Tom McComb

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Guest Post: Watch out for Traps (Life Lessons from Chess) by Paul Fleeman

This is a guest post by Major Paul Fleeman, Principal of The Salvation Army's College for Officer Training in Chicago. It is part of a series that he has agreed to have posted on my blog.

WATCH OUT FOR TRAPS
Major Paul Fleeman

Key Bible Verses: Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. (Matthew 22:15)

In one of my early chess games I fell into a trap that is known as the “scholars mate”. It is a fascinating opening that takes advantage of a weak pawn. The end result was that I lost the game in no less than the first four moves. (If you know chess notation, the game went like this: 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nc6 3. Qh5 d6 4. Qxf7##)

This is a fun game to be on the giving side, but, not so much on the receiving side. The truth of the matter is, there are several ways to avoid this trap, however, you have to know what is coming and how to react. How do you get this information? You study.

One of the key ways to avoid traps that people may pose as you present God’s message is to first, immerse yourself in the Word of God. Study it with all your heart. An additional way is to rely on the Holy Spirit to be your guide.

My response: Lord, give me the desire and the discipline to understand your Word.

Thought to Apply: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)

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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Six Warning Signs from Tiger Woods' Relationships

Tiger Woods held his press conference in Augusta, Georgia yesterday in anticipation of participating in the Masters Golf Tournament this week. I took a closer look because I heard some hints at relationship breakdowns in his life that were related to his recent scandal. I didn't look in order to condemn him, but in order to analyze what happened in order to identify any potential warning signs in my life. I also determined that it was important as I lead others to encourage them to scrutinize their relationships and so avoid potential catastrophe.

Here are six areas of breakdowns in relationships that I believe either led to Tiger's downfall or were symptomatic of a deeper problem.

He led a secret life. In other words, he behaved in a way that was different from how he presented himself to others. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with him having a separation between private and professional life. But when there is a third area in which habitual sins are hidden, there is a lack of integrity. Someone defined integrity as "You are who you say you are." Another said, "Character is who you are in the dark." In Genesis 16:13, Hagar said, "You are the God who sees me," which is true, whether we want to or not. God sees us all, which means that nothing we do, say or think is completely secret.
He lied to himself. I guess this means that he justified his behavior, or he convinced himself that he wouldn't get caught. This is one of the first steps toward a life of destruction.
He lied to others. My wife is my very best friend. She knows all of me - the good, the bad and the ugly. She knows me at my best and my worst. If I start lying to her, everything breaks down in my most important earthly relationship. John Maxwell once defined success as, "When those closest to me love and respect me the most." One breakthrough for me was discovering that my family didn't expect me to be perfect. They love me for who I am, and not who I am striving (or pretending) to be. I also learned that I can trust them to help me through my struggles. The want my honesty, but they also want the best for me. So I have learned to trust them with guidance they give me, because I can trust their motives. Unfortunately for Tiger, the trust his wife and children had in him for that very same support is gone. To whom will they turn when they have questions or problems growing up?
He failed to acknowledge his fans. Obviously Tiger has talent. He had incredible support from his father and others along the way. However, without fans, there is no profession. Unless a sport has spectators who are willing to pay to see it, companies that endorse it, and sponsors who hold tournaments, Tiger needs to find another job to support his family and pay the bills. While some commended Tiger on his "focus" during play, I feel his distance from those who support him is indicative of a deeper arrogance, which leads to more serious problems.
He had negative outbursts. While some believe that his intensity was a strength, I feel his lack of sportsmanship belied a deeper problem. During yesterday's press conference, Tiger committed to toning down his negative outbursts, which he predicted would also diminish his positive ones. While the sport world temporarily rewards those who perform well, the lifetime honors are given to those who were true sportsmen, like Ernie Banks or Walter Payton.
He failed to acknowledge the success of others. He admitted to this yesterday, and he was pledging to make a more determined effort to encourage others on the course. Paul says in Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." The biggest difficulty in the heart of a selfish man is understanding the feelings of others, especially if their experience is different from his own.

