Well we are almost through the first round of the Major League Baseball playoffs and there has been some amazing pitching going on by the Philadelphia Phillies. Their hurlers are in an amazing zone – a fanatical focus! And whenever I think of the Phillies I always think of the Phillie Phanatic! He is one of the most recognizable mascots in all of sports.
Obviously I am emphasizing the word fanatic. I think of the fans that are so sold out to their teams, even if their teams are in a losing season. Sometimes they are so devoted that they can’t even objectively watch the games. They are the fans with painted faces and team gear. They have team bumper stickers on their cars and flags flying from their car windows. They are the fans that leave no doubt where their allegiances lie.
The definition of fanatic includes the idea of extreme enthusiasm or belief.
Are you a fanatic? I am not asking about a sports team right now. I am asking if you are fanatical about Jesus?
Yesterday I heard a great message about the fanatical Apostle Paul. This guy was singularly focused on Christ. He talked about Him all the time – including when he was in prison. He left no doubt about his allegiance to Christ.
Philippians 3:12-14 says: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The pastor pointed out yesterday the following words: “but one thing I do.” Do you see the singular focus there?
Our allegiances are too spread out. We live in a society with not much time for Jesus. Oh we may show up for scheduled church services but does your devotion to Him lead you to talking about him throughout your days? Is it evident to others whose team you are on?
Years ago the group DC Talk used the following terms to describe a Jesus fanatic: Jesus Freak! They made the following statement in the song: “I don’t really care if they label me a Jesus Freak, there ain’t no denying the truth!”
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
October 4, 2010 - SQUARE UP!
As I conducted a clinic yesterday afternoon I kept being reminded of a constant theme: staying on course! I told the kids that I wanted them to listen with both their eyes and ears because that would help them concentrate. (I had also given an invitation as I was preaching yesterday morning that asked people to bow heads and close eyes; all for the same purpose of avoiding distractions.) I regularly remind players to find playing partners that have their same goals; that are headed in the same direction. As I taught a short session on shooting I told them how they needed to lock in on their target and keep their feet, hips, and shoulders square to the target. I told them how to train their eyes to stay focused on the rim (the target.)
Isn’t all of life about staying the course? We need to remember the simple truths of the Proverbs that encourage us to be singularly focused and stay the course. (And the parts that warn us of the alternative choices that lead to destruction.)
Our lives need to be characterized by us “squaring up” to our target of righteousness. From our eyes to our feet we need to stay on course. Here is the admonition found in Proverbs 4 (The Message):
20-22 Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health.
23-27 Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.
SQUARE UP! LOCK IN ON YOUR TARGET!
Isn’t all of life about staying the course? We need to remember the simple truths of the Proverbs that encourage us to be singularly focused and stay the course. (And the parts that warn us of the alternative choices that lead to destruction.)
Our lives need to be characterized by us “squaring up” to our target of righteousness. From our eyes to our feet we need to stay on course. Here is the admonition found in Proverbs 4 (The Message):
20-22 Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health.
23-27 Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.
SQUARE UP! LOCK IN ON YOUR TARGET!
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