October 24, 2006

Number 43

 VIEWPOINT

Now that the Braves have long since finished their season, who are you rooting for in the World Series?  Have you climbed on board the Detroit Tiger fan bus?  Or are you pulling for the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals? 

Regardless of who wins, sometimes we get a little insight from the games about life.  And frequently life events have a way of illustrating Biblical truth.

For example, think about the recent American League Divisional playoff.  According to the experts, the Yankees were supposed to win the series.  In fact, according to the experts, the Yankees were supposed to win it all this year.  Think of everything they had going for them:  They had the best record this season; they won 97 games.  They had the largest payroll in the history of baseball; the average player salary is $10 million a year. And they have the best players in baseball; this year 9 Yankees – virtually their entire lineup – made the All Star team.

The Detroit Tigers, on the other hand, were just three years past setting the AL record for most losses in a season; many of the players on the current roster were on that team.  It’s an inexperienced club; 18 Tigers had never seen postseason play.  This was supposed to be a building year for manager Jim Leyland.  They didn’t expect to make it this far.

Now the Tigers are in the World Series.  As for the

Yankees, it’s clear that their oversized payroll and impressive roster didn’t take them where owner George Steinbrenner thought it would. Some things can never take the place of the will to win.

In the same way, too often we put our trust in the wrong assets.  We expect money to bring us peace of mind, relationships to bring us happiness, possessions to bring us satisfaction.  It never works, at least not for long.

Within our churches, we sometimes expect more exciting programs to attract new people, or better PA equipment to make the worship more dynamic, or a power point presentation to improve the preaching.  These things are all good, and we should use them when we can.  They will never, however, take the place of the power of the gospel.

David said, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

What are the chariots and horses in your life?  What things do you look to for fulfillment instead of looking to God?  This week, every time you catch yourself lamenting your lack of money, your lack of personnel, your lack of resources – remember David’s words. And remember the New York Yankees.  You already have the asset you most need in order to do the work God has called you to do:  you have His power on your side.

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I look forward to meeting our many friends this Sunday as well as seeing everyone with a Bible, a smile, and a positive word!          RA

OCTOBER 29, 2006

Fellowship Meal after Morning Assembly

Afternoon Devotional – No 5 p.m. Service