The Simple Truth

Need a Little Motivation? Check this out!

I saw this video today and was brought to tears. If you are  in need of some motivation to keep going then you need to check this out.  Just when you think you've got it rough!

OTL: NO Excuses!

I Want it NOW!

My favorite character in the classic movie, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is not Charlie, or Willy Wonka; it's Veruca Salt.  Remember her? She was the spoiled little brat who wanted everything the world had to offer and she wanted it NOW!  My love for her character stems from the truth she demonstrates about the human condition.  We want what we want and we want it NOW!

As Christians we know this world is not our home and yet we consistently fall prey to Veruca Salt syndrome.  Our inheritance is not in the terrestrial realm but in the celestial.  We think what the world has to offer looks grand, but it cannot compare to what awaits. Sadly, we often exchange an inheritance in the here and now for one in the hereafter.

I was reminded of this fact this morning while reading in the book of Numbers 32:1-5.  The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manasseh asked for an inheritance just outside the promised land because the land was good for cattle.  They looked around and determined that what the promised land offered couldn't be any better than what was before them. They were sadly mistaken!  God accommodated their request and they got their inheritance outside of the promised land (Numbers 34:14-15).  I reminded of the passage in Matthew 6:19-21 where Jesus tells his follows to lay up treasure in heaven where no one can take it, and it cannot be corrupted.  Right before that passage he talks about a group of people who are overly concerned about earthly rewards and notoriety - he says they have their reward.  Meaning, they wanted the things of this world and they received what they sought. However, they will miss out on what the Father truly wanted to give them - an eternal inheritance.

The two and half tribes of Israel missed out on what God had for them because they made a decision based upon what they saw instead of what God asked of them.  Their hearts where on the treasures of this world rather than on God. I'm sure they had very nice cattle ranches in Gilead but they couldn't compare for what awaited them in Canaan.  The materials of the world are attractive, but don't be fooled, they cannot compare to the inheritance that awaits those who faithfully follow Jesus. 

Charlie Sheen's Doing It Right

I'm sure you are all aware of the actor Charlie Sheen's recent struggles - they've been tabloid fodder for the past few months.  We stand back and shake our heads in disapproval, but I would submit to you that Charlie Sheen is doing life right.  Of course that statement is made with a HUGE presumption - a big fat "IF".

Charlie Sheen is doing life right IF this life is all you've got and there is no accountability for actions beyond the natural realm.  His actions make perfect, logical sense if there is no God, this life ends with the grave, and there are no eternal consequences for our earthly actions.  Here is a link to a recent interview with Sheen which shows he is taking this approach to life.  If this life is all there is it is perfectly understandable how a person could become incredibly self-indulgent, narcissistic, hedonistic, and materialistic, to the point of being destructive.

Of course, I don't really believe Charlie Sheen is doing life right. I believe there is a God in heaven to whom we are accountable.  I believe this life is only the beginning to an eternal existence. I believe there are eternal ramifications for our earthly actions. We live within certain moral parameters because there is more at stake than possible civil punishment.

I don't agree with the lifestyle Mr. Sheen has chosen to live, but I certainly understand the mindset and where it comes from. 

Battle at Kruger

As promised on Sunday, here is the video for "Battle at Kruger".  Enjoy!

Two Weeks Worth of Thoughts

Hey everyone!  I'm baaaaaack!  I was away for about 12 days speaking at a high school camp in MO and visiting with family but now I'm back and better than ever. I thought I'd take a few moments and share some of my thoughts from the past couple of weeks...

• My dad is recovering from his heart surgery. Each day you could see him getting a little better.  He's been cleared to drive and is now starting physical therapy. 
• It was awesome to see my mom and dad's church (Grace Baptist Church) truly minister to them while we were in town. They brought food every day we were there.
• It's impossible to eat right when you are on vacation.
• Always love seeing old friends again.
• Title of a sermon I heard while in MO - "When Lefty Stuck it to Fatty!" (Judges 3).  Sermon was so-so, but the title made me laugh out loud.
• Saw the movie, "Inception" while on vaca.  Very good! I recommend it. Has a real Matrix vibe to it.
• I always thought MO and NJ had about the same amount of humidity.  Not so!  MO is way more humid than NJ.  Even Kerrie thought it was hot and humid (those of you who know her, know that's says a lot). Every time I walked outside from A/C with my glasses on I got instant fogging of the spectacles.
• This was my twelfth year of doing this particular high school camp - man, time flies.
• We had an awesome high school camp this year.  God really blessed the entire week.  So cool to see so many young adults fired up about their relationship with God. It was so cool to see them unashamedly stand up in front of the entire group and talk about their walk with God.
• Spent the entire week of camp reading and rereading Revelation 3:14-21.  I'm sure you'll hear more about this in the weeks/months to come.  Two huge thoughts that emerged: two big battles faced by the church today - Apathy and Materialism.
• Got sick at camp (something was going around).  Still struggling to get over a head/chest cold. I hate summer time colds.
• Went to a St. Louis Cardinals game in the new stadium.  Even though we had Bob Uecker seats, it was a very cool experience. Stadium is awesome.  Abby is now a huge Pujols fan! 
• Bottom line - it was a great time, but it's good to be home.

PBC on YouTube

We've set up a YouTube account for Princeton Bible Church where we plan to post many of our original service videos. Some of these videos are so funny they are worthy of more than one watch.  I hope you'll check out our channel from time to time and enjoy some of these hilarious clips.

As a sample here's a video called "Ooops!" that was shown with our "Mugged by the Mirror" message.