Psalm 40 -- The Pits & Testing

These are part of the final set of slides for my talk at Phos Hilaron Church this Sunday, March 1, 2009.

The number '40' almost always means 'test' and it has the purpose of making us better people and stronger Christ followers.

[I know that these slides are in reverse order related to the verse numbers, so just read the last slide first and work your way up....you'll be glad you did.]

God won't leave you in 'the pit' forever and it's okay to ask for help!! And, it's okay to cry out to God.

So, don't cave in when the pressure of the pit pounds in on your courage & faith.....James reminds us that the 'test' will make us strong. So, cooperate with God, talk honestly with God, expect power from God, and wait for His rescue.


Two of my favorite groups have covered songs around this theme of 'testing', Psalm 40, and the number 40, check these out....

U2 40
Third Day 40 Days

When you think of 40 think of Noah and the great flood when it rained for 40 days and 40 nites, or contemplate 'Jesus' test in the wilderness that lasted 40 days. 40 is the Hebrew way of saying 'suffering for the fulness of time.

If you or a friend is in the Pit then Psalm 40 will help you a ton as you read it, study it, and take it's truth into your life.


Jeff Fuson serves as Point Leader for Phos Hilaron Church near Louisville Kentucky. Jeff's # 1 passion is being a husband and daddy. A close second is seeing people grow spiritually. As a Professional Speaker Jeff also serves as a Keynote Speaker & Trainer crafting & delivering high impact keynote addresses & training events for Entrepreneurs, Banks, Credit Unions, and small to medium sized non-profit & for profit enterprises. He's got one incredible wife and 3 awesome children.

Kiyosaki says pay attention when the Government shifts and makes new laws.

In Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki suggests that to be financially healthy that we need to pay attention when the law shifts and when government ushers in change. In those shifts lie opportunities and pitfalls. So, if you're wondering why I'm so interested in the Politics of our President and Government that will give you a bit of the back story.

Here's the text from President Barrack Obama's first address to Congress last evening on February 24, 2009. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/story/920049.html

Where are the opportunities, challenges, and pitfalls in this speech? Where are we heading as a country and what do you need to do to prepare for what's ahead?

Just thinkin'.....
Jeff Fuson

Jeff Fuson serves as Point Leader for Phos Hilaron Church near Louisville Kentucky. Jeff's # 1 passion is being a husband and daddy. A close second is seeing people grow spiritually. As a Professional Speaker Jeff also serves as a Keynote Speaker & Trainer crafting & delivering high impact keynote addresses & training events for Entrepreneurs, Banks, Credit Unions, and small to medium sized non-profit & for profit enterprises. He's got one incredible wife and 3 awesome children.

Responses to Barrack Obama's Speech to Congress on Feb 26, 2009

Things I agree with big time:

• 'It's time for America to lead again' when referencing leading the way in developing new greener energy technologies.
• $15 Billion a year to develop cleaner, greener technologies.
  
• A reimagined, retooled auto industry.
  
• I won't settle for great jobs related to green tech being shipped overseas.
• The countries that out-teach us today will out-compete us tomorrow.
• We are not quitters. (from an young student in South Carolina)

Basically, I couldn't agree more with the need to Lead GREEN!

To understand how important it is for us to get out in front of a GREEN TECH REVOLUTION read Paul Zane Pilzer's book, Unlimited Wealth.

Things I'm not sure of:

• Electronic health records are 'more secure'? really? [what if the Government gets directly involved in managing YOUR healtcare when you are facing a serious illness in your twilight years?]

Jeff Fuson

Jeff Fuson serves as Point Leader for Phos Hilaron Church near Louisville Kentucky. Jeff's # 1 passion is being a husband and daddy. A close second is seeing people grow spiritually. As a Professional Speaker Jeff also serves as a Keynote Speaker & Trainer crafting & delivering high impact keynote addresses & training events for Entrepreneurs, Banks, Credit Unions, and small to medium sized non-profit & for profit enterprises. He's got one incredible wife and 3 awesome children.

Hubble Movie -- SPECTACULAR -- What do you see?

This Hubble Movie is AWE Inspiring and when I watch it I 'see' the handprints of God all over it. It reminds me of of John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God....

I know that others will look at this same movie and see no evidence of God. As a matter of fact you may choose to see nothing.

Either view takes faith.

I choose to have faith in something/someone -- God. I think it takes more faith to see nothing.....and I think that your faith in nothing becomes a religion....

What do you see?

Jeff Fuson

Jeff Fuson serves as Point Leader for Phos Hilaron Church near Louisville Kentucky. Jeff's # 1 passion is being a husband and daddy. A close second is seeing people grow spiritually. As a Professional Speaker Jeff also serves as a Keynote Speaker & Trainer crafting & delivering high impact keynote addresses & training events for Entrepreneurs, Banks, Credit Unions, and small to medium sized non-profit & for profit enterprises. He's got one incredible wife and 3 awesome children.