Believe me, I wish the best for Tiger, both professionally and personally. Hopefully some healing can happen in his life; not only in his heart and mind, but also in his relationships with others. While lots of damage has been done, I believe in the power of God to heal.

Let's pray for him, but in addition, let's heed the warning signs that led to Tiger's downfall. Take a few moments for your own relationship inventory today.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Guest Post: Lean on a Friend (Life Lessons from Chess) by Paul Fleeman

This is a guest post by Major Paul Fleeman, Principal of The Salvation Army's College for Officer Training in Chicago. It is part of a series that he has agreed to have posted on my blog.

LEAN ON A FRIEND
Major Paul Fleeman

Key Bible Verses: Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two. (Mark 6:6-7)

A good rule of thumb in the game of chess is, whenever possible connect your rooks by putting them on the same line without the obstruction of other pieces. Their strength is greater than the sum of their parts.

Jesus emphasized the importance of working with a partner as we “build His kingdom.” Someone you can count on. Communication is the key word here. When each member of your team knows what is going on, a lot can be accomplished. When there are obstacles in the way and communication breaks down, major trouble is imminent. Make sure the two of you are on the same “wave length.”

My response: Lord, help me stay connected with my partner. Remove any obstacles that may get in the way of living your message.

Thought to Apply: “Lean on me when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.” (Bill Withers)

White obviously has more material; however, it is Blacks move. Do you see the checkmate sequence? After you figure it out, what would you do if it was White’s move?

Happy National Atheists Day!

Photo credit: anitapatterson from morguefile.com

Well, today is the day! The good news for all you atheists out there is that the Bible talks about you, and about your day today. Psalm 14:1 says,

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."

After all, we have evidence of God and His creation everywhere we look. Psalm 19 says,

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

I have heard others say, and I believe as well, that it takes more faith to believe that all life and everything we see came about as a result of a chemical accident, Big Bang or other theory.

I have also heard a preacher (I think it was Rick McKinley of Imago Dei Church in Portland) that few things offend God more than to attribute His Creation to other means.

So, to the unbelievers out there, I wish you a pleasant day. But do me a favor and (especially with the wonderful weather we are having today) take a walk. Take a moment to ponder the beauty and intricacies of nature and the world around you. And open your mind to another possibility.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Guest Post: Piano Keys by Summer Koehler

Summer is a student at Bolingbrook High School near Chicago, IL. As you can see, she has a talent for writing and for getting at the heart of the issue. I am posting this on my blog with her permission. Enjoy!

As I sit here in piano keyboarding class, I realize that people are like piano keys. We each are different and unique in our own ways. Then when you play that note, each time you press down that key, it is like a stressor or conflict hitting that person in their life.

For example, Yiruma's "River Flows in You" (-love that song :)), all those notes, keys you need to press down in order to play the song correctly. Walking in the hallways in high school, all of those keys, the different variations of students each being pressed down like a key on a piano: She just found out she is pregnant; his brother just got sent to the slammer; baseball tryouts are tomorrow; my mom has cancer; my best friend is moving; I got to ace this test or I fail; do I breakup with her or not.. but then everyone always turns to drugs and alcohol which leads to attempts of suicide and so on.. but very rarely do they find the real true way out.

The exit sign hanging above that door (thanks Taylor!!). Exit: God is your way out. God is the way out. He is always with you, through everything no matter what the situation. For a lot of people in this world He is your best friend for life, but gets pushed out of the picture by you. If you were to die today, where would you go? Up, or down? Be honest to yourself. When was the last time you truly turned to him to turn your life around? He is the way out of everything.

He is the tuner to the piano. When a key goes flat, He tunes it. He makes all the problems go away. Tune your key. Exit: God IS the way out. He is the tuner to the piano, and you are the key.

More War, Less Cry - Part 2 - Goliath's Stand

Photo credit: kconnors from morguefile.com

Going through the motions. That gets tiring doesn't it? Do you ever ask, "When are we ever going to stop practicing and to start doing?"

