, if you don’t have anything nice to say - “DON’T SAY ANYTHING.” Just being real, I must admit that I have failed a few times but the older I get I am trying to do my best to take the high road (especially with my remarks). The Bible also says: “To let our words be few.” Maybe my next post will be less than 500 words 
A milkman in the early 1970’s, would say “hello” to a five year old girl with big blue eyes and beautiful blonde hair. When he walked by on his weekly route he would tap her on the head as she played in the yard while dropping milk off on her front porch. He always said the same words: “Hello, Miss America.” She would smile with a grin the size of Georgia and continue to play and jump rope with her friends. Day after day, week after week when the milkman came by he said the same thing: “Hello, Miss America.”
Years, went by and the milkman’s job unfortunately became obsolete with his deliveries but those words danced in her head like a teen on a trampaline. In the early 1990’s that young little girl matured into a southern belle and was crowned Miss America from the Peach State. Most likely, that milkman didn’t see the future with her waving to the world with a sash across her shoulder as she beamed with beauty talking about “world peace” - or did he? We don’t know but the fact is those positive words sown in her life as an adolescent reaped a harvest for her as an adult.
Recently, Evangelist Perry Stone showed a scientific experiment on world-wide television where a scientist had two containers of rice. The scientist had a label placed on the outside of both bottles and after 81 days he revealed his findings. Both containers had the same amount of rice in the cup and after the time alloted he displayed that one bottle had the rice in tact with very little deformation. However, the second cup was filled with fungus that made the stomach turn to look at. He then turned the containers to face the television viewing audience and on the cup that still had the rice looking fresh after 81 days the label had words scribbled from a child: “I LOVE YOU LITTLE RICE. I HOPE YOU HAVE A NICE LIFE and LIVE LONG.” The one filled with fungus had a note that read: “I HOPE YOU DIE!” The lesson speaks for itself.
The Bible notes: “We find life and death in the power of our tongue.” It also notes: “Our mouth speaks both blessings and cursings.” This should not be. Jesus said: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Friends, some of us need a CHECK UP from the NECK UP and our words should be seasoned with honey not spoiled with hypocrisy.
It has been said: “If one yells at a tree long enough that it will die.” I have not yelled long enough to test that hypothesis but I do know that if words can cripple a soul-less and heart-less grain of rice imagine what our words do to humans in our presence. In case you MISSED the MEMO: Life is a fight but we don’t have to battle everyone in our path. Today, we have the milkman in one corner who was a winner with words and built folks UP or we can resemble the reckless rehetoric of a negative wannabee who tore others down. Why be a chump when you can be a champ! WORDS are WONDERFUL until you use them to hurt others. Don’t delay - BLESS someone today!
Praise the Lord! Thank you friends for all the prayers, well-wishes and kind comments regarding my recent appearance on NITELINE TV in Greenville, SC.
It is an honor to share the Word with the world what Jesus means to me. God doesn’t need me but how I need Him. If you missed the two hour program last night as it aired across South Carolina on cable television they just posted a link for you to watch it in its entirety by clicking here - http://www.dovebroadcasting.com/niteline.php
My last post I shared part one of the two part interview on TCT - “REJOICE” in Marion, IL and it aired on DIRECTV earlier last year to some 500 Million homes. The second set was a blessing and its always a JOY to brag on Jesus.
Check back in near future as I post my interview with a SURPRISE Christian artist. My heart beats to promote the Lord and promote others. One of my pet peeves in ministry and in life is that as Christians we promote the Lord but for some reason fail at promoting others without feeling threatened. Zig Ziglar was correct: “What you do for others - God will do for you.” Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than receive.” Without question, I believe until you can celebrate the success of others personally you will never go or grow to the next level professionally.
Blessings on you as you walk and talk with God. You are never alone when you go with God.
South Carolina Flag
That evening I preached REVIVAL at Double Springs Baptist Church on Saturday night and both morning and evening services on Sunday. Pastor Kyle Caudell is the pastor and his associate Joshua are doing an amazing job and the church is absolutely gorgeous nestled in Townville, SC. My new friend, Chris Stephens is a young man with a heart for God and desires daily to play the piano and preach the Gospel. He is from SC and I asked him to play two of the three services of our recent revival. It is so exciting to see young people on fire for the Lord and I try to promote folks wherever I go.
On Monday afternoon, I was blessed to be the guest on NITE LINE TV for the full two hours. It will air all throughout South Carolina on television tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16 from 8-10 PM EST and they will re-air it on Thursday morning from 8-10 AM. You can also watch it online by clicking this link on the above mentioned times and watch it LIVE - http://wggs16.com/
The south is great for several reasons. The hospitality is like their iced-tea: SWEET. I love the folks down south and while in town I got to visit most of my favorite restaurants: FATZ, O’Charleys and Cracker-Barell. Check back later this week as I post my radio interview with a surprise Christian recording artist.
The past three weekends have been busy on the road preaching in Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania, Virginia and South Carolina. It is good to be back home and please pray for the souls that recently made commitments to Christ as they begin their journey with Jesus. I love that Stephen Curtis Chapman song: “No Better Place on Earth than the Road that Leads to Heaven.”
In the interim, the video clip below is my appearance last year on TCT - “Rejoice” and it was taped LIVE in Marion, IL and aired world-wide to some 500 million homes on DIRECTV. This is part one of a two part series and I pray it will bless you. God bless you today and all your tomorrow’s.
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
“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