Behind every great story, there is always a special partnership in relationships. The story of Seabiscuit, one of the world’s most famous racehorses, is no exception. Seabiscuit was a national hero in the midst of the Depression when people needed a boost in their spirits. In 1938, Seabiscuit got more press in the newspapers than President Roosevelt and Adolf Hitler. Not only did he set a record for earnings, but he defeated the great War Admiral—a Triple Crown winner, in a head to head contest. Most horse racing experts consider that race to be one of the greatest of all time.
What made this incorrigible horse so successful? It was the three man horse racing team of Charles Howard, Tom Smith and John Pollard, and their unique ability, despite their differences, to join forces. Ecclesiastes 4:12b says, “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” This group of guys became a three stranded cord that made American history.
Charles Howard was a successful distributor of Buick, National, and Oldsmobile vehicles for all of the western U.S. The enterprise made him incredibly wealthy. Fifty-six year old Tom Smith was a man of the Old West. During his career, he held such jobs as horse trainer, lion tracker and ranch foreman. The two men could not have been more different.
Author and racing expert Laura Hillenbrand says of Howard and Smith:
The two men stood in different halves of the century. Smith was the last of the true frontiersmen; Howard was paving Smith’s West under the urgent wheels of his automobiles. Howard was driven by image; Smith remained the Lone Plainsman, forbidding and solitary. But Howard was blessed with an uncanny eye for horsemen. He took one look at Smith and instincts rang in his head. He drove Smith to his barn and introduced his horses to their new trainer.
John Pollard was the third part of this unlikely team. Not only was he a rider, but he had been a not so good prize fighter. He was a very tough man. As a jockey, he was oversize at 5 feet seven inches. By the time he was chosen to ride Seabiscuit, his racing career had seen better days. His best riding trait was the fact that he was willing to ride horses that other jockeys were afraid to try.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:19-20, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done by my Father in heaven. (20) For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” The business magnate, the frontiersman, and the prize fighting jockey, three people who had nothing in common agreed on one thing—a seemingly worthless racehorse. They became a three stranded cord as they focused on the one thing they had in common and not on their differences.
I pray we would do the same as believers in Christ, and make history to the glory of God. The one thing we can agree upon is Jesus is Lord and Savior. Let’s focus on him and join together in our differences to accomplish his purpose.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Two Are Better Than One (Part 4)
The fourth benefit of relationships is the ability they give you to do more effective warfare. Ecclesiastes 4:12a says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.” One of my favorite examples of teamwork or partnership regarding warfare is found in the book of Exodus.
God had done some amazing feats through his leader Moses. One astonishing miracle followed another: the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, and water from a rock. Even though Moses had performed many miraculous deeds, he still needed the power of partnership to defeat the Amalekites.
As the Amalakites were about to attack the Israeli camp, Moses called Joshua, his military commander, asking him to lead his army into battle. As Joshua and his brave warriors were fighting the Amalekites, Moses climbed to the top of a nearby hill to hold up the rod of God in his hands. As long as he had the rod lifted in the air, God would grant them the victory.
With Moses hands raised to the heavens, victory seemed inevitable for the Hebrews. However, something began to happen to Moses. His arms got tired. The man of God who had led them out of slavery and through the parted Red Sea simply couldn’t hold up his hands any longer.
Without help, the Hebrew people were doomed for destruction. But two men, Aaron and Hur, climbed up next to Moses, stood on his left and right, and held up his hands until Joshua and his men were completely victorious.
The Hebrews won the war that day and, in the process, they were taught a very valuable lesson—even God’s most anointed leaders need others to help them accomplish His mighty work (John Maxwell).
God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible—what a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves. A.W. Tozer
God had done some amazing feats through his leader Moses. One astonishing miracle followed another: the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, and water from a rock. Even though Moses had performed many miraculous deeds, he still needed the power of partnership to defeat the Amalekites.
As the Amalakites were about to attack the Israeli camp, Moses called Joshua, his military commander, asking him to lead his army into battle. As Joshua and his brave warriors were fighting the Amalekites, Moses climbed to the top of a nearby hill to hold up the rod of God in his hands. As long as he had the rod lifted in the air, God would grant them the victory.
With Moses hands raised to the heavens, victory seemed inevitable for the Hebrews. However, something began to happen to Moses. His arms got tired. The man of God who had led them out of slavery and through the parted Red Sea simply couldn’t hold up his hands any longer.
Without help, the Hebrew people were doomed for destruction. But two men, Aaron and Hur, climbed up next to Moses, stood on his left and right, and held up his hands until Joshua and his men were completely victorious.
