Contentment

Listened to a great lesson this morning at church regarding grumbling and complaining. We are a nation of complainers. It doesn't matter what it is about, we grumble about it. If we get 100%.....we complain that we didn't get 110%. There is always something and it's never good enough. 

Our resulting feelings are that we never happy. Never satisfied. Never content. As Christians that isn't how we should be or act. We should lead others and not follow suit with all the other grumbling people around us everyday. We become like them if we listen to them or associate with them. This spins out of control. 

Chapter 4 of Philippians gives us a powerful message of hope and encouragement. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:4-9 NKJV

Think on this things and remain positive. 

ET This I Believe. 

Eugene Thompson

Sermon on the Mount - The Summary

I've just finished teaching a class at the Princess Anne Church of Christ on Sunday morning that ran for over 18 months. I was asked to prepare a detailed study of the the chapters in Matthew. I have studied it before but not necessarily in detail, nor did I ever think that it would take that long. A lot of information and sharing was done over that time. I just hope others got as much out of it as I did. I probably have 280 pages of notes on Matthew 5-7. Far more information written and prepared than I could ever share during the class. Teachers often learn more than the students just because so much time was done in preparation of the class. I know I did.

Here is a quick summary of the sermon in the mount as we quickly hit highlights last week to close out the class. Feeling blessed that I was given the opportunity.

The Sermon on the Mount describes what our life should be like while we live in faith, in our thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus said six times in Chapter 5, “You have heard it said”, or “But I tell you..” He was calling people to a new life instead of a legal system, that the Pharisees had put upon the people.

Lesson 1   Matthew 5:1-16

Jesus teaches us the eight attitudes. These attitudes or beatitudes explain that we are to live differently than the world for Christ’s sake. Blessed means happy. So when these attributes become part of us God is pleased and we are blessed. The beatitudes are to be poor in spirit,  mourn for sin, be meek, and to hunger and thirst for righteousness. We are to be merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. When we follow Christ in this manner we may become persecuted for our faith, but this too becomes a blessing and we will receive a heavenly reward.

We are called to be light and salt of the world. Salt has two functions. It flavours and it stops corruption. We must not lose our saltiness, because if we do we will lose our ability to be a committed Christian, who does not think or act like the world. Salt also creates a thirst, a thirst for the Lord and His righteousness.

Being light in the world refers to the way you show others in public what being a Christian means. How many of your friends see your personal commitment to Christ? How bright a light are you?

Lesson 2   Matthew 5:17-26

Here Jesus explains the Christian’s relationship to the law, and that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfil it. The Old Testament continues until all things are accomplished. He warned the disciples to do and to teach all the commandments, and that a better righteousness than the Pharisees’ is needed to enter the kingdom of heaven. And how can we keep God’s laws? We can’t. The Pharisees’ couldn’t, and that is one reason why they created their own set of laws. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit that empowers us and convicts us. Where do you need to let the Holy Spirit help you obey what Jesus has taught?

God’s Word does not change over time. His standards for behaviour or morality does not change. It does not change from one situation to another or from one century to another.

Jesus gives illustrations of our relationship to the Law. The Pharisees often taught about people’s actions, but Jesus always goes further by raising the bar. He speaks of our thoughts, emotions, and attitudes of our hearts.

So what does He begin with? What is the most condemning sin you can think of? Murder. Jesus expounds on this and says that wrong attitudes and words count the same as murder. How could that be? Murder begins with anger, unforgiveness, hatred, contempt, envy and bitterness. All of it sin. To be full of such things reveals a heart condition that is condemning.

What is the remedy? It is the spirit of love and reconciliation. We must be reconciled with each other, no matter who the fault may lie with. Come to one heart and mind with that person, so that we can have an open relationship with the Lord.

Lesson 3  Matthew 5:27-37,   6:22-23

Here Jesus teaches that lustful imagination counts the same as adultery. Being tempted is not a sin, but we must reject the seed that get planted in our mind, so that sin is nipped in the bud. He said if necessary we should cut off whatever causes us to sin even if this causes discomfort or pain. What causes immoral thoughts in your mind? What books are you reading and what TV shows are you enjoying and what are you laughing and joking about? What do you need to cut out of your life to live a life of pure actions and thoughts?

We are reminded that marriage is a lifelong commitment. God hates divorce but it is a forgivable sin, and he allows it for infidelity. Let’s remember to love and pray for those who have been hurt in abusive relationships and know that God would not want them to stay in this treacherous situation.

