I recently interviewed some people at our church.  I asked them to share their thoughts to this simple question, “Who did God use to bring you to Himself’?  In other words, “Who was the person who invited you to church or told you about God”?

     I enjoyed the variety of answers that I heard from the people we interviewed.  Some said that it was their parents who told them about God.  Others said that it was a high school classmate that invited them to a church event.  Others said that it was neighbor who extended an invitation to come with them to church.

     Everyone’s story was different.  But, there was a common thread that I heard over and over again.  It was clear that God uses people to bring people to Himself!  I know there are exceptions.  Some people come to faith by reading a Bible alone in a hotel room.  Others come to believe through a program on the radio or TV.

     But, most of the time it seems that it is people that bring other people to faith in God.

     If this is true, it seems that there are two important lessons for us to learn.  First, you and I need to say “thanks” to the people that pointed us toward faith in God.  We need to express our appreciation to the parent, coach, neighbor, pastor or friend who told us the “good news”.

     Second, you and I have a unique opportunity to help other people find a faith in God.  There are people all around us who may be seeking and searching for meaning in life.  There are people in your office, on your campus, in your community or even in your own family.  You could be the one to help point them to a personal relationship with God.

     I realize you may not be a powerful or persuasive speaker.  You may not be a person of influence in your company or community.  But, you can invite a friend to church.  You can extend an invitation to a neighbor to worship with you on Sunday.

     As the Easter season approaches, I believe you and I have a unique opportunity to help others find a meaningful and personal relationship with God.  Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor to come to your church this Easter. 

     Remember this principle – God uses people to bring people to Himself.  I’m sure you are thankful for the people that pointed you in His direction.  I’m hopeful that you will be the person that God uses to point others to Him.

     My family and I love to go to the baseball games at Angel stadium in the summer.  It is relaxing and a fun way to spend an evening together.

      As you know, every game begins with the singing of our national anthem.  I never get tired of hearing those words and often I try to sing along.

      It is amazing to see and hear some of the children and teens who are asked to sing.  I think a couple of the singers are under ten years old!

      I can’t imagine singing in front of a stadium filled with 30,000 or 40,000 people.  I don’t know how they do it.

      I recently read a story about a 13 year old girl, Natalie Gilbert, who was picked to sing the national anthem at one of the basketball playoff games in Portland in 2003.  As the teenager began to sing in front of the packed arena, she stumbled and seemed to forget the words.  What could she do now?

      The unexpected solution came from the head coach of the Portland team.  He literally stepped up next to her, put his arm around her and began singing with her.  The crowd joined in and together they helped this brave teen finish the national anthem!

      I smile ever time I read that!  What a beautiful moment. 

      There are a number of verses in the Bible that remind us to “encourage one another, help one another and bear one another burdens”.  Each of us has a God-given responsibility to come along side and help those in need.  Your timely help can make all the difference in the world.

      I hope that you will watch for an opportunity to come to someone’s aid this week.  Be ready to respond when see a child, teen or adult that needs a helping hand or a word of encouragement.  Remember the example of the Portland coach that came to the aid of a brave teenager who forgot the words in front of thousands of basketball fans.  It is a moment worth remembering!

     The December 31, 2009 edition of USA Today listed 10 memorable moments from the past decade.  Each one they listed had become well known through YouTube or other internet outlets.

      One of the stories was about a women’s college softball game where players came to the aid of an injured opponent..  The batter had hit a home run but injured her knee when she rounded first base.  She was unable to continue.  The umpires explained that the home run would only count if the batter touched all of the bases.  If her coach, teammate or trainer assisted her, the batter would be called out and the home run would not count.

      Two players on the opposing team provided the solution by personally carrying the batter around the bases enabling her to touch each base and receive credit for the home run.  Millions of people have seen this remarkable event on YouTube.  It was an internet sensation.

      I must admit that I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about this.  It sounded more like an urban legend or internet hoax.  But, apparently the story really is true and there are pictures and witnesses to confirm it.

      As I read this and other “top ten” stories from the past decade, I was stuck by how many of them focused on people helping other people.  When players come to the aid of an injured opponent, it gives us reason to smile and renewed sense of pride and hope. 

      One of the most famous stories in the Bible is in Luke chapter 15.  It is the story of the “Good Samaritan”.  After several people ignored the obvious needs of an injured traveler, one man stops and helps him.  Others saw the need and kept walking.  One man saw the need and stopped to help.

