HoHum:
David Pollay- One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started to yell at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. So I asked, “Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!” This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, “The Law of the Garbage Truck.” He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piled up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. Don’t take it personally. Just smile, wish them well, and move on. Don’t take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The truth is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.
WBTU:
Philippians 4:8- Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable- if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy- dwell on these things.
Speaking of garbage trucks, we need to stop all of this stinkin thinkin. This phrase stinkin thinkin originated in AA as a way to describe thinking that would likely lead a person back to drinking. Over time, the phrase came to be used to describe any number of self destructive thought processes. One such thought pattern is discounting the positive. We tend to ignore positives and focus exclusively on negatives- negative bias in thinking. Not that everything is good, but Christians should be the most positive people on the earth. Pessimism is an act of unbelief. “And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.” Hebrews 3:18, 19, NIV. See this most clearly when the Israelites came to Promised Land and Moses sent out the 12 spies. “But the men who had gone up with him (Caleb) said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size.” Numbers 13:31, 32. Unbelief in themselves and God.
Thesis: What can we do to maintain a positive outlook? These 4 beliefs will help us
For instances:
I. Be a believer in our country
I avoid many of the political TV shows. Always focused on the negative. Listen to some people and think we are going down today. Jack McCall said this past July 4th- On this the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence I am moved to write of my love for our homeland, the United States of America. “The United States of America”- just to utter those 5 words causes my heart to swell with pride. For 244 years we have endured as the United States of America. Through trials and hardships, through civil war, through the “Cold War,” through military conflicts, against enemies from without and against enemies from within; among all the other nations of the world, the United States of America remains freedom’s brightest hope. I love America because of the goodness of its people. Born in freedom, I have grown up and I have lived among the finest the world has to offer. Generations shaped by the Judeo- Christian work ethic yielded a population of generous, honest, hard working, dedicated men and women who loved their families, their neighbors and their country. I love America because Americans are the first to respond whenever and wherever disaster strikes in the world. Whether is be an earthquake, a typhoon, a hurricane, famine or tsunami, the United States of America arrives first with the most. Let it be noted those who condemn America for her excesses and seek to destroy our freedom have spent precious little time and effort to relieve the suffering of other peoples in the world. I love America because, under her umbrella of freedom, millions have been afforded the opportunity to become who God meant for them to be, flowering within our great free enterprise system. I love America because God’s hand has been upon her from the beginning. As we celebrate our independence may this be our prayer: Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light, Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King!” (https://www.lebanondemocrat.com/hartsville/jack-mccall-why-i-love-the-usa/article_3e2d67cf-b7af-5c2a-8357-8d3ad626f158.html) “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” Psalms 33:12, NIV. Maybe not the best but very blessed!
II. Be a believer in the church
Adapted from “5 things only the local church can do” by Costi Hinn (https://servantsofgrace.org/five-things-only-the-local-church-can-do/)
1. God’s multi-faceted wisdom may be made known through the church- Ephesians 3:8-10: This grace was given to me- the least of all the saints- to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. This is so that God’s multi-faceted (manifold- NIV) wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.
Think about a diamond that has many facets- multiple sides, angles, dimensions, forms of beauty. People will turn to many sources of wisdom, but nothing will bring the lasting peace that the wisdom of God brings.
2. The different methods of evangelism that are used. Is there a greater blessing than to see the lost sheep called home to the Great Shepherd? The local church is right at the center of evangelism, proclaiming the good news to the lost. “As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”” Romans 10:11-15, NIV. Gospel power goes out from the local church in more ways that we may realize. Yes, there is the sermon behind the pulpit, but there are other ways. Inviting people to church, cannot hear unless someone brings them to hear the sermon. Relational evangelism- out in the highways and byways of life. Whether in Sunday school rooms, youth group, camp, or powerful sermons during worship, the church is a powerful force for evangelism. Don't forget the impact of social media to share gospel
3. The church is the place for making disciples. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. ”” Matthew 28:19 NIV. Teach, baptize, teach. This takes work- must smell like sheep. Life is messy and ministry is too. If we aren’t willing to roll up our sleeves, put our work boots on, and dig into discipleship, we have to ask ourselves if we have lost sight of what our true purpose is.
4. The priesthood of all believers-“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10, NIV. No division of clergy and laity. Many things that can be said for this local church but one of the best is the missions program- about 45% of budget goes to missions. Brag about this to prospective ministers and to prospective members- very rare indeed. Every dollar that you give 45 cents goes missions. Can give individually but think about pooling resources- everyone has something to share- “Share with God’s people who are in need” Romans 12:13.
5. Memories shared in local church- There is no denying that the relationships we form in serving Christ are some of the most powerful bonds that can be formed in this life. Paul shared a love with the churches that he helped to plant. Philippians 1:3- I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you. “I have you in my heart” “How deeply I miss all of you” “My joy and crown”
III. Be a believer in yourself
Philippians 4:13- I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. One day a small boy was trying to lift a heavy stone, but he couldn’t budge it. His father, passing by, stopped to watch his efforts. Finally he said to his son, “Are you using all your strength?” “Yes, I am,” the boy cried, exasperated. “No,” the father said calmly, “You are not. You have not asked me to help you.” The child needed to learn to depend upon His father, and we need to do the same.
Now believing in yourself can be misunderstood and can even lead to heresy. “The answer is within you, just believe in yourself.” No, as individuals we are a mess, we need Christ. If we are doing things and trying to overcome anything in this life, we will fail without the strength of God to carry us through! Are we struggling with some sin? We will fail without Christ. Battling addition? Without Christ, we will fall flat! Anger management? We can overcome with Christ
IV. Be a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ
Talking with someone this past week who has experienced 2 losses- her son disappeared 3 years ago and believed to be murdered- her husband died this past week. Encouraged her to attend a support group- she said that she has the church and she has God. God is her rock, could not get through without God. Been some tough times lately. Even so when we are on Jesus Christ’s side in the end we win. Richard Rodgers put together a commentary on Revelation that was never published during his lifetime. The title was, “Hallelujah Anyway!” I don’t care what beast comes, or dragon, or harlot because when the smoke clears and the angel blows the last trumpet, we win. “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10, NIV.
