Instant Replay

Last Sunday night, while watching a football game on TV, I saw a freakish play. It was a pass play to the tight end. The intended receiver reached back to catch the ball but didn't catch it. The ball fell towards the ground, apparently bouncing up into the arms of a defensive player, who then raced to end zone for a touchdown. The referee ruled the pass incomplete, believing that the ball hit the ground. But because there is "instant replay," the call was challenged and reviewed.

"After further review," the instant replay revealed that as the receiver reached back to catch the ball, it hit his hand. The ball, then dropped, bouncing up off his foot and into the arms of the defensive player. The officials ruled it as an interception. Thanks to "instant replay" there was an opportunity to take a closer look to see what really happened.

Did you know that "instant replay" is in the Bible? Check out 2 Kings 6:8-23. It was a time in the history of Israel, when the people of Israel were at war with the Arameans. The king of Aram was aware that the prophet Elisha was advising the king of Israel. His advice was thwarting the Arameans' war efforts (6:11-12). The king of Aram sent his army to capture the Israelites secret weapon, the prophet,Elisha.

In the night, the army of Aram surrounded the city where Elisha lived. The next morning, the servant of Elisha went outside to get the paper or fetch firewood. He saw the Aramean army with their horses and chariots encompassing the city. Fearfully, he reports the news to the prophet Elisha. Notice Elisha's response.

"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (2 Kings 6:16-17)

Instant Replay! Sometimes we can become overwhelmed by our circumstances. We get fearful and worry about what we are going to do. We become pessimistic, thinking only the worse case scenario. We often rush to judgment and jump to wrong conclusions. That's why it is wise to follow Elisha's advice. Take another look. This times with our eyes wide open from God's perspective. Elisha was in no danger. He wasn't outnumbered. He wasn't being held hostage by his circumstances, because with God on his side, he was assured of the victory to come.

It is easy to get "tunnel vision" when things don't look or feel right. It's human nature to imagine the worse rather than think the best. It's easy to get caught up in the downward spiral of hopelessness when we become fixated on the problems. But if we, "... fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)," we gain a different perspective. We see that God, who is all powerful, all knowing and ever-present, is on our side. We can count on Him to get us through the crisis.

It's been said that "seeing is believing." Yet, even our earthly eyes can deceive us. Take another look before you react or respond to life's circumstances. Look with eyes of faith, you might come up with another conclusion. Believing is seeing.

"After further review...God is on your side."

Buckled Up!

Last week, Jackie and I went out on a dessert date which led to a late night visit to WalMart. While on the way to WalMart, the seat belt warning alarm went off. What was strange about this was we were both already buckled into our seat belts. With the strict "Click it or Ticket" laws in Texas, "buckling up" has become a matter of habit for both of us.

With warning bell ringing and dashboard light flashing, we checked our seat belts to be sure they were secure. Mine was secure alright. In fact, it wouldn't release at all.

I keep pushing the release button and nothing is happening. At stop signs, I'm putting the car in park, and with both hands working to set myself free. Oh, by the way, did you know that 2005 Ford Mustangs are equipped with the most annoying seat belt alarm, especially after you have heard it every minute for last fifteen minutes.

By now, I am not only frustrated but I'm getting a little claustrophobic. I start having paranoid thoughts. "I can't get out of the car." "What if the car dies on a railroad track and a train is coming?"

Fortunately, we arrived at WalMart, avoiding all railroad crossings, but I was still being held captive. Jackie suggests cutting the seat belt, but that would mean the expense of replacing the seat belt. Besides, I had taken the "emergency scissors" out of the car last weekend.

Jackie's giggling by now. It wasn't funny...because, by now the two cups of coffee I drank with my dessert, have finished their tour through my digestive system and are ready to check out.

What happened next I hope no one caught it on camera and placed it on YouTube. It must have been a sight to behold. A gray-haired grandfather-type posing as a contortionist. I wiggled, I twisted, I stretched and squirmed myself out from under the seat belt and shoulder strap until, "Free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty, I am free at last."