Lesson 4   Matthew 5:38-48,   6:14-15

So what does “an eye for an eye mean?

The next topic was retaliation or getting even. Again Jesus quotes an OT command, one that was meant to limit the penalty for a wrong action. The person who was treated wrongly was only to demand repayment that was fair and fitting. And again Jesus asks us to go even further. He says to give to the person who asks, even when that person is asking something that may be unfair. Jesus’ disciples had been taught to love their neighbours and hate their enemies. Once again Jesus wants you and me to go beyond the old teachings. We are to love our enemies and pray for them. Will you ask God to give you His love for those who are unkind or unforgiving to you? What can you pray for them?

Lesson 5   Matthew 6:1-18

Here we learn that our righteous deeds are not so righteous when they are done to impress others. Therefore they are to be done before God and not before people. Jesus was concerned that the people, especially the Pharisees, wanted others to see them give to the needy or pray in public so that they would be noticed. They were pretending to pray with a sincere heart but were more concerned with what others thought of them. To do this is to lose our reward with God because our reward becomes an earthly reward of wanting praise from men.

The Lord’s Prayer was given to the disciples as an example. When we say it we should repeat it thoughtfully and not aimlessly. The point is, that we should pray, and we should have a regular time each day to pray privately. If you do not will you set aside a regular time and place to establish this time to spend with the Lord?

Lesson 6   Matthew 6:19-21, 24-34

Here Jesus teaches that faith is having a trusting heart knowing that He will supply all our daily needs. If we put these worries aside and first seek the kingdom of God all things will be given to us. He knows we need these things. Often in this life especially in the US we are bombarded daily about material possessions. We are told that we need many things to be successful and happy. So Jesus was concerned about people’s attitudes toward their treasures and possessions. He warned them about storing up treasures on earth. They can be lost, stolen, destroyed etc. We can set our eyes on power and wealth instead of God and what really matters. We cannot serve both God and money. We cannot have two masters.

We are not to worry. Worry is a lack of faith in God’s care. Worry and fret lead to sin. Remember to put God first in your life and to live right for Him. Live one day at a time doing your best to please God. He will supply your needs in His timing.

Lesson 7   Matthew 7:1-12

The judge not passage. The person who makes a practice of judging others will be judged with the same measure. Judging ourselves instead prepares us to help others. Also we have to judge between good and evil and we must make determinations each and every day. We have to separate truth from error or we will believe lies. We must pray for wisdom in this area. If we know of sin in our lives, and try not to remove it, yet try to help others with the same sin, then we are hypocrites, like the Pharisees. There is no room for pride or stubbornness when we are trying to help others.

Jesus commanded his disciples to think before giving sacred and precious truths from God to unholy people. Sacred things could be worship or communion or the Bible. These things are not holy to those who do not believe in God and they will ridicule the truths told to them. It is in this way they trample them under their feet….Christians are to be discerning but not condemning.

Prayer comes up again, in that we are ask, seek and knock. He wants us to be persistent in our prayer. And He gives good gifts to his children as a good father gives to his son. He wants our hearts in our prayers and doesn’t want us to give up when we think a prayer has not been answered quickly….Continue to pray. God will give you what is right and he will answer your prayer His way and in His time. What kind of things are you praying for? A car? Fame? Sunshine? Or are you praying for things that will please Him? A good list would be something like wisdom, love, healing, increased faith, boldness to speak for God, the filling of the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, etc. If you are persistent in asking for things that please God, He will give them to you.

Lesson 8  Matthew 7:13-29

As we end the Sermon on the Mount Jesus now speaks of our life in faith, and the dangers of not following His teachings.

Those who go their own way will have difficulty discerning that there are two pathways. Jesus only gives us two. There are not many paths to God. False teachers offer a wide gate that welcomes many. It may seem kind and loving to accept all religious teachings, but it is not. The broad road leads to destruction. In fact the way is narrow and constricted and it will not be an easy path…but the end result is well worth it. Everlasting life with Jesus. Which path have you chosen and how are you persuading others to choose?

To ignore biblical teaching puts you in danger of listening to false teachers. Knowing scripture is important so you can recognise a false teacher by their faulty doctrine and bad fruit. Paul commended the Bereans for comparing his words against scripture. We must do the same. Those who say they know Jesus by using the phrase, “Lord, Lord” or even perform miracles may not truly know the Lord. Many will hear from Jesus on judgment day…”I never knew you.” The false prophets will be in the church itself. They will be disguised as sheep, but truly they are wolves.

