How to be uncool:101
Hey Friends,
A few days ago we came to the conclusion of the 2010 Winter Olympics. I watched quite a bit, especially the speed skating. I think that’s where I would I have excelled… if I knew how to skate…or if I had a name like Apolo Anton Ohno. That just sounds fast. The one time I actually went skating, my daughter suggested I use a “skating walker.” If you looked up “un-cool” in the dictionary I’m pretty sure you’d find a picture of me with this contraption, or “friend repellent” as I like to call it. Nevertheless, I took up music, and they managed to have this year’s games without me.
What I’m inspired by is the drive to exceed and, well…win. For some, winning was getting there. For others it was placing. For some, only winning the gold was good enough. And for a few, they won when they saw their teammates win. ( I like this one) I think there’s something for us to glean. First of all, if you know Christ, you win. On any given day you might be more depressed than anything else, but when your life is hidden with God through Christ, you win. The roof might collapse, the empire may crumble, you may be transferred to Kansas, but with Christ in you, your hope of glory, you win. You might be thinking low thoughts, daydreaming in church, wandering for a season, or feeling like you’re at the end of the” waiting line” in just about everything. But in His grip, you win.
Where you are is not where you will remain. It’s a season, and seasons change. I know that by experience; mine and others. I saw a sign recently that read, “God will not look you over for medals, diplomas, or honors, but for scars.” And another that read, “Without your scars, where would your power be?” I pray that you see the team you’re on today. Our Coach is second to none. “Therefore fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
A few last things:
~ I want to thank all who have helped with the Shoes-for-Souls drive. We’re up to over 3000 pairs. Let’s pray that these get to Haiti/Chile speedily to help those in need.
~ We had a number of new visitors last week. This is an incredible blessing. God is in the business of transforming lives, and when that happens, people are drawn.
~ We can still use a few more folks to help with Stop Hunger Now, this Saturday from 4-6. Contact Renae at renae@esumc.org for more info or go to www.esumc.org/missions.
~ Our new series, “A Better Facebook” is well worth getting up for on Sunday! There’s a message from God, through Lisa coming this week that you will not want to miss, and a song that I believe God will use to bring healing and hope.
OK, that’s it for this week. Remember to check out www.estreetgathering.org under media for new songs and videos and www.haitiwewillrise.org for updates on how God is using “We Will Rise” in Haiti. It was shown on Haiti’s National TV channel (throughout the entire country) during a very large soccer game yesterday! God is awesome!
Still in one peace,
Stefan Youngblood