My wife had the distinct pleasure of paying a visit to our favorite local dentist today.  At least she usually comes away satisfied with the quality of the treatment.  I don’t know why my teeth seem to be so ornery . . . but every trip to the dentist seems to create more problems than it solves.  That caused me to think about some of the incongruities in the dental profession.  Don’t you find it strange that you pay a professional to dig a hole in your tooth (that had not even been bothering you) in order to charge you even more to fill that same hole with some indefinable metal (that used to be gold but I am sure has since been devalued).  Where are the checks and balances.  We know where the checks are coming from . . . and we know how that affects our balances. 

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Demand #16: Humble Yourself by Making War on Pride - Matthew 23:1-12
Memory Verse: "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:12

This passage came to my mind last Sunday before I realized it was the subject matter for this week. I was talking about the issue of addressing a Christian leader in the community as "Father xxxx". Is that any different than addressing someone as "Pastor xxxx"?

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Demand #14: Do Not Be Anxious About the Necessities of Daily Life – Matthew 6:25-34
Memory Verse: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33

Anxiety and Worry and Fear about the necessities of life will choke out spiritual fruitfulness.

Look at TV commercials designed to prey on our fears and anxieties:

• Are you fearful about being able to pay for energy needs in the future
• How are you going to have enough for retirement – How is your 401K doing?

Look at the current economic crisis – tremendous focus on whether we can keep our head above water financially. Are we going to lose our home, our job?

Phil. 4:6-7 "Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace which passes understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

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Steelers: 23   Ravens: 20

The Ravens faced a lot of obstacles heading into their Monday night contest with the Steelers:

- starting a rookie QB on the road for the first time — in Pittsburgh — on the national platform of MNF

- history of past six prime time debacles on TV

- weakness at cornerback with Rolle out for the game

But they were able to gain control of the game and silence the hostile crowd (even reduce them to booing their beloved Steelers at several points).  All of that turned in a couple of minutes of loose play as Pittsburgh put 14 quick points on the board and changed the dynamics of the contest.  Still this game should validate the potential of the Baltimore squad and be a stepping stone for better results down the road.

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Demand #13: Always Pray and Do Not Lose Heart – Luke 18:1-8
Memory Verse: "Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart." Luke 18:1

What type of anticipation do we have for Christ’s return? He promised that He is coming back quickly. The Bible says that we are living in the last days. Yet we can easily become discouraged. Our faith can grow weak. Scoffers mock and say Where is the promise of His coming? It’s been over 2000 years and things continue on as they have been? Where’s the hope in that? Our primary text shows what is necessary for continuance in a life of faith in the midst of a world that is hostile to our faith. Our love has a tendency to grow cold; the things of this world press in and distract us.

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