Tonight's blog for April 8, 2013

Tonight's blog is being written hastily in a few minutes before a basketball game, because I am a fan! I rooted for Illinois University when they ALMOST won a few years ago. I rooted against Michigan University, when I went to see them play Illinois in a basketball game a few years ago. In the two years I have lived in Michigan I have become

a fan. That same Michigan team that I used to root against is now "MY" team. Hi, I am Marvin, I am a fan, and that isn't a bad thing! I realize that I have allowed this "fan thing" to permeate other areas. I have become more than an attender, even changing my schedule so I can see games and root for teams that, previously, I didn't root for or care about.  I have a friend named Ken who is not just a fan, but is a "died in the wool" Cubbie supporter, no matter what happens! Year after year Ken and I watched the cubs, and have seen dozens of games and have been rooting for them to win a world series. So far, being a fan hasn't helped the Cubs too much. That is ok, because Ken and I still root for the Cubs. 

I have another friend who is also named Ken. He has a son named Kyle. Kyle preaches in Louisville Kentucky. Kyle wrote a book, called "Not a Fan." It is a national best seller.  I am so glad that Kyle wrote his book. I have it in my kindle account if you want to read it. I definitely recommend that you read it, after the game! I am sure that Kyle is a fan of Louisville. When Kyle's dad came to my bible college to teach a class on preaching and to become our president, he was very young and very handsome. When he preached, his sermons were very good. We were young and noticed that he turned his head to the side to make his points in chapel and so we helped him, by turning our heads to the side too. I loved that he remembered my name years later at conventions. I have another friend, named Mark. He too lives near Louisville and is rooting for Louisville to win. Mark gets to hear Kyle preach often, and loves him. Mark loves his family, and roots for Louisville, he has great balance in his life. I am proud of my friends. 

I am a fan of many things… but because I love JESUS, there is a limit. I root for sports and colleges and teams. I love the church and my friends and my wife and my family. The difference? JESUS didn't call me to paint my face purple or gold or blue or anything! He called me love HIM. Because I love HIM, I LOVE PEOPLE! When I do, it changes everything. I am not a husband because it is easy, but because I try to love Marge as JESUS told me to. I am not just a member of a church, wearing the "colors" of the movement or the denomination or the group I worship with, but because I LOVE JESUS, I love my church, HIS Bride. So, I love Monroe Christian Church, with the LOVE of JESUS! 

So, in light of my recent thoughts in my blog, I am not a "fan" of membership at MCC. I am a member because I love JESUS. You see, fans can change their allegiance. Fans can move. We are married to the church, HIS Bride. WE don't join, we fall in love, for life, even when we don't feel like it. Even when it isn't easy, even when we are hurting, or feel alone. Here is the deal, my friends love Jesus and root for their teams! My friends love the LORD and serve HIM. My friends love the Church and remain loyal to HER. 

GOD Bless you tonight, my friends! big marv