Eternal Fools

MAR 28 - APR 3 2010 – ETERNAL FOOLS – ISSUE 147

Health care is undergoing a massive overhaul, two five seeds are crashing the Final Four, and I witnessed only the second major breakdown of Nick's car, which has over 288,000 miles on it, all in one week. I was going to make a joke about the correlation between those things, but I realize most of you are probably hung up on the mileage on Nick's car. Technically he's driven enough miles to have reached the moon and already be on his way back. You know, if his car could fly, could manufacture oxygen, and somehow not be incinerated entering the atmosphere. Nothing big.

If you've ever been pranked on April Fool's Day, there's a good chance you know the sting embarrassment and the frustration having been "had", can bring. If you've ever delivered a good prank, though, you know the joy successfully pulling the wool over another's eyes can have and the drive obtaining a successful ending can create. Regardless of which side you've been on, in order for the prank to work it takes planning, craftiness, and usually subtle lies or "half truths" to lure the unsuspecting target into position.

What if I were to tell you that someone is pranking you right now. In fact, it's been going on since the day you were born, and with every step you take toward the end of your life it only gets more devious. The players became harder to spot, the lies became thicker and more clever, and the stakes reach eternal proportions. And unlike the ending of most April Fool pranks where both parties share a good laugh, this one only ends in weeping, pain, and absolute failure.

There is a way to come out unscathed though, to deny the pranker their victory and to avoid being the butt of the greatest prank in the history of mankind. When the stakes are this high, and the outcome so important, you can imagine it won't be easy. To be victorious it will require perseverance, wisdom, humility, love, and perhaps most importantly, self control. You cannot hesitate, you cannot waver in your allegiance and dedication, and you must be absolutely clear on what your goal is. No mercy will be shown to you and so none should be given to anything that stands in your way of victory.

JAMES 1:12 - (Click to read)

We are striving for that eternal crown, the one which will never perish. Satan has become very good at getting us to chase those pathetic wreaths, though, diverting our attention and focus through clever plans and elaborate strategies. Without realizing it he can twist goodhearted interests into loyalty stealing distractions. But when the world is his play house, it only makes sense for him to use everything at his disposal, which makes our time here that much more dangerous because his involvement isn't always obvious. Add in that he's been doing this for thousands of years, and we must realize our foe is an experienced prankster who considers no line too far to cross and no rule too good to be broken.

Thankfully, God has given us the Bible for us to study and learn about our enemy so we can know his tactics. We can be prepared and focused. He has given us His Spirit to guide, direct, and strengthen us during our journey. We can discern truth and be humble to it, accepting our need to repent. And He has given us His promise to motivate us to the end. We can know where our loyalty should lie and remain on that narrow path instead of pursuing alternative routes that promise the same destination but only lead to destruction. Don't finish this race only to discover that the king of all pranksters stole your eternal crown and duped you into chasing an idol. Don't be the fool in the Devil's April.

REVELATION 3:11 - (Click to read)

THINGS TO NOTE: Normal Midweek // Resurrection Sunday

THIS WEEK:

Monday - came, saw, and fell asleep

Tuesday- Conquer that idol smashing challenge you created for the final week of the campaign

Wednesday – Normal 7:00 Midweek at the FQ

Thursday – April Fools Day - Go ahead, prank your boss, I'm sure they'll love it

Friday- Bible Talk TBA

Saturday – Focus on the celebration of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection in an extended quiet time

Sunday - Normal 10:00 Sunday Service at the MSC

Brett "I keep hoping my inability to grown facial hair is just one elaborate April Fool's joke" Hibbler