May 8, 2008
“The Pursuit of Happiness”
Dear FBCO Family:
The founding fathers of America were committed to this experiment in democracy. Most were fully devoted followers of Christ who came to America to worship the God of the Bible freely. In the preamble to the Declaration of Independence we read these words:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
They believed that all Americans are entitled to life (even the pre-born, Amen!), liberty to make wise choices, and the pursuit of happiness. Why does it say the “pursuit of happiness” and not happiness? Because happiness tomorrow depends on wise choices today.
As I told you Sunday, the incidence of depression in America is 10 times higher than it was at the height of World War II. This in spite of the fact that in WWII 20 times the number of Americans died in combat than in the whole Vietnam conflict. Things like tires, gas, sugar, and flour were rationed to save resources for the war effort. In our day of affluence, convenience saving devices, and relative safety we are far more prone to depression.
Why so much depression today? People today are preoccupied with self. To overcome depression we must focus on God who is bigger than any problems we face. We must make wise choices with what we have instead of always resenting the fact we don’t have more or live elsewhere. We must prioritize essentials like God, worship, family, and integrity.
The most joyous people around are generous people. I have told you many times think of the most generous person you know and I can tell you three things about them. Here they are:
· They always did more than was expected. They didn’t do the minimum to get by. They went beyond the call.
· Generous people almost always have faced great crisis. The death or lingering illness of a loved one. A gaping need in their life. A victim of things beyond their control. But instead of staying in the mess, they did what it took to rise above the problem.
· The third thing about generous people is they are joyful. In my 50+ years of life I have never met a miserable generous person! The root word of “miserable” is “miser”—a hoarder, selfish, preoccupied with self and missing the greater call of God and service.
Sunday you proved to be a joyful, generous people. We celebrated an “I LOVE HIS CHURCH!” day by gratefully returning our best gifts to God through FBCO to extend ministry. In addition to all we do in ministry we promised to take a “tithe” of that which came in above basic budget and purchase a van for our mission in Guerrero Mexico. It seemed impossible a month ago.
On “I LOVE HIS CHURCH!” day the impossible became reality! From a grateful heart you gave a total of $258,949.92! Plans for getting the van for Mexico (maybe two vans, who knows!?) are underway. A big dent was made in the “Value the Vision” mortgage reduction and elimination. Critical resources are ready for our mission ahead. Most of all God is glorified and, as we are faithful week in and week out, we will see how He opens the windows of Heaven and pours out the blessing! Refer to the other email you received for more details. Church, thank you for demonstrating your love for the God who loves and provides for us so incredibly well.
SUNDAY’S SERMON: This is “Mothers Day”. “Turning Problems into Potential” Nehemiah 1:1-11. Nehemiah knew the city of Jerusalem was vulnerable because the walls were down. But now it hit him in the gut so he did something about it. He prayed and he sought to do something about it, even though he was a house slave in a faraway land. He didn’t let that stop him and Nehemiah prayed and laid himself before the Lord. This sermon series on the book of Nehemiah we are calling “Rebuilding Lives”.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, God has some awesome things in store. Keep your knees down and your chin up!
The shepherd loves the sheep (you!),
Pastor Roger