Thoughts by Dennis McNabb
Week of August 25, 2010
As people, we love betrayal. Think of all the books whose main theme is betrayal; all the kiss and tell books out there, all the tabloid television shows, and leaks. The people who get close to celebrities and then write a book about it and do all these interviews. It is big business these days because people love betrayal. I like it and you like it. We love to read and hear about it. That is as long as it is happening to someone else. However, when it happens to us then it becomes personal. It is no longer entertaining but is painful. Everyone of us at one time or another has been betrayed or has betrayed someone else. It may have been a betrayal of confidence as in sharing personal information about someone. It may be a betrayal trust by breaking a promise or it may be as serious as breaking one’s marriage vows.
When betrayal happens to us it is deep and it is painful. There are no band aide fixes for betrayal. It is like you are thrown into a pit; you are alone, hurting and there appears to be no way out. At such a moment the first words are “Why me?” Instead we should look to the Bible for help.
In Genesis 37 we see a young man, named Joseph who knew what it was like to find himself in the pit of betrayal. Betrayed by his brothers he did not reside in self pity but he looked to God. His response to his situation enabled God to use the circumstances for his good as well as many others. Joseph understood that God had a plan and a purpose for his life. Though he couldn't make sense of how all this played out he knew he could trust God and for him that is all that mattered. He was content therefore to be patient and wait upon God which is good counsel for all of us.
Week of July17, 2010
There are many preachers out there who will say that if you will be a Christian you’ll never suffer again which is a bold face lie. First, experience certainly doesn’t validate such a statement. Many of the greatest followers of Christ through history have suffered greatly. Even the Apostle Paul was not immune to suffering. Secondly, the Bible rejects such claims and teaches just the opposite to be true.
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” Jam. 1:2 (NAS)
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.” 1 Pet. 1:6 (NIV)
“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Tim. 2:3 (NAS)
Many are going through some tough times, you find yourselves in the midst of difficult circumstances at this very moment. I want us to look at a passage to receive some assurances that will enable us to come through these storms of life. READ Psalm 34:15-22
“My Refuge” was one of David’s favorite titles for God. David’s emphasis through this entire psalm is on fearing God and trusting in His goodness. So when trouble comes take refuge in God who will see you through the trial and make it a blessing in your life and in the life of others as well.
Week of July 4, 2010
In Sept, 2005, Martha Cothren a history teacher at Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock Arkansas did something that won’t be forgotten. On the first day of school, with permission from the superintendent, and the principal, she had all the desks removed from her classroom. The kids came into first period to an empty room and asked the obvious question – “Where’s our desks?”
The teacher said, “You can’t have your desk until you tell me how you earn them.” They thought and suggested grades, behavior and so on. To each of their responses she answered with a “No.” So went the first period. Classes came and went throughout the day and still no desks. By early afternoon a television news crew came to find out about this crazy teacher. The last period of the day came and the kids were sitting on the floor around the sides of the room. The teacher addressed her class and on lookers and said, “Throughout the day no one has really understood how you earn the desks that sit in this classroom ordinarily. Now I’m going to tell you.”
She went over to the door of her classroom and opened it and as she did 27 U.S. veterans, wearing their uniforms, walked into the classroom, each carrying a school desk. They placed those desks in rows and then stood along the wall. The teacher then said, “You don’t have to earn those desks. These guys did it for you. They put them out there for you, but it’s up to you to sit here responsibly , to learn, to be good students and good citizens, because they paid the price for you to have that desk, and don’t ever forget it.”
Freedom is never free! Someone had to pay the price. Our founding fathers paid dearly for the freedoms we enjoy today. In the same way spiritual freedom is not free either. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free.” Gal. 5:1 (NAS) Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy freedom from guilt, condemnation and judgment.
Week of 5/9/10
This weekend being Mother's Day I thought you might enjoy this list of things our mother’s have taught us:
LOGIC – “If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can’t go to the store with me.”
HEALTH – “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they’re going to freeze that way.”
TO MEET A CHALLENGE – “What were you thinking? Answer me when I’m talking to you…Don’t talk back to me.”
HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT - “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
HYPOCRISY – “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times: Don’t exaggerate.”
ANTICIPATION – “Just wait until your father gets home.”
RELIGION - “You better pray that comes out of the carpet.”
FORESIGHT – “Make sure you wear clean underwear in case you’re in an accident.”
ENVY – “There are millions of less fortunate children in the world who would love to eat what you’re wasting.
STAMINA - “You’ll sit there until that spinach is finished.”
JUSTICE – “One day, I hope you have children, just like you.”
So be sure to thank Mom for all the lessons she taught you growing up. Throughout Scripture, God has given many models for us to emulate our lives after. This woman of Proverbs 31 is no different. Rather He gave a flesh and blood picture of a woman of true excellence; a woman of noble character. This is someone every women should seek to emulate.