The Universe and the Mystery of God

I'm preparing for a 'Parable Worship Experience' down at the University of Louisville Planetarium this Sunday and I'm finding some really cool websites I thought I'd post here for those who love to learn....

http://www.nikon.com/about/feelnikon/universcale/index.htm
http://www.edutube.org/en/video/size-universe
http://www.cavendishscience.org/phys/howfar/howfarhm.htm
http://luxton.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2006/11/20/2513797.html
http://www.c00lstuff.com/680/The_size_of_the_Universe_explained_scientifically/
http://myjunkmail.blogspot.com/2008/07/size-of-universe-pics.html
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Docs/399.asp
http://www.studylight.org/dic/ats/view.cgi?number=T226
http://books.google.com/books?id=KNNxjzxutLwC&dq=bible+and+astronomy&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=gNUtwmnT4a&sig=UYR7RN8X5zy3wtCInlYV__RXvm4&hl=en&ei=10ifSeO0MojKNPuqrOoL&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result#PPA8,M1
http://www.mysteryofgod.net/
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/02/scientist_explores_the_mystery.html
http://spring4life.net/downloads/36Lessons/PDFeng/BasicMessage07(E).pdf

Jeff Fuson


Jeff Fuson serves as Point Leader for Phos Hilaron Church near Louisville Kentucky. Jeff's # 1 passion is being a husband and daddy. A close second is seeing people grow spiritually. As a Professional Speaker Jeff also serves as a Keynote Speaker & Trainer crafting & delivering high impact keynote addresses & training events for Entrepreneurs, Banks, Credit Unions, and small to medium sized non-profit & for profit enterprises. He's got one incredible wife and 3 awesome children.

What do you say to someone who recently lost a loved one tragically?

Her Husband was killed in a tragic accident and I have no idea what to say....

6 days ago on February 14, 2009 at 10:39 my phone rang and my life changed in an unforgettable way. My good friend sobbed, heaved and blurted into the phone, “Jeff, I think he’s Dead....he’s been hurt real bad....we’re on the way to U of L Emergency Room....I need you .....”

When I got to the hospital I knew the news wasn’t good when the receptionist screened me and wanted to wait for a word from the hospital chaplain...but, I heard my friend and the children down the hall crying out. Just a few moments later I watched her and the children say ‘Good-Bye’ to a husband, a daddy, and I said good-bye to my friend.

It’s been an incredible week of mourning and remembering and celebrating 43 ‘photoriffic’ years that Tyler Eldred lived and many lives impacted for the better. I’m blessed to have had him as a buddy for a little while.

And, now as friends and family leave Stacy’s side and the community gets back on the treadmill of living we’re left with how to care for Stacy and her family in the days & weeks ahead.

Julie, my wife, got a question at the YMCA this morning that prompted me to write this. The question, ‘Should I call Stacy?’ came from one of Stacy’s best friends. The answer is “yes, you should call Stacy.” But, it may not happen for several reasons, like:

• I’m afraid I’ll make them sad.
• What if they cry?
• I have no idea what to say or do....

And, it struck me that this needs to be addressed because in the face of uncertainty and not wanting to hurt the other person we often do nothing. Our motive may be good -- do no harm and don’t make it worse; but, saying / doing nothing can leave the hurting family feeling alone and uncared for just when they need it most.

I've heard of a case where friends have crossed to the other side of the street when they see a person coming along who has lost a loved one. Why? Because of the uncomfortableness we feel and uncertainty of what to say or do.

Let me address the 3 concerns above....

1. I’m afraid I’ll make them sad. Yep, you might strike a chord that makes them remember in a fresh way that draws from the well of sadness and tears might flow. And, then again, you might tap their funny bone with a great shared moment that brings joy to them. One of the greatest fears when we lose a loved one is that the world will forget them. When you remember with them and risk tapping sorrow or joy you help them get through the loss. They’ll never forget the one they loved and knowing that you haven’t forgotten her/him will help a ton.
2. What if they cry? They might. The closer you were to their loved one the more likely this is to happen, but it’s a risk you have to take. The thing that stops most of us is that we’re afraid of being uncomfortable or of not knowing what to say. You will likely be uncomfortable--tough, do it anyway. And, you don’t have to say much and certainly don’t need to offer any profound words of wisdom. You just need to express your concern and support and ask em something like this....’How are you today?’, ‘I’m so sorry for your loss.’ ‘How is this for you?’ and then shut up and listen a lot.....just be there with your friend and if it’s on the phone then shut out distraction and be as connected as possible and listen for their heart. If you have a cool memory to share this might be a great time to offer the gift of remembering together and let the healing waters of tears flow or the sound of laughter make their heart stronger for this time.
3. I have no idea what to say or do....
   