The Hebrews won the war that day and, in the process, they were taught a very valuable lesson—even God’s most anointed leaders need others to help them accomplish His mighty work (John Maxwell).
God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible—what a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves. A.W. Tozer
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Two Are Better Than One (Part 3)
The third benefit of relationships is the warmth that they provide you with. Ecclesiastes 4:11 says, “Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” I know this passage of scripture is talking about the warmth of body heat that is produced when two people lie down together; however, I also believe it can apply to the warmth that is produced in our souls from our relationships.
The human relationship that warms my soul (and my body) the most is the one I have with my wife Cindy. We both love to cuddle, so we are especially fond of the winter months. I am so thankful for the marriage that I have to my wife. I can speak from experience, and there is no doubt that being married is better than being single.
When I think of Cindy, there are so many memories that warm my soul. This year we will be celebrating our ten year anniversary. Every year in December, I am reminded of that special moment when we committed our lives to one another forever. I am just as happy today as I was on the day I said, “I do.”
We love our summer vacations with our family. Prior to our vacations, there is such an excitement to spend a week of undistracted devotion on one another and our family. Every week we have a date night. Like a first date, I still get excited to be with the love of my life for a special evening. We love to go to dinner and a movie. At dinner, we often talk about how we are doing, our children and the church we so dearly love. Like a kid in high school, I always say, “I am happy to be with you.”
As we sit in the movie, I love holding Cindy’s hand. It is one of the most satisfying feelings just to be next to her. Quite often, we don’t even have to be talking to enjoy one another. Just the fact they we are together, like sitting out by my parents pool, is a heart warming experience.
Some of my favorite moments with Cindy have been in the delivery room giving birth to our three sons. Even though the births were painful to Cindy, there is nothing like witnessing the first moments of your children coming into this world. Nine months of questioning and talking about what they will look like is answered in an instant. I always cry after the delivery because I am so thankful for my healthy sons, and for the special feelings I have sharing something so unique with Cindy.
The human relationship that warms my soul (and my body) the most is the one I have with my wife Cindy. We both love to cuddle, so we are especially fond of the winter months. I am so thankful for the marriage that I have to my wife. I can speak from experience, and there is no doubt that being married is better than being single.
When I think of Cindy, there are so many memories that warm my soul. This year we will be celebrating our ten year anniversary. Every year in December, I am reminded of that special moment when we committed our lives to one another forever. I am just as happy today as I was on the day I said, “I do.”
We love our summer vacations with our family. Prior to our vacations, there is such an excitement to spend a week of undistracted devotion on one another and our family. Every week we have a date night. Like a first date, I still get excited to be with the love of my life for a special evening. We love to go to dinner and a movie. At dinner, we often talk about how we are doing, our children and the church we so dearly love. Like a kid in high school, I always say, “I am happy to be with you.”
As we sit in the movie, I love holding Cindy’s hand. It is one of the most satisfying feelings just to be next to her. Quite often, we don’t even have to be talking to enjoy one another. Just the fact they we are together, like sitting out by my parents pool, is a heart warming experience.
Some of my favorite moments with Cindy have been in the delivery room giving birth to our three sons. Even though the births were painful to Cindy, there is nothing like witnessing the first moments of your children coming into this world. Nine months of questioning and talking about what they will look like is answered in an instant. I always cry after the delivery because I am so thankful for my healthy sons, and for the special feelings I have sharing something so unique with Cindy.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Two Are Better Than One (Part 2)
The second benefit of relationships is the support and encouragement they give us in our daily walk. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” If you live life long enough, sooner or later you are going to face adversity and trials. Sunday, August 20th, was one of the days.
Just after midnight, Cindy and I received a phone call from Clayton Bell communicating to us that they were having complications in their pregnancy. Kelly’s cervix was not functioning properly and the cramping she felt was actually contractions. Considering the advanced state of her conditions, there was only one procedure that was an option, and it provided nearly zero chance of things changing. Unless something happened, Kelly would go into labor within 48 hours, delivering a 21 week old baby that was much too young to live very long outside of the womb. The Bells went to sleep that night praying that our God would provide a miracle and allow the baby to live.
After checking to make sure that nothing had changed through the night, Kelly was placed on a medicine to bring about contractions. It was better for her health to have the baby quickly. After the doctor broke her water at about 4:00pm, Kelly gave birth to Grace Shiloh Bell at 4:45pm, August 20th, 2006.
Grace Shiloh, or Gracie, was beautiful and perfect. Small and too soon, she was nonetheless perfectly formed and so beautiful. They spent a little less than two hours with her while she was alive, and then she returned to her Heavenly Father, who graciously allowed them so much time with her. They love her infinitely, and cannot wait to spend Eternity with her creating all of memories that they won’t be able to have on this earth.