Finally we are given an illustration of the person who is wise and the foolish person who does not obey the teachings. The obvious teaching is that Jesus is the rock and foundation and this is where we are to start building. This foundation is firm and solid. But there is a condition given in this passage. We must hear Jesus’ words and we must practice them. Then we are able to withstand the storms of wind and rain that will come upon us in this life.

The people were amazed at the authority that Jesus taught with. Whenever God’s Word is presented as it truly is, its power is unleashed. We too should be amazed and astonished with these teachings. God’s standards are high and today we have the Holy Spirit to help us live for God, illuminate scripture and lead us into truth.

There wasn't a lot of time to do a complete review of the study on Sunday but maybe a few of these highlights noted here will allow you to study further to become a better disciple for Christ.

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson

Comfort or Pain?

The history of the word “comfort” reveals an important narrative. The word is made from two Latin word parts, com-, an intensifying prefix which means “together with,” and fortis, which means “strong or strength.” Later, the Latin word confortare comes to mean, “to strengthen much.” Eventually, an Old French word, conforter, would add words like “solace” and “help” to the definition. In the 14th century, another French word conforten is defined as, “to cheer up, console.” Finally, by the 17th century, the English version of the word implies the sense of physical ease that we understand today. In about a millennia, this word went from meaning, “together-strength,” to meaning “pain-barrier.”

So which do you prefer? Comfort or Pain? When I first asked this question to my friends they immediately responded by saying COMFORT of course. Why wouldn't we all?! There aren't many of us that wouldn't automatically respond with anything else. Our life seems to exist surrounded with trials, work and effort to eventually gain an opportunity to relax......in COMFORT. Isn't that sort of the definition of vacation? 

Everyday opportunities allow us to enjoy comfort but we don't often recognize it. We hide it behind levels of achievement never reaching the ultimate goal of fulfillment. A hurdle set by many entrepreneurial minds. There is always another goal to reach. Never do we take the time to smell the roses.....of course unless it's on our calendar and cleared with others between two conference calls, production meetings and various other task generated objectives. How about when we finally rest in our bed? Is it comfortable? Or did we go find a bed of nails to relax on? We find COMFORT in our bed of course.....because we value a good nights sleep.

So when do we or should we choose PAIN? We've all heard the saying, "No Pain, No Gain". Mostly used in the gym or during some physical endurance. I once lifted weights in high school and was 4th place in the national powerlifting championships. To reach that achievement I had to work hard daily at lifting various levels of weights. The next day I was sore. It didn't matter how long I had been lifting, when I worked out different muscle groups strenuously I was sore the next day. Why? Well because it pushed my body past its limits to eventually gain strength. Without the pain.....I wouldn't have experienced the reward of gain.
 

So does that happen in our everyday lifes? Do we create PAIN? In our business world? In our home? Within our family? We should. We should find a way everyday to push the limits of ourselves to gain the opportunities. Opportunities for each of us to better ourselves. To be better bosses or employees; better spouses, parents or children; better Christians, servants, stewards. How about just being a better person in general. We must challenge ourselves to become stronger.

Some times these opportunities come to us in trials. We face trials, struggles and obstacles in our lives that gives us (mostly unwanted) experiences that eventually builds our endurance and helps us to rise to the occasion, face the challenge and persevere the trail. Once we come out of such trials we are usually much stronger, wiser and more than likely more humble. It's the reward of the trial.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,He was bruised for our iniquities;The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,And by His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5 | NKJV

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson

Ask Seek and Knock

Trials are often embodied in some form of want. Not enough money, not enough time, not enough love, not enough safety, or perhaps not enough wisdom. In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus’ disciples just wanted life. They were in an enormous storm when they awakened Jesus from some much-needed shut-eye with a desperate request for help.

It’s not crazy to think trials and life’s storms are some of our best chances to ask God for help. Yet, in this story in Mark, no later than Jesus told the wind and waves to take it easy, He turned to ask His disciples why their fear was so big and their faith was so small. It’s as if Jesus expected they would believe they need not fear the storm with the Savior on board.

Lacking something we asked for or expected is likely the source of the pain we’re facing. We’ve asked people for love and felt rejection, for a father and got a boss, for a boss and got a tyrant, for a loan and got debt, for another chance and got the door. We could all make a list of human disappointments. 

Like the disciples on the boat, we could also make lists of ways we doubt God’s presence in our storms. So, when we read Jesus’ words in Matthew chapter seven, we’re encouraged by the part about God being a loving Dad who wouldn't give us something tricky when we ask for something good. He won’t give us a snake instead of jump rope, or a knuckle sandwich instead of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or a shipwreck instead of traveling mercies.