• What to say? As little as possible ....let them lead you as much as possible into what they want to talk about. One word of caution about what you don’t need to talk about: DON’T PRETEND TO UNDERSTAND GOD and explain your brilliant theory to them of why the one they loved so much was the one ‘plucked for heaven where God needed another rose for His garden.’ [what Bible are you reading? Crack kills dude!] Take a lesson from Job’s friends in the book named for Job in the Bible. They got it right when they just sat with Job and said nothing and just were there. Trouble began when they opened up their ‘pie holes’ and tried to explain Job’s troubles. Go ahead and admit that you are clue free about why this happened and then be a great listener and just chill with your friend. (even the most learned Theologians can’t explain why a 43 year old father of 4 with a brilliant mind who loved to help people grow into LifeChampions was struck by a falling tree branch on Valentine’s day! So, your theory isn’t likely much better and may actually bring devastation to the grieving heart. So, in short ‘shut your ‘cake hole’ the moment you want to try to explain God and why....)

• What to do? Being there quietly and simply is a great gift, so start with just being there. However, most of us want to 'do something,' and, It’s customary where we’re from to say, ‘If there’s anything I can do just let me know...’ Again, right intention but it’s not gonna happen. They are not gonna call you. A better approach if you are truly close enough to them is to be proactive and offer specific help like....

• Hey _________, I’ve got some time on ______________ evening and I’d like to come over and cut the grass, would that be okay?
• Could I bring a meal by on _______________ day? What time would be good for you? Would you prefer ______________ or _______________?
• Buy them a gift card to the movies and a decent place for dinner.
• Give a gift in their honor to the charity of their choice.
• Hey __________, can I take your car for an oil change sometime over the weekend? [and then pay for it you big goob!]
• We’re having a cook-out on ___________ evening and we’d love to have you and the kids come over and join us. (if they decline, it’s okay)
• I’d/we’d like to watch the kids sometime soon, we have some time _________ or ___________ could we come over and watch them?

It’s okay if they don’t take you up on the offer. If they decline, then it’s okay to say something like this, ‘I really do want to help some way, is there something else I could do that would help you more?’ Again, if they decline, it’s okay to leave it alone for now.

Go back to listening mode and they may uncover a true need.

Basically, be proactive and think about what they need more than you worry about you’ll look or how you might be uncomfortable, etc. Do more listening than talking. Don’t try to explain God or why. Don't underestimate the power of just being with them without jabbering or trying to take up for God, etc.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, a card with your sentiments can be way helpful and often becomes a cherished keepsake.

Bottom line....touch base and post reminders to your personal calendar to do this around Holidays and special days like Birthdays and Anniversaries. Make a call, write a card, post to their facebook wall, twitter em, visit, drop off a meal, wash a car....do something!

Missing a good friend today,
Jeff Fuson


Jeff Fuson serves as Point Leader for Phos Hilaron Church near Louisville Kentucky. Jeff's # 1 passion is being a husband and daddy. A close second is seeing people grow spiritually. As a Professional Speaker Jeff also serves as a Keynote Speaker & Trainer crafting & delivering high impact keynote addresses & training events for Entrepreneurs, Banks, Credit Unions, and small to medium sized non-profit & for profit enterprises. He's got one incredible wife and 3 awesome children.

Kissing -- the New Wonder Drug!

I'm preparing for my message for Phos this Sunday and will be sharing some fascinating information that I just learned about 'KISSING'! Just in time for Valentines day....here you go!

(yes, I know the image says 'sKissing' and not just 'Kissing' -- I'm just tinkering with some presentation dynamics that will make a lot more sense to the live crew at Phos, so just think 'Kissing' and you'll be just fine. As a matter of fact if you administer this wonder drug liberally you'll be as 'fine as frog hair split three ways' which is mighty fine!)

Enjoy the Wonder Drug. Gee Whiz God knew what He was doing didn't He!

You'd definitely benefit from reading 'The Love List' written by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott.

Jeff Fuson

p.s. I bet great leaders are better kissers!

Jeff Fuson serves as Point Leader for Phos Hilaron Church near Louisville Kentucky. Jeff's # 1 passion is being a husband and daddy. A close second is seeing people grow spiritually. As a Professional Speaker Jeff also serves as a Keynote Speaker & Trainer crafting & delivering high impact keynote addresses & training events for Entrepreneurs, Banks, Credit Unions, and small to medium sized non-profit & for profit enterprises. He's got one incredible wife and 3 awesome children.

Seeing Clearly....

Got this on email today and it's true! Enjoy....

The Window Through Which We Look

A young couple moved into a new neighborhood
The next morning while they were eating breakfast,
The young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside.
'That laundry is not very clean,' she said.
'She doesn't know how to wash correctly.
Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.'

