The "Soak" Zone

I went to Sea World with my son on a field trip yesterday. It was quite fun - although I can't recall how many times we have been there through the years. With annual passes there for a while, we went quite often ... however, in all of those trips, we never sat real close to the front of Shamu Stadium. 52 degree salt water cascading on me from a behemouth whale is not my best thoughts for the day!!

But, this time, I relented. As the "adult" in the midst of several 2nd graders, I found it my duty to supervise. I convinced them that the 5th row up would offer sufficient water coverage and they agreed. If you have been in Shamu Stadium, then you know that the lower rows are very clearly labeled "Soak Zone." NOT "splash zone" - but "SOAK ZONE." There is little doubt what WILL HAPPEN! The boys were eager with anticipation.

While we waited, another group came in - a group of middle school students (their shirts were a dead give away!) They sat in the first and second rows of the stadium ... in the clearly marked SOAK ZONE. And really, you can't be unprepared for the "Soaking" because the tell-tale sign is when the Cast begins their "Shamu - Shamu" chant and wave their arms in the air in Orca-tale like fashion. --- The first wave of water -- or should I say --- the first tsunami of water landed squarely ... if not perfectly ... on the first two rows. Four or five of the girls in that group were visibly (and unrepeatable audibly) upset. In fact, upset is not a sufficient word for what they were.

Yet, I had to marvel at their furious behavior because ALL Warning Signs - even Audible Warnings - were in place CLEARLY telling them ... they would be soaked.

I also continually marvel at those who are sitting in the Church Soak Zone! All of the signs are there ... If I go and prepare a place ... I will come back ----- no one comes to the Father except through Me ----- this is how they will know you are My disciples, if you love one another ---- do unto others as you would have done unto you.

Yes, all the signs are there ...

...yet I have a feeling when the day comes that the tsunami of truth that those signs represent casts down upon us, there will be those who are going to react as though they had no idea that wave was coming ...

Think about that!!
See ya Sunday!

Something to ponder

"Brendan Watson is 25. Last year, he bought his first house in St. Pete. Last week he bought his first handgun, a 9mm. He doesn't like guns. But feels he needs one." That's the way a recent article in the St. Petersburg Times bagan. Brendan is a writer for the paper and his words really hit me as I read them ... particularly the last line I quoted ... "[he] feels he needs one." I have never been a "pro-gun" advoctate nor an "anti-gun" supporter, but I am concerned when a young man writes that he "feels he needs one."

Granted, we live in a country where violence seems to be on the upswing, but doesn't this just make matters worse? We already have signs of what "feels he needs one," type of thinking gets us. We could just as easily be talking about alcohol or drugs or even sexual issues. The need for just one more will eventually lead to a habit ... which leads to character ... which leads to destiny.

I think somewhere along the way we have missed the mark. Our philosophy of self-protection equals safety doesn't always compute to a level playing field - as we learned so unfortunately last Monday. Perhaps a better philosophy to live by is the one that Jesus gave to us ... Treat others the way you would want yourself to be treated. Love your enemies. Love your neighbor as yourself. Husband's love your wives the way Christ loved the church. Wives, respect your husbands. Children, honor and obey your parents.

Maybe I'm tilting too many windmills - but it seems to me that The One who created the Universe in perfect order knows a thing or two about how we should behave and treat each other.

Think about it!!

There are days you won't forget ...

December 7, 1941 ... January 28, 1986 ... April 20, 1999 ... September 11, 2001 ...

... and now ... April 16, 2007 ... the day America saw her worst school shooting in history. Reports are still sketchy coming in - but so far, reports say 22 dead and at least 28 injured in a shooting at Virginia Tech. A premeditated plan to "go out in a big bang," as one commentator just said. Where is our world going?

May your prayers be with the families that are hurting right now. This is a day we won't forget. Perhaps it will help us to remember it ...

... then again - maybe it won't.

Behold the Lamb

Last night in our Bible Study time, we studied the concept of Jesus' Passion week. I found it interesting that as soon as I turned on my Computer Radio - set to JoyFM of course - they were talking about the same thing!

If looking at the Biblical story from today's dateline - today - Thursday - would be Passover ... the day that Jesus shared a last meal with his Apostles - washing their feet ... a task usually reserved for the lowliest of servants - even washing the feet and dining with the one who would betray Him and the one who would deny Him.

It was a time of prayer - intense prayer for Jesus in the Garden - praying so diligently that his sweat fell as drops of blood to the ground.

John the Baptist - 3 years earlier looked to Jesus and said of Him "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." Now, during this Passover season, Jesus would demonstrate just what that meant. The Blood of The Lamb covers the doorposts of our sinful hearts, protecting us, keeping us, saving us.

He was wounded for our transgressions - wounded for our iniquities.

If you have time today - go to www.thejoyfm.com and download "The Easter Song" that they created. It is a powerful time of worship!

Pastor Todd

May my Tennessee friends PLEASE FORGIVE ME!

Okay - I'll admit it - I was cheering for the Gators last night - Oh alright - I was cheering for the Gators last night! It just seemed natural to cheer for a vicious reptile rather than a worthless nut (or so I have been told that is what a "Buckeye" is) - although I have a friend who makes a candy called a "Buckeye" that is scrumptious!! But I digress ...

I listened as the commentators continually praised the team work of the 2 time - 2 time - 2 time - National Champs! Did you know that they had 5 starters with 1,000 point seasons? If you are a true Gator fan you did! That is almost unheard of in this day of showmanship and self-gratification. But the commentators last night not only impressed upon their audience that fact, but also recognized how unselfish the players were. Just because they might have an open shot - there might be someone with a better open shot and they would pass it off. Florida can be proud of their fine team. I would hope that they would consider sticking around. Lee Humphrey (a Tennessee boy!!) is the only senior of the starters to graduate out. Could anyone say "3-peat!"?

Hmmm ... what if? Oh - no - it's probably too much to imagine! What if the teamwork in the church ... ? Hmmm - I wonder .....