Challenged To The Core - Del Brixey

Professional hockey had never been an interest of mine. I know very little about the game, I don’t know the players or their teams, but one day that all changed. Our neighbor invited me to go to a game with him when his family couldn’t make it. I was a little skeptical at first, since men don’t want to appear ignorant about anything, especially when it comes to sports. It probably stems from the old “hunter-gather” gene that we protect with our life, but reservations or not I decided to go because Don had “season tickets”. Season tickets are very hard to get; people tend to hand them down from generation to generation like prized possessions. This was an opportunity of a life time that I wasn’t about to let slip away. I learned to appreciate hockey over the next year and looked forward to Don’s late afternoon call asking me if I could go to the game.

Last week our church service was centered on giving thanks. As I listened to person after person share their heartfelt gratitude to God, I realized why I like attending church and our small group. We have “season tickets”! Every week we sit in approximately the same spot, surrounded by people who love us and the “game”, I mean God. In every season of life we can be assured that our friends will be there to worship with us, cry with us and celebrate with us as we enjoy the game of life together. So many people miss out on this life changing experience because they have never been asked to the game. They don’t know the players or their teams and they don’t want to appear ignorant. Take some time this week and think about the “GAME”.

God’s People - “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:10. When we gather together we are acknowledging that we are the “people of God”. As such, we have certain rights and responsibilities that cannot be fulfilled without meeting together. The church in all its glory cannot function without everyone bringing their gifts, talents and abilities to the table. We can create a “facsimile” of the church, but not the real thing. “Season tickets” give you access; now you need to find your seat.

Awesome Praise - “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night…” Psalm 92:1-2. Regardless of the quality of your voice, everyone can cheer for the winning team. We can participate in a “wave” or give and receive words of encouragement to those around us. Scripture says that the “rocks will cry out” if we don’t praise God. We also praise God by giving money to support the team. I have paid money to go to concerts that weren’t half as good or inspiring as a worship service centered on God. Think about all of the blessings you have and give God the praise He deserves.

Motivating Message - “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” John 15:16. When the church meets together in one place God has a purpose. He wants to remind us of our mission to “bear fruit”. There are arguments of what “type” of fruit that Jesus is referring too; new believers or the improvement of our lives. I believe the answer is “YES”! God wants us to encourage everyone we meet to become “season ticket” holders in the local family of God. He also wants us to change the way we live, act and think. We should be on a mission to become “holy” as God is “holy”. Through worship, fellowship and the motivating messages we are encouraged to fulfill that mission.

Entrust a Generation - “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2. At some point we all will die. Future generations are counting on our generation to “pass the torch” of faith on to them. Our responsibility is to teach a generation of believers how to know God, live for Him and if necessary how to die for Him. The task is enormous and the workers are few. “Season Ticket” holders have been entrusted by God to make it happen. At times it’s a thankless task, but it has great rewards. I still remember the words of a grateful heart saying, “I thank God for the legacy of faith in my family”. Another person gave thanks that they represent the “first generation” of “season ticket” (my words) holders in their family.

Take a few moments this week to thank God for your “season tickets”. Consider who you could invite to the “game” and look forward to entrusting a new generation with the faith that has helped you through your darkest hours. Oh yeah…and don’t forget to check your pulse!