Mike Henderson

Tiger and Trust

Over the past several days the Tiger Woods story has taught us all a life long lesson, but the news has not focused on that but the sordid details instead.

The BIG story is about trust.  This was not about a one night stand (which by the way would also deal a serious blow to trust), or one stupid mistake, or even a lost temper.

This is about lying and cheating for a rather lengthy period of time even preceding the marriage.

While I am not a fan of divorce I realize Jesus allowed for divorce in the case of adultery (Matthew 19:1-9).  

I have had friends whose marriages were rocked by adultery. I have seen it destroy the marriage, and I have seen others go through the long process of forgiveness and rebuilding of trust.

In Tiger's case, due to the length of time involved surrounding his lying and unfaithfulness, my guess is it would be nearly impossible to rebuild the marriage.

Trust is huge.  Without trust you cannot have much of a relationship.  Lack of trust in any relationship whether in marriage or at work will lead to eventual deterioration and separation.

Tiger and Trust just separated.

The End is Near...?

This coming Sunday I will be talking about one of the most popular topics of all time: Antichrist.  That word has been tossed around for ages.  Countless people have been identified as the Antichrist.

So hopefully I can answer some of the questions out there. Trust me, there have been a lot of fanciful ideas floated.  Even Ronald Reagan was identified by some as Antichrist.  Find out why this Sunday.

Also with the recent shooting at Fort Hood being labeled terrorism by this week's Time Magazine, due to the soldier's ties to Islam and Al'Qaeda.  His motivations seem to be very clear.  How does terrorism play out in the end times?  We will be looking at topic because it is in the Bible.

With Israel in the Land, nuclear weapons on the rise, radical Islam, and oil all in the news everyday thoughts of the END must certainly cross the mind.

This 4-part series has addressed all this and more and we seek to better understand what the Bible has to say about end time events.

Just two weeks left. If you miss a week go to New Hope and watch online, but getting the message live is a much better experience.

Halloween and New Hope

Halloween happens on a great night this year, Saturday and time change weekend.  Put that with people coming to your house or you going to theirs.

It all adds up to an incredible time to invite people to church.  They get an extra hour of sleep, their kids get to wear their costume again at New Hope, and we will have an inflatable out front for when they show up on Sunday.  And we kick off a brand new series on End Time events.

It can't get much easier than that.  So give out invitations like you are giving out candy, lots.  

Halloween and New Hope.  Put them together and you have a great weekend coming up!

Fridays

Recently I wrote about Mondays, the dreaded day.  Friday is the 'look forward to day.'  Why such a difference.  What if every day was greeted with anticipation?

Admittedly I love Fridays. But I pretty much love every day.  Friday, because of our culture, does bring a different attitude to it though. 

Some Fridays I feel like Carol and I should go and do something.  We may go to Friday's After Five, out to eat or maybe just go run an errand.  So it is hard to get away from Friday's cultural attitude.

But here is my point.  Is it 'the' day because we have been trapped in a job we do not like?  Why the euphoria over just one day.  TGIF.  Everyone knows what that means.  You can even eat there!

What about Sundays?  In a nation where many claim to be Christians you would think that people could hardly wait until Sunday.  Just read the book of Acts and see some of the things God did when the church came together on Sunday.  God is not bound by just that one day, but at the same time He has chosen to do some things in a corporate setting that He does not do privately.

Fridays like any other day should be enjoyed. And for most it is nice to know that you can go out and sleep in on Saturday, or in my case stay up late and write a blog about the 'greatest' day of the week.

Enjoy-go out, go to a movie, attend a high school football game, play poker, go shopping, visit your nearest Apple store, or just hang out with no agenda.

One Act

This past weekend revealed true character in very public personal actions.  First there was the issue on MTV with Kanye rudely taking the microphone from Taylor Swift while she was receiving an award.  From then on he was booed and MTV cut his last performance of the evening.  While he has somewhat of a record for his comments and actions, last night sort of topped it off.  Today many are deleting him and his music from their ipods and computers.

In the US Open semifinals Saturday night Serena Williams pulled off her one act. The line judge said that her foot was on the line on her second serve making it a double fault.  Williams went over and cursed at the line judge which ultimately led to an unsportsmanlike call and ended the match as Williams lost to an unranked opponent. What will be remembered?  Not her great playing, but her one act.  What will be watched over and over on YouTube?  Her playing?  No, her unsportsmanlike conduct.

Sad.  It really doesn't matter how talented those two individuals are.  What will be remembered in each case is the lack of character.  One act can bring you down.  One act can tarnish your legacy. And that one act is usually the result of one's character.

You will likely be remembered for your 'one act' or your constant character.

Why Pigs Smell

 Can you believe that the government plans to spend $1.8 million on a study as to why pigs smell.  Probably because they are pigs, but I am sure the well spent money will get to the bottom of why pigs smell. 

  It reminds me of Proverbs 14:4 that says, "Without oxen a stable stays clean..."  Ever wonder why oxen get their stables dirty?  Probably ought to do a study on that while we are at it.

  I realized long ago that the verse in Proverbs has many applications.  If you want a clean stall, don't have any animals.  If you never want to have employee problems then don't have any.  If you don't want to have weeds in your garden, then don't plant one. If you want a house that always clean top to bottom then don't have kids.

  Admittedly having five kids brings it's own challenges.  When you have kids you don't have clean stables.  You put up with all kinds of stuff.  My kids have made messes, destroyed bedrooms, hey even the whole house.  My kids take Eccl. 9:10 to heart at times, "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might,..."  They have spilled food and beverages on the floor, dirtied tons of diapers, argued, fought, gotten sick, and yes, even asked for money.

  To be honest, I think I'll put up with the unclean stables.  I love my kids. 

  I could authorize some study to find out why kids do things like that.  But I think it is simply because they are kids.  Why do pigs smell?  It may not be a $1.8 million dollar answer, but I think they smell because they are pigs.

How Should a Christ-Follower Vote?

  As we get ready to cast our vote for the next President I am curious as to how believers approach this event.  Does the Bible provide any guidance or are we just left to do what feels right?  This past week at Fellowship Church Ed Young preached a very good and biblical message around this very subject.  It will take just 30 minutes of your time to watch it, but I think he does a good job bringing clarity to the issue of voting.  The message is not intended to influence you toward a particular candidate, but it will help you better understand from a biblical perspective just why you are voting the way you are.
  At the end of the day as a Christ-follower I want to be able to go to the Bible and substantiate my choice.  In other words, because I am a believer this is how and why I voted the way I did.  Ed Young will open the Bible and give you five reasons as he challenges you to ask five questions about the candidates.  Don't delay as this video will only be up through the 26th of October.