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Religion
Fighting A Frog By Pastor Phillip Howle web posted July 14, 2010 RELIGION – Here is a little secret, if I could be anything other than a pastor, it would be the Heavy Weight Champion of the World! Honestly. I grew up watching professional wrestling, boxing and wrestled some in high school. I would love to have the swagger, charisma, looks and athletic prowess of the Nature Boy Ric Flair. Then I would take a dose of 80’s Mike Tyson, when the whole world feared his strength and power (minus the ear biting and face tattoo). Now, I don’t watch pro-wrestling or boxing anymore. My favorite combat sport of choice is mixed martial arts (UFC). You must, however, understand that my current status as a minister and physical inabilities prohibit me from ever wearing the championship gold around my waist. But I still like to pretend. I bought a big punching bag and boxing gloves a few years back. I love to go out and hit that punching bag. I hit the bag a few times a week because it is a good workout, as well as major stress reliever. I confess that in my imagination I have gone the distance and knocked out all of the world’s greatest fighters in my garage. It is amazing how great I fight, when there is no actual threat of getting punched in my pretty face. Nevertheless, in my imagination I have bobbed, weaved, punched, kicked, and danced to my victory over all comers. Expect for one. So, this past Sunday afternoon I went outside to workout in my garage, and hit the bag for a bit. As I walked outside I noticed that my son, Cason, had been playing with my boxing gloves, which is a no-no (although he is seriously cute and I have hope for a title for him someday yet). Anyway, I was already hot and tired when I went to put my 12 oz boxing gloves on my hands, and there was a huge surprise waiting for me inside my right hand glove, which had spent the day on the floor of my garage. So as I shove my fist into the bottom of my glove I felt resistance. A cold, slimy, frog had taken up residence inside one of my gloves unannounced to me. Instantly, the frog started jumping and moving all crazy trying to get out. And I instantly threw the glove down and let out a little scream and watched him jump away as he taunted me in victory. For the record that brings my official Garage Fighting Championship (GFC) record to 0-3. My son Cason (Age 3 weight 40 pounds) has two knockout wins over me, and now I have been defeated by a frog (Age 3 months Weight 1.4oz). You see, I was surprised by the frog. I never expected it to be there. I hope it is never there again. In fighting they say it is always the punch you don’t see coming that knocks you out. But, from now on, I will always check my gloves for frog infestation before plunging my hands of steel inside them. I tell that story to remind you all to be on the lookout this week. The Bible uses many metaphors to describe life on earth. It is called a military battle (Eph.6:10-18); aliens in a foreign land (1Pet. 2:11); Paul also was a fan of combat sports as he compared life to a wrestling match (Eph. 6:12 ESV); and a hand to hand combat (1Cor 9:26). Each of these images has many aspects that connect all of them together. But we are only to look at one of them, alertness. In a war, you want to know every move your enemy makes. In a foreign land you watch out for people who may rob you or exploit you. In a wrestling match you keep your eyes on the opponent in front of you, and in a boxing match you watch the hands of your opponent. So how can being alert have positive spiritual impact in your life this week, and what kinds of things should you be alert to? First, life is not going to be easy or comfortable. War is hell, travel is tough, and fighting is intense. Second, you have a real enemy who hates you and wants to see your life ruined. Peter knows this as he writes in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Being drunk with alcohol, money, success, comfort, or even religion can dilute your senses to the plan and trap that Satan has set for your life. Satan is continually alert and looking to ruin you, do not walk right into his trap. Third, you should never be alone. The writer of Hebrews commends us in 12:2 to “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.” Jesus has your back. He will let you know what is coming and what your enemy is up to, but you must take time to spend with Him. Also, hopefully, you are in church, were you have people who love you, pray for you, and watch your back. Fourth, if you get knocked down, get back up! Satan will knock you down in life, but if you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, Satan can only knock you down, not out. Proverbs 24:16 reads “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin.” So today be alert, not just to potential struggles in your life, but be alert to listen to veteran corner man, Jesus, who has been where you are and desires to lead you through life and to heavenly victory. I got to move like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Pastor Phillip Howle © Copyright 2010 EdgefieldDaily.com All original
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