Sunday will come and Sunday will go, and there will be one winning team and one losing team.  There will be people who live in NY or New England who will allow the loss to ruin their week.  But other than a football game having been played, how has the world changed?

After the Patriots annihilate the Giants, then what?  They go to Disney World.  Then what?  They bask in the praise and adoration of the press and their fans for a year.  Then what?  Eventually each player on these Super Bowl teams will retire.  Then what?   Perhaps some will go on to lead productive lives outside of football.  Then what?  It’s a pretty safe bet, that each of these men will die.  Then what?      Now that’s the question!

You probably cannot tell me the name of the starting linebacker or punt returner on the 1994 winning Super Bowl team.  Why?  Because it doesn’t matter.  It was a moment in time, but that moment is now gone and faded into insignificance.

The moment that does matter is the moment that begins eternity.  All of the “Then What?”s  mean nothing if they are not leading you to the “Then What?”  called Eternity.  There the moments never fade into obscurity, and every moment is a moment of pure joy!

If you are like me you have plans for your life, but as you achieve those plans, then what?

I admit it; I am a sports guy.  I take pleasure in playing sports and I enjoy watching sports.  Like many in the Pittsburgh area, I am a Steeler fan, so I was disappointed when the Steelers lost to the Denver Broncos this past Sunday afternoon.  Although I must confess I was somewhat conflicted entering into the contest.  I wanted The Steelers to win, but I also wanted Tim Tebow to have a great game in a losing effort.  I guess you don’t get everything you want.

Monday morning I turned on the radio only to hear virtually every station talking about the Steelers loss, but that isn’t what really caught my attention.  I couldn’t believe how upset so many people were, and how emotionally charged many of the comments were. 

Personally, it was hard for me to be upset Monday morning, not when my 40 year old friend and brother in Christ struggles for life in an ICU unit.  Not when his wife and children are wondering what’s going on with “daddy”.

Every now and then, situations happen that cause us to “wake up” and remember where we need to devote our emotions, our energy and our heart.  It’s with people, not things.  It is as simple as this: there are people and there are things and we are called to love one and use the other.  (I’ll let you figure out which is which.)

I need to continually remember that there are people around me and people halfway around the world who are dealing with real problems (physically, emotionally, spiritually, i.e.). Just because I may not know them doesn’t mean that I can’t invest myself on their behalf. That’s called compassion; and I’ve never seen compassion directed toward a thing.

My point is this:  I don’t want to wait until calamity strikes my world, before I decide to focus on what’s truly important!  I want to start today!

I want God to know that sports or material possessions or other things will not steal my purpose in life: to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. 

I confess, it is a  battle I wage daily.

In His Grip,

Terry Lafferty

How much did you spend on gifts this Christmas season?  Too much?  Did you spend more money than you had in the bank?  Did faces light up when people received their gifts.  Were they happy?

Most of us like giving and receiving gifts.  I admit that I like to see the joy happiness on my children’s faces when they open their presents.  Let me clarify, I do not believe that stuff brings joy; joy only comes through relationships. Joy is a deep-seated condition of the heart; unaffected by the world.  

Things may bring happiness, but happiness is fleeting.  My own experience has borne this out – when the new has worn off or the fascination has waned, so has the happiness.  And it takes some other thing to bring happiness for a little while.  So here’s my question:  “Do we spend money to buy happiness thinking that we are buying something more permanent?”    

In a recent interview, Shaquille O’Neal showed off his 70,000 square foot home.  Really?  I don’t think the “19 and Counting” crew needs a 70,000 square foot home.   Does it make him happy?  For awhile.  Does it fill him with joy?  No, it cannot.  And we should be glad it cannot.  The day that things can bring us deep, abiding joy, we are in trouble.  Because when those “things” (houses, cars, careers, talents, records, etc.) are gone, we would be devastated.      

The reason that happiness is never permanent is that we see others and began to yearn for what they have.  A person can be as happy as a mosquito at a blood bank with his new iPhone 4 until he finds out that his friend just got an iPhone 4s.  Blood bank closed – mosquito not happy!  

There is a path to impermeable, everlasting joy.  It is through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  When you invest in that relationship, you will discover that when other parts of your world collapse (and they will), you still have a joy that the world cannot take away!

May God bless you in this new year!

In His Grip,

Terry

I know those kind of men and women still exist today; it just seems like it is a riskier prospect to admire someone these days.  Individuals like Barry Bonds, Tiger Woods, Mark McGuire and Ben Rothlesberger, (people who command the world stage) have let down so many young people. (Now, I’m not saying their story is over. In fact, I am a big believer in redemption, but damage has been done.)   I used to encourage my son to look up to Ben Rothlesberger as a successful athlete who lived out his Christianity.  Then something went terrible awry.  It seems that ‘Big Ben’, with all of the world looking, exposed a character that was anything but noble.