However, before Jesus reminds us of our good Father’s character, He tells us how to ask. Ask, seek, and knock, He says. These words progressively increase from desire to confidence. Think on that. Also, in Jesus’ example, the son is not making a safely generic request for provision, or a slightly more specific request for food. Instead, he asks for fish with the tenacious confidence of a son who thinks highly of his father’s ability to angle fish.

So, should we ask for God’s help when we need or want it? Yes, and when we do, we should ask with the sure belief that He will come through with abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine.

Life seems to be continuous hurdles at times. My legs are getting tired of raising up high enough to clear them. Sometimes I'm feeling like I'm on the verge of tripping over them......a major TRIP just waiting to happen. Why is this happening to me? I've been ASKING, SEEKING and KNOCKING a lot lately when these scriptures popped up in my daily reading. Find your scriptures during your trails. It'll give you the much needed faith and encouragement. 

BELIEVE AS IF YOUVE ALREADY RECEIVED IT

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

For the Love of Money is a Root of all Kinds of Evil.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. … 1 Timothy 6:10

Like an old, wrinkled dollar, 1 Timothy 6:10 has been bent, folded, and flattened in every way to purchase mental real estate in the minds of believers. It’s been forced on the wealthy to squeeze out their offering, and slipped in by others to justify their thirsty savings accounts. Was the Apostle Paul getting ready to ask for money? Was he trying to make himself feel better about his own lack of a nest egg? Was he saying money is bad and we should do everything possible never to have much of it?

Let’s hunt for some context surrounding Paul’s first letter to Timothy.

 To Timothy, a true son in the faith:Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Timothy 1:2

Many scholars believe Paul wrote this letter on his third missionary journey, a few years prior to his arrest. Paul had long abandoned comfort and steady income for life as a nomadic leader of the early Christian church. In fact, Paul spread God’s word without requiring payment.... 

Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. 1 Corinthians 9:14-15

....and at times made tents to support himself.  

After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. Acts 18:1-3

So, we know Paul was sharing a deeply held, lived-out belief with Timothy.

What will Paul’s words to Timothy speak to us? Paul began chapter six with a servant-and-master theme. Later, he described false teachers who think godliness is a way to secure financial gain. 

useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. 1 Timothy 6:5 

One verse later, he flipped the coin by claiming godliness paired with contentment are great gain. Paul continued to make his case by reminding us what we get to take with us when we die. He called the desire to get rich a way to destruction.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Timothy 6:9

Then finally, he explained all this with....

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10

Paul was not denouncing wealth, he was denouncing the lack of contentment. A condition which dethrones God as master and enslaves people to the pursuit of money. Jesus also used servant-and-master imagery to discuss money. In Matthew 6:24, our Savior plainly stated, “You cannot serve both God and money.”

Let’s think about it this way. Why do we all want to win the Lotto? Somewhere in our sinful nature is a whisper that says more money will mean more security, happiness, significance, generosity, and even godliness. But where do those things actually come from? God, our true master. What Paul and Jesus were warning against is this: the evil that promises good life through any currency other than crowning God your only King. Is money bad? No. Can it be put in submission to God to accomplish great things for Him? Yes. Is that an easy pursuit? No. How should we start? Godliness with contentment. How should we finish? Godliness with contentment.

Consider: Have you replaced the peace, satisfaction, comfort, love, strength, and direction that comes from God with any other “master”?

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

Taken from my morning devotionals 

F.E.A.R. and P.U.S.H.

Some days we really need to have all the help we can get. Struggles and trails usually strike at times that are most inconvenient. Never do they happen when your best prepared to tackle them. There are times when the whole world appears dark. We feel engulfed and swimming in a lake full of ALLIGATORS with no sight of escape. 

Today I am honestly scared if I'll ever be able run again. Everyone is supportive but I know it's a long road ahead. It's easy to look back on your path, your journey, your trails, your struggles and say it "Look at how far I've come." However to be at the starting line and stare at the distance without the ability to see the finish line......well it's just daunting. 

So what can I do? I have one thing I need to do first and foremost. That's prayer. I have only one strength right now that I can draw upon and that is the Lord's. Mine's pretty fragil at the moment. Not trying to wallow in self pity. Really trying to be strong and motivate myself including others that I promised to support. It just stinks. I just wish I could rewind like you do on the DVR for the television and go back......I want that 30 seconds of stupidity back so I can make a wise decision. Don't we all?