      What will you do the next time you see a need?  How will you respond the next time you become aware that a neighbor or stranger needs help?  I hope you will decide today to lend a hand and offer help when to opportunity comes your way.  I am confident that time will come sooner than you think!

     Our family has a number of Christmas traditions that developed over the years.  One of the things we did each year when our children were young was take them to a neighborhood in our community that was decorated with Christmas lights.  Almost every home was decked out with thousands of Christmas lights and special Christmas decorations.  It was amazing to see!

      We would slowly drive up and down each street and admire the various decorations.  We would look for favorite decorations that we had seen in previous years and notice new ones that had been added to different homes.

      After viewing the Christmas lights, we would drive home and enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas cookies and talk about all we saw.  This annual adventure seemed to get our family in the Christmas spirit.

      I’m sure that your family has some similar traditions that helps set the stage for Christmas.  Let me suggest another one that you might consider this year.  Many churches have Christmas concerts and plays during December.  They are another wonderful way to help you and your family get into the Christmas spirit.

     Please accept this invitation to our church’s Christmas program called “An Unwrapped Christmas”.  This musical production will be presented on December 10, 11, and 12^th at 7:00 PM and on December 13^th at 5:00 PM.  Tickets are only $3.

      As you make plans this holiday season, make sure that you include a Christmas concert or other event that will help you get into the spirit of the season.  You and your children won’t remember most of the gifts that they give and receive.  But, you will remember the traditions that were part of your annual Christmas celebration.

     You have probably noticed that I enjoy some of the Country Western songs on the radio.  I like them because I can understand most of the words and many of them tell memorable stories.

      I heard one recently that has been around for a couple of years.  The title of the song is, “I Saw God Today”.

      The song is about a father who has just witnessed the birth of his first child.  He describes the feeling of awe as he looks at her through the glass window of the hospital nursery.  As he looked at that new little life, he says, “I Saw God Today”.

      My wife and I were thrilled to learn of the birth of our third grandchild about a week ago.  Our daughter and her husband live outside the US, so we were not able to be with them at the time of the birth.  But our son-in-law did a great job of sending some pictures on the internet so we could see our new little grand daughter only hours after her birth.

      There is something special about seeing a new born baby.  Child birth itself is a miracle as we see a new life welcomed into this world.  It is even more amazing when your children give birth to children of their own.

      I know there are many philosophies and theories about life these days.  But, I find it hard to understand how anyone could deny the existence of God when they witness the birth of a child or grandchild.  At moments like that, it seems to make a lot more sense to acknowledge the existence of God than to try to find some other far fetched explanation for the miracle of life.

     I agree with the song writer who looked through that nursery glass and said, “I Saw God Today”.  As my wife and I gaze at those pictures of our newest grandchild, we can’t help but give thanks to God.

     If you have been listening to the news lately, you probably heard that the state of California has another budget crisis.  The news channel reported this week that the state will have a $6 Billion deficit for this fiscal year and a projected $14 Billion deficit for the next budget year.

      This seems amazing since the governor and the state legislator have already “fixed” the problem twice this year.  What a mess.

      California universities are raising tuition rates dramatically.  Schools are cutting their budgets and laying off teachers.  The unemployment rate in California is well over 10%.  People are feeling the effects of this financial crisis in every area of life.

      I have only lived in California since the late 1980’s.  But I’ve heard that there were times when California actually had budget surpluses.  The tuition at California universities was very affordable.  Classes at Junior Colleges were almost free.  Everyone wanted to move to the Golden State and enjoy these remarkable benefits.

      But, something has changed.  We live in a state that is in a financial mess. I know everyone wants to blame someone else.  There is a lot of finger pointing but no one seems to have a clear answer to these problems.

      I suggest that before we criticize others, we need to take an honest look at our own financial affairs.  Are you and I living within our means?  Do you and I pay our bills on time?  Have you and I committed to spend more money than we know we can afford?  Do you and I have credit card debt that is out of control?

      It is easy to see the financial irresponsibility of our governor and legislators.  But, are we just as guilty on a personal level? 

     The Bible has some sound principles when it comes to personal finances.  Save for future needs (Proverbs 21:20).  Work hard and be willing to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28).  Be content with what you have (Philippians 4:12).  Beware of the danger of debt (Proverbs 22:7).

