The other day I saw a shirt for the company CARDONE which read, "Our Mission: To be the best remanufacturer in the world." Later that day as I was continuing my personal study of the Biblical book Jeremiah I came across an fascinating parallel.

With the Jewish nation in turmoil - threat of war, economic problems, natural disasters, empty religion, violence, corruption - Jeremiah watches a simple potter fashion some clay into a pot (Jeremiah 18:1-12). Unfortunately something goes awry and the pot is messed up and marred; it just won't fulfill the purpose he had for it. The potter then takes that same pot and re-does it; he re-manufacturers a new pot with a new purpose. As Jeremiah observes God impresses on his mind that this is what He wants to do with the Jews. He wants to give them a second chance, a new start; He wants to remanufacture them into a new people.

God is the BEST remanufacturer in the world. He takes marred men and women who have so messed up their lives, seemingly beyond hope, and gives them a new start, a new purpose. A person can so mess up their lives as to make the original intention for their existence null and void. Nonetheless, God can refashion that same person with a new purpose.

Unfortunately for the Jews, they didn't respond to God's offer to be remanufactured. In their stubborness and pride they wanted to keep on doing what they were doing. "It's no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart." (Jer. 18:12)

As much as God desires to remanufacture us, He won't do it without our willing cooperation. If we remain bent on doing it our way, then the consequences will be the same as those ancient Jews years ago.........

EAGLES vs. CARDINALS

On Hope Chapel's big screen this Sunday, 3 PM.

Food, fun, friends!

Bring a few $$$ to buy pizza and wings.

POST-MORTEM: In typical Eagles fashion we are brought to the brink of victory only to find defeat.  Frankly when it comes to sports I should've stayed in NY!

This morning I caught myself singing in the shower songs from "The Sound of Music." Though I'm not really a fan of musicals and saw that particular numerous times, I found myself wanting to watch it again.  That made me wonder what movies I enjoyed this past year and why. Here's what I came up with as the top 5:

#5 - "The Final Season" - I found this low budget baseball flick early in the year. Based on a true story of a small town high school baseball team beating a large school in the state championship, it emphasized the importance of playing the game the right way and with the right attitude. Jesus' words,  "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much..." resonated throughout.

#4 - "Iron Man" - There was something about this movie that moved beyond the summer popcorn CGI action. One man sacrificed his life to save another man leaving him with the final words,   "Don't waste two lives."  The survivor's redemption of character and motivation reminded me of another One who sacrificed his life so I should not waste mine.

#3 - "Ghost Town" - I just found this story of a man who can see the spirits of dead people both hilarious and inspiring. It's another one of those crises movies that alters the direction of a man's life and, more importantly, heart.

#2 - "Eagle Eye" - Okay, I admit, this one is merely for the thrill ride. Even with all its unbelievable plotlines and holes, it was just a downright fun time. Not to mention it took me most of the movie to figure out the mystery; cool. My son came up with some spiritual analogy, but honestly I just had fun.

#1 - "Prince Caspian" - There was so much in this big screen imagining of CS Lewis' book that spoke to my heart. I saw so much the Biblical theme of sanctification (i.e., what it means to become holy) - listening & looking for Aslan, not being arrogant and doing things in one's own strength, and doing it all for the glory of Aslan. Quotes abounded about pride, humility, listening, faith, hope, and courage - the scene with Lucy standing up against an entire army with her puny little knife was classic. I don't buy many movies, but this one was under the tree at Christmas!

I'm sure there are as many favorites as there are people, but these hit home with me in 2008.