So today I'll do my routine the best I can (sans running) and focus on what I need to accomplish everywhere else. I'll PUSH and not FEAR.

Thank you friends for all your support and love.

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

I Can Do All Things Thru Christ

Philippians 4:13 is used by so many as a motivational scripture to use us beyond what we ourselves can accomplish. So often it comes across that WE can DO ANYTHING with Christ's help. I don't disagree with that statement but I also don't want to get lost in what Paul is sharing in all of the surrounding scripture.

Read Paul's full statement in context:

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:10-13 NKJV

Im reading into his statement that he is content in whatever situation he is in. And he has learned to accept it regardless of the situation. He has been very "FULL" and he has been very "HUNGRY" and he is happy that God has provided. Regardless of his situation.....he can do EVERYTHING because Christ will strengthen him. 

I don't think he arbitrarily is stating that he will be able to accomplish anything. I believe that he is stating that what he does.....for God.....he is capable.

My thoughts.....share yours......would love to hear from you.

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson

Bible Scriptures

Here is a few pictures of scriptures I have been reading and studying in the mornings.

Hope this gives you some inspiration and encouragement like it has me. Tell me which is your favorite. 

Feel free to use any for yourself and share with others.

May God bless our days.

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

Luke 22

In Luke 22, we glimpse a conversation between Peter and Jesus. It begins with bad news, namely, that Satan intends to “sift all of you as wheat” (Luke 22:31, NIV). Peter boldly claims that he is ready to go to prison with Jesus, even to die with him. Jesus responds with a chilling prediction: “Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me" (Luke 22:34, NIV). Luke does not report Peter’s response, but surely Peter is distressed, whether he believes Jesus or not.

However, we find encouragement in this passage. Right after Jesus says that he has prayed for Peter, he adds, “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32, NIV).

Jesus is certain Peter is going to fail. But it doesn’t keep him from assigning to Peter the task of strengthening his fellow disciples. Jesus sees beyond Peter’s obvious faults and upcoming failures. He sees that which is good in Peter, his strength, faith, and compassion. He knows that Peter will be the one to build up his fellow disciples, in spite of the fact that Peter himself will fail along the way.

What an encouragement this is for us! We know our weaknesses. We know how many times we fail to live up to God’s standards. We are broken, sinful people. Yet Jesus sees beyond our faults and failures. Jesus calls us into his service, not because he has an unrealistic picture of us, but because he sees us fully. He sees that we are bound to make mistakes. At the same time he sees us as gifted for service in his ministry.

It’s important to learn from our mistakes, but we can’t let them become obstacles. We have to move forward, trust God for both forgiveness and guidance, and prepare for what's next. There are so many times that I have beat myself up over something I've said or done that I knew wasn't in line with God's commandments but did it anyway. What makes us do this? I feel that I can't see the big picture too often when that's what I should be doing everyday. Instead I get dragged into the muck with everyone else and my goals become distorted. That is until I raise my head and refocus on the true destination. Once I do that my path is clear.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me learn from my mistakes. And when I’ve received your forgiveness and guidance, strengthen me to move forward, knowing that you see me and call me into a life of purpose. Amen.

Maybe a helpful and encouraging thought for others today.

God bless you all.

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

Supes, Bats and Wondy

I like superhero movies. Just that simple. I don't need to criticize how the story played out or what the main character should have done to save the world or any of that. I just like to transport myself into that dimension. I'd love to be a superhero......what kid wouldn't......oh yeah.....I'm 50 now.....guess I should grow up. But I don't want to.

I was able to go see the new release this weekend of DC's Batman vs Superman.....I had a blast. It was a bit dark but they all seem to be that way these days. I don't try to compare one comic to another or judge it.....I just want to dive into to it and believe. I could watch these movies over and over again.

Of course it was not only exciting to see both Batman and Superman in the same movie but then you add Wonder Woman......of course all of us red blooded males out their was excited to see her. I don't think she received one negative review......duh, I won't have expected. It's all of us guys fantasy girl since a kid. We couldn't wait to see her come on screen. Even her theme music was hot.

Every time I go see one of these movies, I can't wait until the next one to come out. Gotta wait until 2017 to see Wondy again. Aquaman, Flash, Cyborg on their way too. I'd invent a time machine just so I could run ahead and see the shows quicker.....but then again.....I dream a lot.

Until next time my friends....don't stop believing.

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

The Power of the SMALL

Notes from my sermon I deleivered today 3.27.16 at the Princess Anne Church of Christ.

