One Perspective

Perspective: 1: a way of regarding situations or topics etc.; 2: the appearance of things relative to one another as determined by their distance from the viewer [WordNet]

One Perspective: Leading 21 to 10 at the half of a football game, victory is virtually a lock. Play conservative ball in the second half and guard the lead. Fans are free to leave the stadium and beat the inevitable post-game gridlock. Another Perspective: Leading 21 to 10 at the half of a football game could lead to overconfidence or lack of commitment and open the door to ultimate failure in the second half. Just ask the Raiders.

On one of my recent football posts, a friend noted that his comments were possibly, "...tainted with a little frustration at the waste of time and energy put into such distractions while people are dying without knowing Jesus by the second." That's one perspective - and an interesting one.

I don't agree with this guilt-laden assessment (my perspective). People die without knowing Jesus while I work, while I spend time with my family, while I eat, and while I sleep. They even die without knowing Him while I study His Word, while I teach, while I preach, and even while I spend time in the mission field.

The problem is that I don't save anybody. Nobody gets to the Father through me or my actions. It happens in His timing and at the point of His choosing. In John 14:6, Jesus advises us, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

It's up to me to establish my relationship with Christ and follow His will. If He wants me to teach and preach, then count me in. If it's His will to use me to reach out to a non-believer, then I'm to follow His call and in the manner He chooses.

One Perspective: I should never rest and sacrifice everything until every soul on earth is saved. Another Perspective: It's feeding our own vanity that makes us think we can do more than His will in saving the lost.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus states, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Could it be that God uses sports venues such as football to give us rest? It's an interesting thought. He gave us our competitive nature. Even if you don't believe He created football, He did create football players (and fans). There must be a reason for it.

Officials Announce Football Season is Cancelled

Bobby Kielty of the Oakland A's is congratulated by his team after belting a grand slam. The A's are leading their division by 6 and a half games.

In an unprecedented move, National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today that the remainder of the season is cancelled.

"It's simply too boring," Goodell stated in a whirlwind press conference. "We've decided that we can't compete with Major League Baseball. We give up."

Goodell's decision comes during a baseball season that finds the Oakland Athletics on top of the American League West and cruising into the playoffs. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants and Barry (I thought it was Ben Gay) Bonds seem bent on tanking their season as they find themselves 4 and a half games off the division lead behind the Padres and the Dodgers.

"Both of these things the fans find exciting," Goodell went on to say. "Who wants to see teams like the New Orleans Saints winning? It's just not fresh. It's just not exciting. We've exploited Katrina for all it's worth already."

So, there you have it football fans, football season is cancelled. So, turn to baseball instead. Or, there's always college football. But, this season is done (pay no attention to the fake games they show on TV. They're as real as the shots of our astronauts on the moon.).

Good grief!! Would someone please block??

Okay, so the Raiders tried a new blocking scheme; which is to say no blocking at all. I'm not sure what the strategy was behind that decision, but I hope Coach Shell remembers he should include some offensive linemen in his game planning.

Nine sacks in one game!! Hello!! Coach Shell!! Do you get it?

You would think that after, say, maybe the first four sacks you would make some adjustments! Instead of continuing with a five or seven step drop, how about using the shotgun or some quick slants? Please tell me we have other plays in the playbook. We do, don't we?

Maybe this is what we deserve for hiring an offensive coordinator who's been out of the league for 12 years. You think this might be why nobody else hired him? Maybe? Ya think?

Oh well, after the Raiders' first regular season game, it looks like it could be a long season. Oh, Joy! And we have to play the Chargers again in San Diego. Oh, how I look forward to that! I'm sure LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman are!

You know, if the Raiders' season doesn't pick up, I'm going to have to go back to posting about church strategies and ideological debates. I have to have a way to release my frustration!

It sure was a lot more fun busting on other peoples' teams in the preseason! At least we beat the 49ers (not saying much).

Okay, take your best shots! I'm still a fan!

Ode To My Gall Bladder

Stupid gall bladder! You've got some gall!

Ten hours I spent in the hospital the other day because of you! And now, as I try to enjoy a little vacation time with my family, you remind me again that you're still with me.

But not for long, you worthless organ! Soon, the surgeon will cut you out and you'll be gone from my life for good. So long, sucker! Hasta la vista, baby!

Perhaps God created you inside me to teach me a lesson. I've been praying intensely during the pain. He is with me. And He will take my pain away!

And, as for you, ugliest of uglies. I will laugh as you are flushed away - gone forever. Thanks for playing.