Thankfulness and Gratitude

Do you remember the TV show Silver Spoons that starred Ricky Schroder? It’s the story of young Ricky Stratton and his millionaire father, Edward, who lived very much like a young boy himself, in a house filled floor to ceiling with toys.

What about Different Strokes with Gary Coleman? It’s the story of a Manhattan millionaire – Mr. Drummond – who adopts two orphaned African-American brothers from Harlem – Willis and Arnold.

Was Ricky ever thankful he was reconnected to his father? Was Edward ever grateful for his son? Were Willis and Arnold thankful for a man who crossed racial boundaries to love and care for them and adopt them as his very own sons?

Whether or not these individuals were thankful, I do not know. However, it does cause me to pose the following question to the church today: Do we have a Spirit of Thankfulness and Gratitude for what God has done for us?

God doesn’t need our money. The Bible says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it (Ps. 24:1).” The Bible also says that God owns the “cattle on a thousand hills (Ps. 50:10).”

Like a father, what God desires more than anything from His children is a thankful and obedient lifestyle that brings Him glory. Be thankful for your salvation. Give generously…not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for how God has radically changed your life. When God is glorified in us, we will be most satisfied in Him!

"Idol Gives Back ??????"

I really enjoy watching American Idol...especially in the beginning when all the "wanna-be's" show up and show out and then get booted out with Simon showing them the door and Paula and Randy laughing the whole way through.

But...does "Idol" really give back? Last year during the 2 1/2 hour "Idol Gives Back" show, I was personally touched to see "Hollywood" caring for the poor. It was certainly humanitarian and almost Christian...if you didn't know any better. Monetarily speaking, "Idol does Give Back" - a over $75 million dollars according to American Idol website.

However, in an article entitled, "Pro-lifers should avoid 'Idol Gives Back'", Tom Strode writes:

WASHINGTON (BP) — “Idol Gives Back,” the charity program of “American Idol,” is not worthy of support from people who regard unborn life as sacred, a pro-life leader says.

The hugely popular Fox television series will hold its charity fundraising event for the second year with a 2½-hour telecast April 9. Last year, Idol Gives Back raised more than $76 million for charities that combat poverty, disease, and other problems.

Among the six charities named as beneficiaries of this year’s program, however, is one – Save the Children – that partners internationally with organizations that promote abortion as a method of family planning, according to Life Decisions International (LDI). Save the Children, which received $14.5 million last year from Idol Gives Back, has working relationships with Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Population Action International, and the Center for Reproductive Rights, LDI said.

LDI President Douglas Scott applauded the desire of American Idol to aid the poor but said it is “tragic” a charity such as Save the Children, which he said has “far too much deadly baggage,” will benefit from the effort.

“If you believe the plight of preborn children is as important as the plight of the poor, do not participate in ‘Idol Gives Back,’” Scott said in a written release. “We are caring people who want to do our part to help those less fortunate, but we will do so through organizations that do not view the killing of human beings as a ‘solution’ to poverty and other adult-created problems.”

As moral and humanitarian as some of these organizations are, Christians must take the time to investigate where they are sending their money and resources. I certainly do not want to take away from a starving child in need of resources, but I certainly don't want to give of my resources indirectly to an organization that promotes "family planning" that does not agree with God's plan for the family and sexual responsibility.

If you have any questions or suggestions about organizations to give to, I'd love to hear from you!

On Faith and Prayer for FBC Winder

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting
Prayer Focus for week of April 2-9:
Liquidation of Downtown Properties

Have you ever wanted something to happen so badly you could taste it? That’s the way it is for so many in regards to the downtown properties that First Baptist used to inhabit. Four-years have passed since the downtown properties were placed on the market. While one parcel is under contract, the other three remain available for purchase. (If anyone is interested, see Bob Herring.)

In Matthew 21, we find Jesus walking on the road and he is looking for a “drive thru” for some breakfast. He sees a fig tree but it has no figs. Jesus – probably frustrated at the lack of service the fig tree gave - cursed the fig tree by saying, “May you never bear fruit again.” (How’s that for a complaint department?) Immediately the fig tree withered and died.

Amazed at what they saw, the disciples asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” Jesus, the wonderful teacher that He is, uses this moment as a teachable moment to talk about FAITH and PRAYER!

“Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.’”

The downtown properties have been like a mountain that stands in the way progress. We – the church – must BELIEVE and PRAY and tell those properties to go throw themselves into the sea! So, the next time you ride by 113 North Broad Street, believe, pray and say, “Go throw yourself into the sea.”