A further reflection on this gem from Psalm 20.

4 May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.
5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers.

All too often I find myself being criticial of other churches and ministers, when instead I should be shouting for joy at their victories.

It seems to be a paradox or hypocritical or something, but what makes me the most critical, is when I see others being critical! Over at Phil Bakers blog there is a thread on mega churches. The vitriole and bitterness has to be read to be seen. If you dont like Phil or his church, dont go there. And if you dont like what he is on about, dont read his blog! No one is forcing you. Now I do believe in healthy debate, accountability and openness. But I shout for joy when I see Riverviews ad on TV, I shout for joy when I hear about their programs to help the disinfranchised.

All the other stuff people get so upset about, well thats between them and God, its not my problem! I am going to have enough to answer to God for myself, without having to worry about their issues.

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat". --Theodore Roosevelt