It's the small things that make the difference

The power of ONE, The power of the SMALL

I want to share a few little things today. The message today isn't a big message. 

Its actually a little message. A small message. 

It's about how a little thing can become a big thing. 

It's about a few small things that can be added together. 

In itself…..a small thing might not appear as much. Drop eggs into jar.

But it's when a few things are added together over time…..they become a BIG THING.

Drop eggs into jar.

We think so often that we cannot make a difference with small things……and maybe in itself…..by itself….that might appear be true. 

DROP OF WATER

Have you ever seen a drip of water make a difference? Have you ever seen a drip of water over and over and over and over make a difference? Persistence……a constant dripping water can wear away a hole in a stone. Have you ever seen that before? Drop eggs into jar.

You wouldn't think that a single drop of water would make a difference would you? But it is certainly true and real. Could you even figure out how many drops of water it would take to make a dent in the stone? I don't think you could really come to any real answer……but you know that something that small over time certainly can make a dent. Who could you go to ask that? Google provided no help…

It's like asking Mr. Owl…..”Mr Owl, how many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?” 3…..Mr. Owl didn't even try.

Job 14:18-19 “But as a mountain falls and crumbles away,And as a rock is moved from its place; As water wears away stones,And as torrents wash away the soil of the earth;So You destroy the hope of man.

How many stars are in the sky?

How many grains of sand are on the beach?

Let's think about the stars……astronomers  estimate….that means they guessed……170 billion galaxies in the observable universe….stretching out over a radius of some 45.7 billion light years. Now there are giant elliptical galaxies that have over 100 trillion stars….and then there are dwarf  galaxies that have significantly fewer. Our Milky Way has 400 billion stars…….so if you multiply the estimated average number of stars in each galaxy…..blah blah blah.

it's a septillion number of stars. That's a 1….with 24 zeros behind……..THEY DON’T HAVE A CLUE! They must have asked Mr. Owl. Drop eggs into jar.

How about sand……well enough to make a beach.

Hebrews 11:12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

Isaiah 48:19 

Your descendants also would have been like the sand,And the offspring of your body like the grains of sand;His name would not have been cut offNor destroyed from before Me.”

RUNNING

Okay let's break it down into something a little more manageable…..for me any way.

I've shared a little of my running journey……when people hear my story now and they can't even imagine. Just a few years ago I wasn’t even able to run to the end of the street without being winded. Most said that I probably couldn't do it. In actuality it is only one simple step at a time……that's it……if you put them together it begins to add up.

 

Each mile has 5280 feet…my stride is a little over two feet when I'm running.

Each marathon is 138,336 feet

In two years I've done 22……3,043,392 feet…..of races.

That's just races…..counting training I've done 2106 miles…….11,119,152

Small steps……continuous steps…..begin to add up. Drop eggs into jar.

Now if you would've told me two years ago that I would run 22 marathons and cover nearly 12 million feet during that time…….I’d tell you you're crazy. By the way…..that would be like running from here to Los Angeles. Drop eggs into jar.

MONEY

Small continuous…..money savings account compound interest. What does it do?

$1 dollar a day…..everyday for 65 years……with only 1% interest……compounded nearly $33K

The power of ONE. Drop eggs into jar.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Drop eggs into jar.

These are all things that apply more to persistence. Let's add FAITH.

I love the story about Jericho.

Joshua 6:1-14 

Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. 

1. You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. 

2. This you shall do six days. 

3. And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. 

4. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, 

5. and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 

6. It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, 

7. and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; 

8. then the wall of the city will fall down flat. 

Drop eggs into jar.

No where in the scriptures does it ever say that all the people…..looked and said…..oh yeah that makes sense……I'm guessing that there were a few people that said, “What?”

The rest of the scripture tells exactly what they did.......

they only did part of it? 

No, they decided that five days was enough? 

No, not everyone yelled? 

No…..They followed the formula that God provided and it worked……just as it was told. Just as they were COMMANDED.

AND THE OUTCOME WAS JUST AS PROMISED.

How can that be? How can that help? That just doesn't make sense in my mind?

WOULD YOU DO IT TODAY?

There are a lot of things that we really don't have a clue of…….if I told you that there was a building down town that they didn't to drop and these were the instructions to take for demolition….would you do it? Probably not…..because it doesn't make sense………it makes FAITH.

When soldiers march in three files over a bridge, they generate a rhythmic oscillation of sine waves on the bridge. At a certain point, the bridge would start oscillating to the same rhythm as that of the marching steps.

