All posts by Pastor Curry

My god

Kathy Griffin received an Emmy award – she may even have been deserving of it. I am not in a position to evaluate that. But in accepting the award, on national television, she said, “…a lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus.” She then went on to hold up her Emmy, make an off color remark about Christ and proclaim, “This award is my god now!”

Hmm…Two comments. First, if she had said equally derogatory remarks about Allah or against Islam, it would have been world headlines – and the network might even have censored it out. But since it was Jesus Christ, the God of Christianity, she was defaming, it was permissible and not newsworthy. It’s just one more case where all religion is not treated equally in the United States.

But secondly, if I could get a message to Kathy, I would send the following: “So, your award is your god! A man named Isaiah once said:
“All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame…Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save…When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away. But the man (woman) who makes me his refuge will inherit the land and
possess my holy mountain.”

Kathy, I just thought you’d like to know. Think about it. Or ask your idol Emmy and see what advice she gives you.”

A Daily Dose of OJ

I drink a daily dose of OJ. I like OJ. I like what it does for my body and health. I like OJ in my glass – but not in my face. I mean, here we go again – a daily ‘in your face’ report of OJ Simpson. Enough is enough. I just find him so far out of touch with reality – like justifying what he did by claiming he was just taking back what was his. As if that’s how we all ought to live. It would be a rather chaotic world, don’t you think?
I have no idea what the court verdict will be for OJ this time around. But I do know this – at some point he will get what’s his: “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…” (Heb. 9:27)

No Need for Miracles

PRINCIPLE: “You need not be a miracle worker – just a faithful one.”

Because ‘success’ is often measured by numbers of people attracted to, or raving about, a particular endeavor, it is easy for us to go for the razzle-dazzle. Do the spectacular! Perform the unbelievable! Make a splash! And if we can throw in a few miracles along the way, that would cap it off nicely. Ever thought or felt that way?

Consider John 10:41: “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man [Jesus] was true.” John the Baptist didn’t rely on, and may not have been gifted for, miracles. In fact, while he may have been intriguing to listen to, he might have been boring – the same message over and over again: “Repent!”“I tell you the truth: among those born of women there has not risen anyone grater than John the Baptist.” That’s all he tried to do – lead people to repentance. And he did it faithfully. He was so faithful, in fact, that Jesus later said (Matthew 11:11): Apparently Jesus looked more for faithfulness than flashiness.

So if you have a miracle up your sleeve, feel free to share it! But if not, that’s OK. Just be faithful to your job or calling. Just be faithful in working, teaching, preaching, and modeling Jesus. That’s all Jesus expects. Then maybe, one day, He’ll brag of you.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

Perhaps you’ve heard about Kevin Everett, the Buffalo Bills football player. He severely injured his spine in a game last Sunday. After surgery the prognosis was that he might never walk again. But now, because of significant signs of voluntary movement, the prognosis is much better. I was intrigued by two quotes in the newspaper, both from the surgeon who performed the delicate surgery.

Here’s the first one: “Based on our experience, the fact that he’s moving so well, so early after such a catastrophic injury means he will walk again…It’s totally spectacular, totally unexpected.” Wow! Sounds like a miracle, doesn’t it?

Here’s quote #2: “I don’t know if I would call it a miracle. I would call it a spectacular example of what people can do. To me, it’s like putting the first man on the moon of splitting the atom.” Hmm…it reminds me of an old saying: “The trouble with self-made persons is they worship their creator.” I’m grateful for Kevin’s prognosis, and I’m grateful for surgeons with great skill – but I’d like to give credit where credit is due – to the Great Physician. Without Him, there is no healing.

Just Plain Tired

It had been a long, busy week. Productive but energy siphoning! It was Friday morning, a day I try to take off. But there I was trying to catch up – to at least get done those things that would impact Sunday.The mind was working slower and less creatively. The computer seemed to be making more mistakes than usual. But I knew I should persevere. This was my chance to get some stuff done. Finally, around 12:30, I completed the Sunday agenda. I looked at my “To Do List”. There was so much more to do – I knew I’d never accomplish all that I wanted to – and I was tired! So I closed up shop and headed home.
I was reminded of two things when I did so. One was that when it’s time to rest, rest. I needed the break. It’s good to practice what I preach! But the second thing was even more helpful. I picked up a book with quotations dealing with attitude and the first one I read was an Arab proverb: “Dwell not upon your weariness, your strength shall be according to the measure of your desire.” Wham -right on the side of the head! I had lost all perspective that morning. I had let my tiredness to take control of me. I had let my circumstances dictate how I did my work and how I thought. That’s the very thing I preach against so often. I realized then how much better the morning would have gone if I had only remembered the admonition of Paul to do whatever we do to the glory of God! If I had approached my list that Friday with this in mind, I still would not have finished it all – but I would have had more mental energy and spiritual acumen, and therefore more energy. I had been duly chided. I’m sorry, Lord, for forgetting you and for losing sight of the goal. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me.

A Little Bit of Heaven

Yesterday (Sunday)was very special at Hope Church. Not because I preached! It was special because Bryan Popin led us in worship. Spirit-filled, divinely blessed, and supremely gifted Bryan humbly drew us into the very presence of Jesus. I can only remember one or two other times when a congregation of which I’ve been a part had such a unifying, uplifting, sacred time of worship. Praise the Lord! I encourage you to check him out for yourself – and if you ever contact him, tell him Pastor Curry sent you! It won’t get you any prizes but it will let him know once again of our gratitude! You can find Bryan @ bryanpopin.com.

Independence Day

Why is it so important that Christians speak out on the moral issues of our society? In an era when Christians are slowly but surely being pushed out of the public square, this is an important question. Perhaps Samuel Adams can give us some perspective:
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.” As we celebrate our independence today, may we also recommit ourselves to promoting, defending, and upholding God’s laws and principles for holy living.