How Much We Don't Know

I was told earlier this week that a man in my church died.  He wasn't that old, and I didn't think he was sick, so I was surprised by his death.  I only knew him through brief interactions on Sunday mornings, and those interactions caused me to really like the guy.  He always made a point to find me...just to tell some jokes and laugh with me a little.  I always appreciated the big smile and laughter he brought my way each Sunday morning.

After being informed of his death, I looked into it a little and was shocked to learn that he committed suicide.  Then, just by asking a couple more questions, I learned a lot more about the troubles and adversity he was going through.

This is a harsh reminder to me of how much we don't know about so many people we see on a regular basis.  The reality is, we tend to see others by what they do for us (or don't do) and how they make us feel (whether good or bad).  We tend to live self-centered lives.  At least I do.

It's a shame this guy didn't live to fight another day, but at a minimum, his death is going to cause me to better apply Philippians 2:4.


Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.


If we simply look past ourselves and look to the interests of others, we don't have any idea what kind of difference we can make.

Shake It Up Auditions

So, the kids wanted to submit video entries to Disney Channel for a competition called, "Shake It Up".  The girls were serious.  The boys?  Not so much.

Amazement or Faith

There is a big difference between being amazed by Jesus and having faith in Jesus.  However, it's easy for us to confuse the two.  If you click on the following link, you'll see the most recent sermon I preached at Istrouma that deals with this topic.

http://vimeo.com/24728670

Hope 04 - Holding On To Hope

The last message in the Hope series I did at Istrouma in Baton Rouge.  Having firmly grasped the concept of hope, how do we grasp and hold on to hope itself?

Here's the link:
http://vimeo.com/24126588

Hope 03 - Christian Hope and Suffering

Hard times, adversity, trouble, tribulation, pain, suffering...it hits everybody, regardless of whether you have a relationship with Christ or not.  It's difficult to sort out.  Here's my stab at it:

http://vimeo.com/23809196

Hope 02 - The Hope of His Appearing

Jesus will come again.  In His second coming is hope...hope that we can cling to regardless of the circumstances life brings our way.  We all struggle and we all suffer.  I've spent much of this week thinking about suffering we endure in this life, and we'll tackle that subject head on tomorrow in our worship gatherings.  However, before we can adequately and Biblically think through suffering, it is imperative that we consider the hope inherent in His second coming.  If you are catching these messages through this blog, watch and consider the "Hope of His Appearing" before you look at "Christian Hope and Suffering".

That message is here:  http://vimeo.com/23491863.

Hopeful,
Mike

Hope 01 - Hope of the Gospel

Over the past few months, I have had to deal with a handful of discouraging circumstances.  Life happens.  I found that some days, I was able to transcend the adversity, and other days, I fell captive to the things I couldn't control.  So, I started paying attention to what was going on inside me...started digging into Scripture...and started listening to other pastors speak on the topic of hope.  Then, the opportunity to preach a sermon series at Istrouma came up.  So, I figured I'd speak from what God was teaching me.  If "hope" is something you need more of...maybe this sermon will help you.

It's found at:  http://vimeo.com/23165949?ab

Grace and Peace,
Mike