This oscillation would reach a maximum peak when the bridge can no longer sustain its own strength and hence collapses. Therefore, soldiers are ordered to break their steps while crossing a bridge. 

It depends on the bridge. Albert Bridge in London is known to resonate at marching pace and has signs ordering troops to break step.

And the people shall go up every man straight before him.” Then Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord.” And he said to the people, “Proceed, and march around the city, and let him who is armed advance before the ark of the Lord.” So it was, when Joshua had spoken to the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the Lord advanced and blew the trumpets, and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them. The armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard came after the ark, while the priests continued blowing the trumpets. Now Joshua had commanded the people, saying, “You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, ‘Shout!’ Then you shall shout.” So he had the ark of the Lord circle the city, going around it once. Then they came into the camp and lodged in the camp. And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. Then seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord went on continually and blew with the trumpets. And the armed men went before them. But the rear guard came after the ark of the Lord, while the priests continued blowing the trumpets. And the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. So they did six days.

Joshua 6:15-21 

But it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. On that day only they marched around the city seven times. And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city! Now the city shall be doomed by the Lord to destruction, it and all who are in it. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the Lord; they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.” So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword.

Pound on the bottom of a building. Okay well that's science……Who made science?

We don't understand the power of the SMALL.

DAVID AND GOLIATH Drop eggs into jar.

BAPTIZED

How can getting wet really help? How can getting baptized save my sole?

I take a shower every day….I take a bath…..I think I'm good….NO…..YOU DON’T STINK EVERY DAY! Your neighbor appreciates that.

You get baptized so YOU DON’T STINK FOREVER!

You get baptized….exactly the way you were told….the way you were commanded….and the OUTCOME WILL BE JUST AS PROMISED.

Would you really want to risk it?

So how does this all apply to us? What does the little things do to contribute to our faith?

I feel in today's microwave society we don't have patience…..especially for ourselves.

We stand in front of the microwave yelling “hurry up”, because honestly 35 seconds just isn't fast enough.

READING DAILY

I am a terrible reader. I've always struggled since a child to read. But I've committed myself to read just a little bit of the bible each morning.

What if you read a single scripture a day…..each day…..what would it do?

First, Have you ever read the entire Bible? There are 31,102 versus. You would have to read until you were over 85. There are 1189 Chapters in the bible. If you read one chapter a week…..22 years. One chapter a day…..3 ¼ years. That's only about 7 minutes a day.

What could that do for you?

Matthew 6:11 

Give us this day our daily bread.

Acts 17:10-11 THE BRETHREN IN BEREA

Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded more noble (Old King James) than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

2 Timothy 2:15 

Be diligent study (Old King James)to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Drop eggs into jar.

PRAYER DAILY

What if you committed to prayer everyday?

Psalm 72:15 

And He shall live;And the gold of Sheba will be given to Him;Prayer also will be made for Him continually,And daily He shall be praised.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Ephesians 6:10-20 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Philippians 4:6-7 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

it's pretty well understood that you'll gather a better knowledge of our Christ. You'll develop a better relationship with him. THAT’S NOT NEW….YOU ALL KNOW THAT.

We consider The BIG THING is to get baptized. Once you get wet you've accomplished all you need. Well folks that is just the BEGINNING.

IF IT MATTERED TO YOU WOULD YOU DO MORE? MORE THAN COMMANDED?

IF IT AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS WOULD YOU PUT MORE EFFORT? WOULD YOU STUDY?

IF IT AFFECTED YOUR HEALTH WOULD YOU TRY HARDER? WOULD EAT BETTER? WOULD YOU EXERCISE?

COMMERCIAL: If you only had to eat one piece of broccoli or do just one push-up…….If only it was that easy.

If you said I LOVE YOU on the day you got married but never said it again or showed it again…..what would that say? HOW WOULD YOU EXPECT YOUR MARRIAGE TO BE?

ITS STARTS WITH JUST ONE STEP……THE FIRST STEP…..THE COMMITMENT.

The first step is baptism. 

Acts 2:38-39 

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Without baptism it's like running a marathon without a race bib…..without a timing chip.

You are running aimlessly without a purpose.          Does that even make sense?

And then it's just one step at a time. And that is how you need to look at it. Not all 58,000 steps to get to the finish line….but just the step that is right in front of you.

Watch your steps…..try not to trip or stubble……but that's okay if you do….just get back up and continue down the road.

It won't happen instantaneously. 