And now we have Mr. Tim Tebow.  A man that some doctors said shouldn’t have been born.  He has risen to the highest level of football at the high school and collegiate levels, while at the same time, not only giving God the glory and praise, but backing it up by his lifestyle. He spends his time helping the less fortunate and going on mission trips, all because it is core to who he is – a follower of Jesus Christ. Currently enjoying success as an NFL quarterback, (much to the chagrin of his ardent critics), he maintains a humble approach to football and life.  Tim Tebow is ridiculed by the media and other athletes.  One player after sacking Tebow knelt down on one knee (mocking Tebow’s ritual of thanking God).  Tebow’s response, “He made a good play, he should be happy.”

Do I want my 16 year old football-loving son to look up to Tim Tebow?  Absolutely, but only as much as Tim Tebow continues to emulate Jesus in his life.  Tim Tebow seems well-grounded in his life, but he is a man; and like any man, he may become corrupted by pride, greed, fame or any number of things.  As long as our faith is firmly planted in the Lord and not man, our faith will not be derailed because someone else chose poorly.

We all need people like Tim Tebow to encourage us to keep pushing and to stay faithful to God regardless of the pressures around us.

I certainly hope that Tebow becomes a successful quarterback in the NFL, not for his sake, but because I think he will shine the light on God in an incredibly positive way.  But, even if he doesn’t, I think Tebow will be okay, because he understands that, in the end, football is just a game.

I think there are greater issues with texting.

Consider this: a woman caught texting in the middle of a wedding!  Oh, did I forget to mention it was the bride?!?!  That’s right! The videographer caught the bride doing a little one-handed texting under her veil – just after her father led her down the aisle.

So many questions! 

Who carries a cell phone in her wedding dress? 

Was she hoping for a text?

Someone needing directions to the wedding?

Maybe a last minute ‘proposal’ from a former boyfriend?

What text could possibly be more important than the most important day/moment of her life????

I wonder what the groom was thinking? (“I’m so glad she can multitask.”)

After they are married and she says to him, “Honey, can you turn off the TV, I need your undivided attention.”,  I can hear her husband’s response now, “Oh…like at our wedding?!”  She may not live this one down, but I do wish them the best.

My biggest concern with texting  is the general disregard/disrespect for the people around.  I have been in conversations with people who were texting someone else at the same time.    Is it too much to wait until you are done talking with me?  I realize that my conversation may be boorish at times, but please.

Though my conversation may not always be refreshingly stimulating, what would be the reason for texting while worshipping God?  (I doubt people are texting God, seeing as He invented “instant messaging” to begin with.)  It is a lack of respect for God.

I’m concerned that as we become more technologically driven we are losing the inherent values of human relationships and interaction – love and respect.  And if we lose those, we have lost everything!

In His Grip,

Terry

Gordon actually passed away at 3:38pm, but his heart monitor continued to beep.   The family was confused knowing that he had stopped breathing.  After calling in the nurse, she explained that the monitor was picking up Norma’s heartbeat as they were holding hands.  (That’s a beautiful image in itself)  Norma died exacly one hour later at 4:48pm.    They loved being with each other and Gordon would often say, “’I have to stick around. I can’t go until she does because I have to stay here for her and she would say the same thing.’.  Now, that’s commitment!

One of their children said, “They are very old fashioned.  They believed in ‘til death do you part’.

If that’s the definition of old-fashioned, we need much more of it in our world today.

Old fashioned?  I’m all in!  I’m committed to my beautiful bride til death do us part, and keeping God at the center of our marriage makes that pledge so much easier.

I can’t wait for November 11, 2072- that will be our 72^nd anniversary!  Yes, I am well aware that I will be on the other side of 100, but if God should grant me a life that long, my love for my wife will only deepen with time together.

Until then, I am going home tonight, sit down and hold hands with the my wife, one of the greatest gifts God has blessed me with.

What are you doing tonight?

In His Grip,

Terry

Like many people I enjoy going to the zoo and observing all of the wild animals there.  My children especially love the snow leopards and the polar bears.  But seeing a Bengal tiger running down Main Street is something very different.  And that is just what the residents of Zanesville and the surrounding area experienced a couple of days ago, when Terry Thompson released over 50 exotic animals (tigers, lions, bears,  monkeys, leopards, mountain lions and more) from his private animal farm before taking his own life.

It sounds like something out of a book of fiction.  Fortunately, nobody was killed or injured as most of the animals had to be shot on sight due to the danger they presented.   A few animals were captured and turned over to the local zoo. 

This situation rings with sadness in several aspects.  First, Thompson could have arranged for the animals to be distributed to zoos around the country instead of virtually assuring their deaths. 

Second, a man chose to take his own life.  And now, more lives (family, friends, etc) will be profoundly impacted because of his decision. Though a suicide consists of individual factors and circumstances, the underlying perception in suicide is that leaving this world will be better than staying in it; death will bring an end to the pain, disappointment, hurt, humiliation, etc. 

Ironically, it leaves others in pain and despair.  I wonder if anyone knew how sad or miserable Terry Thompson must have been.  Was there anyone who had an opportunity to reach out to him with the love of Christ and ignored the opportunity?  Could this tragedy have been averted?

Third, to release the very animals he loved into a community of people must have been spurred by an attitude of hatred, bitterness or vindictiveness – none of which is healthy to for life.  The greatest and highest act we can perform is to love.  Not only does it transform the one to whom our love is directed, it transforms us.