     If we hope to see better days ahead for our community and state, we need to first get our own houses in order.  I hope you will sit down with your wife and family this week and take a careful look at your financial affairs.  Where can you start to get your financial house in order?  Then, write a letter to the governor, your state senator and state  assemblyman and tell them it is time to get California’s financial affairs in order, too.

     I was talking recently with a friend who was born in New Zealand.  I was surprised when he reminded me that they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in his home country!

      We forget that Thanksgiving is a holiday unique to our country.  Its roots go back to the Pilgrims in the 1600’s.  My understanding is that they really were giving thanks to God for his help and blessings in their lives.

      I know that there are some historians that question some of the events surrounding those early settlers.  I understand that the native Americans were helpful in the Pilgrims early survival.  But, I have no doubt that the Pilgrims really did celebrate and give thanks to God for His help as they settled in this new country.

      I hope that you will also take time this Thanksgiving to give thanks to God for his blessings in your life and in our nation.

      Many families are going through difficult economic times right now.  Others are experiencing personal and family problems.  Others are facing challenges with their own health or the physical needs of older loved ones.

      When we take time to reflect and remember the good things in our lives, it helps us to endure and keep going through the difficult times.  Giving thanks is a good antidote for the difficult things we face.  Giving thanks helps us to keep things in perspective. 

      In I Thessalonians 5:10 it says, “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.  I hope you will take time to pause and give thanks to God as you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving season.  Remember to give Him thanks on this uniquely American holiday.

     As part of the Premarital Counseling program at our church, we require couples to take a personality profile.  It is a battery of 180 questions that helps reveal nine different aspects of their temperament and personality.

      We translate their responses into a numerical score and then plot the results for nine different characteristics on a graph and then share them with each couple.

       Each of the nine areas are described with two words.  For example, at one end of the scale is “Self-disciplined” and at the other end of the scale is “Impulsive”.  Other categories include traits like: “Nervous vs Composed”, “Dominant vs Submissive” and “Hostile vs Tolerant”.

      When we plot their two personalities on the same graph, it helps the couple to see areas where they are similar and where they are different.  One person may be more expressive and the other more inhibited.  One person may be more quiet and the other more out going.

      It is not unusual to see couples with opposite personalities be attracted to one another.  People often marry someone who is very different than themselves.

      But, it does help if they share some things in common.  Similar values are important.  Sharing a common faith is important, too.

      What are some ways that you are similar to your spouse?  What are some ways that you are different?  Both similarities and differences can provide spice and strength to your marriage. 

      One essential for a successful marriage is to learn to love your mate just as they are.  You need to be willing to tolerate the ways that they are different from you. 

     I Corinthians chapter 13 says, “Love is patient and kind”.  As you learn to love one another, you need to appreciate how God has made you both so different from each other.  Those differences can enrich your relationship for a life time. 

     It has been quite a journey cheering for the Angels this year.  There have been highs and lows.  There have been times when they could do nothing wrong and every batter in their starting lineup was batting over 300!  Then, there were other times when they could do nothing right with missed batting opportunities and dropped fly balls in the infield!

      It is interesting to observe the highs and lows at a sporting event.  The fans get excited when one of our players gets a timely hit or makes a great catch.  But, the same fans can be discouraged and disappointed an inning later when one of our star players strikes out leaving the bases loaded.

      Maybe your life is a little like an avid baseball fan.  There are both highs and lows.  Ups and downs. If you are living on an emotional roller coaster, you need to step back and take a look at your life.

      Don’t let little things rob you of your peace and joy in life.  Don’t let your emotions get out of control.  Find a good friend who can help you keep things in perspective.

      Life does have its ups and downs.  There are seasons of delight and seasons of despair. Some days you can’t wait to get up and get going.  Other days, you may feel like staying in bed.

      We need to remember each day is a gift from God.   It is not to be wasted or taken for granted.  Enjoy each day to the fullest.  Keep little things in perspective.

      As much as I have enjoyed following the Angel’s baseball season this year, I try to remember that it is only a baseball game.  Only one team can be the winner.  One team will go home the loser.

      Earlier this year, the Angels lost a young pitcher who was killed by a drunk driver in an automobile accident.  When the press asked the manager how this would effect their season, he reminded them that baseball is only a game.  The death of this young player was far more significant that the game of baseball.

      If you are looking for hope and perspective in your life, open your Bible and read a few chapters in the Gospel of Mark.  Find a good church in your neighborhood and attend a service this Sunday.  Take a few moments to pray and thank God for the life he has given you.