Her husband looked on, but remained silent.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry,
The young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a
Nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:

'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly.
I wonder who taught her this.'

The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and
Cleaned our windows.'

And so it is with life. What we see when watching others
Depends on the purity of the window through which we look.
---------------
Dang, it's time to clean my windows again....

Headed for the Windex

Jeff Fuson

Jeff Fuson serves as Point Leader for Phos Hilaron Church near Louisville Kentucky. Jeff's # 1 passion is being a husband and daddy. A close second is seeing people grow spiritually. As a Professional Speaker Jeff also serves as a Keynote Speaker & Trainer crafting & delivering high impact keynote addresses & training events for Entrepreneurs, Banks, Credit Unions, and small to medium sized non-profit & for profit enterprises. He's got one incredible wife and 3 awesome children.

Losing our voice....

Just got back from the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville thanks to the generosity of Sky Angel and our good friend, Tom Scott. It was great to network there and to learn. On Monday evening Julie and I had a great dinner with Tom and some of his staff and friends. Phil Cooke, film producer and author was at the table and I'm reading his latest book this morning in an effort to 'digest' all the 'stuff' that I learned and heard from new friends at the NRB. I went there on purpose to 'cross-pollinate' the work we're doing with Phos from another flower bed--the NRB and the dozens of media enterprises there. It was worth the trip and the lost sleep. My brain is on fire today as I process.....

Part of the processing is beginning to read Phil Cooke's latest book, The Last TV Evangelist, and so far he's throwing strikes and reminding me of the need to continue to 'up the ante' at Phos and in my life if we're gonna inflence this increasingly 'digitized' world with the Great News of Jesus Christ. So, I'm recommitting this morning to keep playing to WIN. And, to keep re-creating and re-inventing how we communicate and what we do in worship expereinces with Phos. To quote Len Sweet, we'll work on being more E.P.I.C. than ever.

This is scary quote #1 from Phil's book where he quotes Rob Briner's writing in Roaring Lambs: "We have created a phenomenal subculture with our own media, entertainment, educational system, and political hierarchy so that we have the sense that we're doing a lot. But what we've really done is create a ghetto that is easily dismissed by the rest of society." (written in relation to what we've done as Christians and how we've cut ourselves off from meaningful engagement with the world.)

So, having my own personal 'revival' of conviction and courage today thanks to some other creative courageous folks who are daring to create a more engaged way of being 'Christian' in today's world.

Jeff Fuson

Jeff Fuson serves as Point Leader for Phos Hilaron Church near Louisville Kentucky. Jeff's # 1 passion is being a husband and daddy. A close second is seeing people grow spiritually. As a Professional Speaker Jeff also serves as a Keynote Speaker & Trainer crafting & delivering high impact keynote addresses & training events for Entrepreneurs, Banks, Credit Unions, and small to medium sized non-profit & for profit enterprises. He's got one incredible wife and 3 awesome children.

The Leader and the Rich Man

Fundraising or 'Donor Development' or whatever you wanna call it has been the biggest surprise in leading a new church.  I way underestimated how much money it takes and I way overestimated how much rich people will give without a PERSONAL direct invite to do so.  

Now, people have been extremely generous to Phos Hilaron Church in these early months and God has found ways of supporting us through great people over and over again.

But, as I sat yesterday with a friend of Phos who has the ability to make and give lots of cash I realized how easy it would be to 'fold' on key issues that make Phos unique and to shift positions in order to insure the potential 'investor' that his donations will fit his portfolio desires.

And, I must pray, will pray, and am praying that I never sell Phos or myself down that road.  I can see why Jesus said that it's easier for a Camel to squeeze through a tiny hole than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom.....or at least for the Rich Man to understand that the 'Kingdom' doesn't revolve around the spindle of his donation.  

So, the leader must always re-center her/his faith on Christ alone for this mission to be accomplished.  It's never an individual or human that our enterprise must please -- it's always the Ultimate Investor-- God Himself whom we must answer to.  And, we must position THE Church right in the middle of HIS portfolio expectations as the ONE who established the Mission in the first place when he bought crucial assets with the blood of His one and only.  

So this morning, I"m re-centering and re-callibrating and praying to stay faithful to HIS mission for me and for PHOS.  And, even more than that to know that HE can deliver us in any olde way He wishes.  Through anyone He chooses.  

Jeff Fuson

Jeff Fuson serves as Point Leader for Phos Hilaron Church near Louisville Kentucky. Jeff's # 1 passion is being a husband and daddy. A close second is seeing people grow spiritually. As a Professional Speaker Jeff also serves as a Keynote Speaker & Trainer crafting & delivering high impact keynote addresses & training events for Entrepreneurs, Banks, Credit Unions, and small to medium sized non-profit & for profit enterprises. He's got one incredible wife and 3 awesome children.