As I write this, I am keenly aware that I have been transformed (and am being transformed) by the love of the One who gave His life for me.  How can I do less than share that same love that has been poured into my heart through His Spirit?

Will you join me?   Maybe, just maybe, one person at a time, tragedies like this can be averted.

In His Grip,

Terry

We live in a turbulent and uncertain world, so very different than the world that was created.  Today, we live in a world that bears the consequences of purely and wholly selfish choices.  There is no concern for the welfare of others.  Frankly, that makes the world not only an injurious place in which to live, but a desperate place as well.

I am confident that the gunman, Charles Post never considered how the lives of Officer Kotecki’s children will be forever changed.  You see, our actions, rarely if ever, affect only ourselves.  In fact, I think it is safe to say that the consequences (good or bad) of our decisions reach deeper and wider than we often imagine.

Because of one man’s sins, these two fatherless children may wrestle to see God as their Father, or perhaps they will develop unhealthy fears or harbor anger and bitterness.  Their lives could turn in any number of directions.  And the truth is that the tentacles of selfishness and sin often stretch from one generation into the next.

Yes, we live in a desperate place. But desperation is not always a bad thing.  I am desperate for the same God who created Paradise to restore His creation.  I am desperate to see glimpses of God amidst the rubble.  I am desperate for the love of God to be spread from one heart to another.  And I am desperate for redemption –when we will love as we are loved.

It is this desperation that propels me to try to live and love like Jesus.  And maybe, just maybe, in my little corner of the world, I can make an eternal difference.

Are you desperate for anything today?

In His Grip,

Terry

Just when I thought I had seen it all.  Churches have undergone incredible change over the past 2000 years.  From congregations meeting in homes to expensive, ornate cathedrals to churches with coffeehouses, gymnasiums and sports teams.  And now we can add a new type of church –THE DRIVE–THRU CHURCH.

That’s right, you can stay in your pajamas, grab an egg mcmuffin and coffee at the McDonalds’ drive thru, and head to the Sanctuary Under the Sky Presbyterian Church that meets in the parking lot of a local high school in Dallas, TX.   You can snag a bulletin when you drive in, find a parking spot and just tune into the worship service on your car radio as you watch the preacher, David Ray through your windshield.  No fuss, no muss.  You don’t even have to talk to anyone!

According to David Ray, the reason for this innovative style of “church”, (and I use that term loosely), is to reach the “unchurched”.  He goes on to argue, “I think [Jesus] would like it. His stuff was outdoors.  A lot of trouble He had was indoors.”

I don’t know, but it seems to me that the most trouble Jesus had was outdoors – you know, on a little hill called Golgotha – but that’s just my opinion.

Truly, what are we saying when we create a “relationship-free” church.  No hassle, no commitment, no love needed.    I think we have made a terrible mistake, if we allow the church to become a place and instead of a people.  It was never intended to be that! When the body becomes less relevant than the place or style of worship, the fingers and hands and toes will begin to fall off from simple neglect.  I can’t imagine that is what Jesus had in mind.

Like it or not, Christianity comes with a cost.  Love!  First, Jesus’ love paid that price for us on Calvary to bring us into God’s body, and second, we are called to love with reckless abandon.  But loving like that means we must be in relationships with people (with the body).  At least that’s how I understand church.

In His Grip,

Terry

Have you ever had anything stolen from you?  It’s upsetting and frustrating, of course, but what if a person stole your Bible?  How would you respond? 

That’s exactly the situation the priests from the Basilica of San Salvatore al Monte in Florence, Italy were facing recently.  Bibles were being stolen from the Basilica and according to a newspaper article, the priests got fed up .  So, the priests “posted signs and spoke prayers urging the pilferer to repent.”   And just in case the thieves did not repent, the prayer asked God to afflict them with a strong bout of diarrhea.

Okay…is it just me or is there something wrong with this prayer?  Let’s ask the question, “Why are they stealing Bibles?”  Surely, not for money! I understand the black market value for Bibles in Italy is pretty low.  It is the home of the Pope, how hard could it be to get a Bible?   

Perhaps they are stealing them just for fun.  Surely, that can’t be all that exciting,  “Hey guys, guess what I stole…” drumroll…   a BIBLE!   Seems to me the thrill would wear off soon.  

Maybe they are stealing them because they actually want to read them.  In that case, the problem solves itself, because when they get to the 8^th commandment – voila! – no more stealing. 

Seriously, if people are taking them to read them, then simply buy more Bibles and put them out for people to have.  Don’t we want people to read the bible?

I often leave my Bible in plain sight in my car with the windows down.  My thought is, ”If someone takes my Bible, they must really need it.”  and I also believe in the power of God’s Word to speak more clearly and intently than I ever could. So, while I would miss that Bible, I would go to my shelf and grab one of the other 10 Bibles I have.  It’s not like they stole my Billy Ray Cyrus autographed Achy Breaky Heart CD.

 And the whole diarrhea thing…well, I could go on and on about that, but that’s just messed up!

In His Grip,

Terry