Okay Eugene you ran a marathon……you’re done…..NOPE….I've just begun. Drop eggs into jar.

Okay Eugene you read the entire bible…..you’re done…..Nope….I’ve just begun. Drop eggs into jar.

Okay Eugene you said a prayer several times…..you’re done…..That's silly…..hey would I ever want to stop talking with my Lord. Drop eggs into jar.

Okay Eugene you told Regaina you loved her……I'm not even going there!!!!! Drop a bunch of eggs into jar.

You're jar is full…..there isn't any more room for more.

THE MORE I READ AND STUDY…..THE MORE I REALIZE HOW LITTLE I KNOW…..HOW MUCH MORE I CAN AND WANT TO ACCOMPLISH.

Its time to trade in my jar. My jar just gets bigger.

How are you filled up with the spirit? Do you want to be overflowing with the Holy Spirit?

I ask you today…..not tomorrow…..not later in the week…..not next month….next year…..BUT TODAY! WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? 

Going forward is always so intimidating….to everyone. We don't like to share our failures with others. Our struggles, our faults, our temptations, our transgressions, our lack of ability…..guess what…..we are all SINNERS! Everyone of us in here today. We all need salvation. 

So this morning I want the barrier removed. Today we have a jar full of steps (steps-not sins)…..a jar full of commitments that we are ready to take. You know what they are. You know what you need to work on. Unless you have not one sin in your life you don't need an egg. But I'm guessing you might be like me and need a few…..maybe a handful.

So while we are singing the invitation song…..I encourage you to come forward and grab a handful of eggs. You can grab a few and then return to your seat…..the eggs will represent what steps you yourself are about to take to be a better Christian. After the song, we will ask our brother to lead us in a prayer focusing on allowing us to be consistent in taking each step daily.

Let us stand and sing.

365 Opportunities + 1

 Everyday is another day for an opportunity. An opportunity comes along and most of the time we let is pass us right by. Don't let it get by you today....catch it and make it yours! 

2016 is a leap year so you get one extra day......what absolute fantastic thing will come along on the 29th of February?

Share what your opportunity was today......and what did you do with it.

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

Am I Annoying?

Do I dream too much? Do I share my aspirations and goals too frequently? I have often in my life been very positive about everything. Confident that if I set my mind to it I could accomplish whatever I truly desired. I always thought it was good to share that positive nature with others around me but I recently have begun to think differently.

Maybe I'm just too much for others. An annoyance. Maybe I'm one of THOSE peoples that are just so overly positive that they make you sick. Certainly never wanted to be like that. Just thought that sharing the dream and positivity was healthy. It could be the opposite reaction for others when they hear me speak. When they hear me talk about the good things to come. Regardless if it is just for me or for everyone around me that will benefit from these good tidings.

Maybe it would be better to keep things to myself. Maybe it would be better to hide away my feelings whether they are good or bad. Sink into my office and close the door and not let out any of my emotional expressions. I'm feeling that way now. I'm feeling that I'm being resented. Am I paranoid? Am I overly sensitive? Possibly. More than likely. It is the diabetes talking?

Who really cares? "Just let me do my thing and stay out of my way" might be how most people feel. If that is the case then my whole strategy on team building has been entirely wrong. I've been going down the wrong path. It isn't about team.....it's really about self. Withdraw from others and hide away could be the response. Friends, family and workers are just nice enough not to say it to my face. There sick of me. Sick of what I have to say. Feel that I'm a hypocrite. I certainly don't mean to be. Just struggling to be more, to be better, to encourage in the best way I know.

Maybe is just me alone in this world. Running down the lonely road of dreams. I hear that Whitesnake song every time I go running. Maybe that is me. Maybe that is my reality. Maybe everything is just in vain. What am I trying to do here? Why is it important? Or is it only important to me? I'm tired. Tired of worrying, tired of trying to please everyone, tired of trying to make peace between everyone, tired of trying to be a friend. I guess I'm tired of people.....maybe a deserted island is a better place for me? 

I don't know where I'm goin'
But I sure know where I've been
Hanging on the promises in songs of yesterday
An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time
Here I go again, here I go again

Tho' I keep searching for an answer
I never seem to find what I'm looking for
Oh Lord, I pray you give me strength to carry on
'Cause I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams

Here I go again on my own
Goin' down the only road I've ever known
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time

Just another heart in need of rescue
Waiting on love's sweet charity
An' I'm gonna hold on for the rest of my days
'Cause I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams

Not everyday is roses around here. There are a lot of thorns. 

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe