A Computer Virus

My wife's computer recently had an extremely rude virus. This virus would use pop-ups to let the user know that there were viruses and bad files on the computer that needed to be eliminated and it was impossible to stop the pop-ups from occuring. If you followed the link it provided, you were told that all of the bad files could be eliminated for $69.95. Of course, it is assumed, that they would then use my credit card number to purchase things for themselves. This virus had to go and my frustration level was high. I spent many hours over a four day period trying to rid the computer of this virus, but I was completely unsuccessful. After days of frustration, I realized that I needed outside help. Finally, after dealing with several helpful websites, I broke down and paid S29.99 to download a program that would rid my computer of the program that was making my home computer life miserable. Sure enough, it only took about 30 minutes for the virus to be destroyed, or least eliminated from my computer.

I have noticed in my life, that I am in many ways like a computer with a virus. Besides the reality of being annoying, I am a pretty difficult problem to fix. No simple solution to make me better. No way to delete those personality deficiencies. The only way that I can be changed and made "well" is with outside help. Thankfully, the most proficient and powerful personal transforming agent lives inside of me, and gratefully He has a whole lot of patience!

A Funny Thing Happened At the Golf Course

Typically, I don't play golf with people I know. Contrary to popular opinion, that is not because I might say something I should not. Though, quite frankly, many times I would like to say non-pastor type words. I do, however, play with people I don't know as a chance to meet new people and perhaps have a Divine appointment on the golf course. Recently, the tables were turned on me. I never tell people what I do for a living unless they ask. Normally, that is quite entertaining as they typically will use language that they would not normally use around a pastor. Then they find out that I am a pastor and they spend the rest of the time apologizing, which ironically is a great time to introduce the subject of grace.
This day, however, it was different. On hole number 15, my cart partner took a deep breath and asked me the question that he had been working up to all day. "Do you go church very often?" I answered, "Yes, I go to church A LOT!" "Really?" he asked, "where do you go?"
It was then that I consider having fun with my new found brother in Christ. I thought about telling him that I was a Buddhist and that I was formally an ant, but instead I came clean with my occupation and church affiliation.
Then, we were able to have an extensive discussion about faith and what it means to us. Honestly, it was refreshing to have someone ask me about my faith on the golf course. I sure am glad I didn't say what I was thinking on hole number 6.