Don't get me wrong. I believe in preparation and practice. I am a musician and have taught musicians. I know the value of rehearsal and practice.

But there is a time to stop going through the motions and to start doing.

Unfortunately, King Saul's army was stuck in a rut. Now bear with me as I jump around 1 Samuel 17. It's a famous story. Every child who has gone to Sunday School know the end. But I want to dwell on some of the preliminary details, and especially as they relate to the difference between being prepared for battle and actually going into battle.

The whole idea was an economy of lives. If a battle could be decided by pitting the best soldier from each of the two armies, a lot of lives and blood could be spared. Sounds like a good idea, but the Philistines had a secret weapon. His name was Goliath, which literally means "the giant from Gath." With Goliath taking his stand, no one from the Israelite army dared meet him on the field of battle alone.

And yet hope and determination (and preparation) reigned supreme. Verse 20 says that the Israelite army responded to Goliath's challenge by "going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry." But verse 16 tells us that "For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand."

If my math is right, that means that the Israelites ran their drills eighty times without actually engaging the enemy. In fact, verse 24 says, "When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear."

I don't mean to be critical, but I'm wondering what kind of value was gained in taking battle positions and shouting the War Cry only to give up each time. I want to reach through history and like Dr. Phil, ask, "Well, how is that working for you?"

Another question - do you think the Israelites had more or less courage on their 80th drill than their first time shouting the War Cry?

Many people who claim to follow Jesus are leading defeated lives. We go through the motions, put on our uniforms, take our battle positions and even shout the War Cry. But who is going to step forward and face the enemy? Who is going to go into battle - not merely to march around, but to fight and defeat the challenging giant?

Please realize that I am asking myself the same questions - I have my fair share of "shaking in the boots" moments, and even "running in fear" moments.

All I am saying is that it's time to do more than just shouting the War Cry. Maybe it's even time to dispense with the cry altogether. After all, as I examine 1 Samuel 17, I don't hear David shouting at Goliath, only talking to him (vv 45-47), describing in detail what he was planning on doing to the one who defied God.

Something or someone is defying the God of your life today. Will you just shout the War Cry, or run up to face your adversary in battle?

Then you can declare, just like David did in verse 47:

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands.

Monday, March 29, 2010

More War, Less Cry - Part 1

[Photographer: Ian Kahn]

Several years ago, my daughters took karate classes. So cute - about 20 elementary school kids taking their defensive stance on the mat. I learned a lot by watching the Sensei in action. Many of the things I use while teaching young bands I learned by watching my kids in karate class.

One of the things I heard the Sensei (now Shihan Gary Hellman) teach about using a "Kiai," which can be loosely translated from Japanese to be a battle cry. Here's what wikipedia.org says about "Kiai":

The term commonly refers to a short yell before or during a strike or technique.

The kiai can be used to:

prime oneself for combat, by "amping up."
protect the upper body from a strike by providing an escape route for exhaled air.
protect the lower body by rapidly contracting the transverse abdominals and other core muscles, shielding the internal organs.
provide solid abdominal support for striking techniques.
startle and demoralize actual or potential adversaries -- especially at close quarters, or if previously unobserved.

A quick search for "War Cry" or "Battle Cry" in the Bible (NIV) brings up a total of twelve results. It seems like the ancient Israelites used it in a similar way. As a militant people, they used many techniques to give them an advantage in battle, some inspired from the Lord himself.

The question that I ask you (and me) today, and I will explore through the scripture this week, is about your use of the war cry. Are you using the battle cry without the follow-through? Are you engaging in more crying or more war?

From my perspective, there is a battle to be fought; a war to be won in our spiritual walks. Is it possible that we could be going through the motions without having any effect on our personal victory or the world around us? Do we put on our uniforms and go to church; even serve others without power in our lives? Is it all about the show, the drill and not about the real victory? Do we talk about the death blow to sin without actually dealing it?

Stick with me this week, and I will do my best to explore this topic from the Old Testament. See you tomorrow!