Stephen Curtis Chapman

Stephen Curtis Chapman will be on Larry King Live tonight at 8pm central to discuss the loss of his child earlier this summer and what his family has been doing to cope, etc. I think it is great that he is getting this type of press time to hopefully spread the gospel. If you have a chance, tune in.
Eric

Effects of an idol

This is the best story I have found talking about the current Brett Favre situation.  I say Brett Favre situation because it is not about the team, it is about the individual.  Check it out.

I'm not saying the Packers have done everything right; nor am I saying Brett has done everything wrong.  But this situation clearly shows the effects of when we create an idol(s).  Fortunately for the rest of us, we don't live under this microscope of the media.  However, I bet we can all learn from it and perhaps see our own idols a little clearer; whether they be job related, money related, or whatever.  

I always have to check myself into right thinking about bowling.  Why do I try to bowl professionally?  Is it to look cool and win money?  Is it because I am so great?  NO!  This is a big struggle for me: remembering that the chief end of man is to glorify God and fully enjoy Him forever.  Bowling may be a lot of fun and I may have been given a little capacity for it, but if I don't have the right mind-set then it is all for naught.  It is very easy to do well at a tournament and think I am good or great or better than others or something.  Satan is always lurking.  However, if I take the talent God has given to me and try to hold credit for it, I am stealing and committing blasphemy.  The way I try to think of it is that the talent is God's and He just gave it to me for a bit to show how great He is.  It is my job to use it in a manner that still reflects all glory and honor to Him.  This is so hard for me!  Maybe you guys struggle with it too in something you do.  Maybe its not being a professional athlete or something.  Maybe its how pretty you are or how cool your house is or how well your kids behave or something.  We just have to keep remembering it is all God-given and all glory and honor should be given back to Him.  (By "we" I mean me)

...just a little rant from a guy who sees himself in the mirror and doesn't always like it...