I will never forget my moment with Gracie. I felt I had looked into the face of eternity. In a moment of suffering, in her beautiful face I beheld the glory of the Father and the reflection of two wonderful and proud parents.
Grace!!!
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Beholding Gracie, I was reminded of the grace of God. The grace that empowers us to do the good works the Father has prepared for us, and to run our race in a way to gain the prize of Jesus Christ.
Rest!!!
Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Hebrews 4:1
Looking at Gracie's face, I was also reminded of the rest my soul longs for in being in the fullness of the presence of God after finishing his work and crossing the finish line of my destiny.Gracie fought the good fight and finished her race. I pray I fight and run as well as Gracie Shiloh to the glory of God the Father.
It was such a privilege to be in that hospital room on Sunday. Cindy and I got to pray for Clayton and Kelly and pray over Gracie Shiloh. After two miscarriages of our own, we were able to encourage them with the comfort God had given us in a supernatural way having gone through our own trials of birth.
Not only did we encourage the Bells, but they encouraged us. We saw the joy of two proud parents. There is nothing like the gaze of parents upon their child. Not that I needed any more proof, but my faith was strengthened as I saw the same supernatural peace and comfort in their souls that Cindy and I had experienced. I left the room grieving, but encouraged and peaceful that this situation would work out for good and to the glory of God.
I am so thankful the Bells did not have to go through that day alone, and we could share in this experience. As Cindy and I were leaving the hospital, we gave Kelly’s parents a big hug and reassured them that we would do whatever it takes to love and support Clayton and Kelly during this time. They were thankful and commented on how many people from Every Nation had been at the hospital that day. They knew their loved ones would be okay because they have great friends.
Just after midnight, Cindy and I received a phone call from Clayton Bell communicating to us that they were having complications in their pregnancy. Kelly’s cervix was not functioning properly and the cramping she felt was actually contractions. Considering the advanced state of her conditions, there was only one procedure that was an option, and it provided nearly zero chance of things changing. Unless something happened, Kelly would go into labor within 48 hours, delivering a 21 week old baby that was much too young to live very long outside of the womb. The Bells went to sleep that night praying that our God would provide a miracle and allow the baby to live.
After checking to make sure that nothing had changed through the night, Kelly was placed on a medicine to bring about contractions. It was better for her health to have the baby quickly. After the doctor broke her water at about 4:00pm, Kelly gave birth to Grace Shiloh Bell at 4:45pm, August 20th, 2006.
Grace Shiloh, or Gracie, was beautiful and perfect. Small and too soon, she was nonetheless perfectly formed and so beautiful. They spent a little less than two hours with her while she was alive, and then she returned to her Heavenly Father, who graciously allowed them so much time with her. They love her infinitely, and cannot wait to spend Eternity with her creating all of memories that they won’t be able to have on this earth.
I will never forget my moment with Gracie. I felt I had looked into the face of eternity. In a moment of suffering, in her beautiful face I beheld the glory of the Father and the reflection of two wonderful and proud parents.
Grace!!!
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Beholding Gracie, I was reminded of the grace of God. The grace that empowers us to do the good works the Father has prepared for us, and to run our race in a way to gain the prize of Jesus Christ.
Rest!!!
Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Hebrews 4:1
Looking at Gracie's face, I was also reminded of the rest my soul longs for in being in the fullness of the presence of God after finishing his work and crossing the finish line of my destiny.Gracie fought the good fight and finished her race. I pray I fight and run as well as Gracie Shiloh to the glory of God the Father.
It was such a privilege to be in that hospital room on Sunday. Cindy and I got to pray for Clayton and Kelly and pray over Gracie Shiloh. After two miscarriages of our own, we were able to encourage them with the comfort God had given us in a supernatural way having gone through our own trials of birth.
Not only did we encourage the Bells, but they encouraged us. We saw the joy of two proud parents. There is nothing like the gaze of parents upon their child. Not that I needed any more proof, but my faith was strengthened as I saw the same supernatural peace and comfort in their souls that Cindy and I had experienced. I left the room grieving, but encouraged and peaceful that this situation would work out for good and to the glory of God.
I am so thankful the Bells did not have to go through that day alone, and we could share in this experience. As Cindy and I were leaving the hospital, we gave Kelly’s parents a big hug and reassured them that we would do whatever it takes to love and support Clayton and Kelly during this time. They were thankful and commented on how many people from Every Nation had been at the hospital that day. They knew their loved ones would be okay because they have great friends.
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