This weird but eventually humorous episode, got me to thinking about how things which are supposed to be good for us, can sometimes take us captive.

For example, there is nothing wrong with recreation, whether it is hunting, fishing, golf, shopping, gardening, traveling, watching TV, surfing the web or working out at the gym. Unless we allow it to consume our thinking, our actions and our conversation to the point, it becomes something that pulls us away from God.

For some the issue of our occupation can become more than providing for the needs of our family. Especially, when we use it as a means to justify our significance or the accumulation of stuff. In doing so we can find ourselves making excuses for neglecting the importance of building a spiritual foundation for our lives and homes.

There are many things that can hold us captive...fear, drugs, anger, worry, bitterness, greed, pornography, and pride which we acknowledge as sin. But anything that hinders our relationship with God is considered sin. Potentially, it's grip can keep you from experiencing a meaningful relationship with God, which He intends for us because He loves you.

"Do not let sin control the way you live;...Sin no longer is your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you in sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace." (Romans 6:12-14 New Living Bible)

Jesus said, "So if the Son(Jesus) sets you free, you will be free, indeed." (John 8:36)

Take the opportunity to examine your life. What's keeping you from experiencing the full and meaningful life that God wants you to have? Too busy? Preoccupied? What are you spending your time, money and energy on? Is it hindering you in your relationship with God and others? Are you controlling it or is it controlling you?

Maybe it's time to ask the Lord to help you escape its grip on your life.
We are never really free, until we are "captured by God's grace."

The Third Strand

My wife, Jackie and I were privileged to lead a couple's retreat for our church this past weekend. Besides addressing the typical marriage enrichment topics of communication, commitment, cooperation and romance, we closed the weekend with the importance of "the Third Strand," in the a marriage relationship.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who fall and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

God speaks through King Solomon about relationships by offering some simple, yet profound wisdom. This wisdom is important, especially when it comes to the relationship beteen a husband and wife.

Two is better than one when it comes to productivity. The old adage, "two heads are better than one" fits very well here. When a couple works together, their prospects of success are better. When making decisions, when handling finances, when raising children...the importance of working as partners is both efficient and effective.

Two is good, because there is support. We all stumble and fall. Yet,when you are partnered together as a team, you have someone who can help you get back up. As a couple, we complement each others strengths and weaknesses. As a couple, when one is sick, hurt or emotionally down, their partner can help share the load. It is encouraging to know that you are not alone in your struggle.

It can be cold, cruel world out there when you are alone. God speaks to the marriage relationship in this passage, by illustrating that marriage is a place of warmth that comes from love and intimacy. In our first home as a couple, Jackie and I lived in a small apartment of an old house. Our bedroom was a walled-in back porch with no insulation. Just let it be said, if we had be not been newlyweds, we might not have survived the winter. The intimacy that comes from love provides warmth and security to the marriage relationship.

The fourth bit of wisdom reveals that two is good for mutual protection. In a marriage, a couple should always have one another's back. We should always watch out for one another: protecting their reputation; watching over their physical and emotional well being; as well as providing for their needs.

Yet, in this advice for relationships where the emphasis has been on the power of two, God throws in "a cord of three strands," in His summation. What is the significance of this "third strand?"

In today's world, where half of all marriages end in divorce or separation it is evident that the power of two is not enough. Sadly, the marriage statistics among people who call themselves Christians are not much better than that of the secular world. So God's wisdom about relationships is very relevant.

The Third Strand represents God. As the Lord is allowed to weave His presence, power and wisdom throughout the relationship of a husband and wife, there is strength. Strength to withstand all that seeks to pull marriages apart. The couple that invites the Lord to be the "third cord" in their marriage stands a lot better chance of surviving the challenges of today's world.

Marriage Takes Three
"I once thought marriage took just to to make a go,
But now I am convinced it takes the Lord also.
And not one marriage fails where Christ is asked to enter,
As lovers come together with Jesus at the center.
But marriage seldom thrives, and homes are incomplete,
Til He is welcome there to help avoid defeat.
In homes where Christ is first it's obvious to see,
Those unions really work for marriage still takes three."