This week is was not too hot and not too cold but just right.
As I see it, there is no excuse for being in worship this weekend.
Join us at LICL - today at 5 pm and tomorrow at 8, 9:30 and 11 am.
I will be doing the preaching this weekend and I'm excited about the message - "Come Lord Jesus."
So why don't you come too?
God bless your weekend!
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Friday, May 10, 2019
What kind of bells are we ringing?
A minister well known for his beautiful singing voice came home
visibly upset after consulting with a new widow about funeral plans for
her recently deceased husband. His wife asked him what was wrong, and he
revealed that the wife had asked him to sing her husband's favorite
song, "Jingle Bells," at the funeral.
He was troubled that it wasn't appropriate to the solemn occasion. He struggled and prayed about it, and finally decided to honor the grieving widow's wishes.
At the funeral, still sensitive about how some of the mourners might react to hearing "Jingle Bells" at a funeral, he carefully introduced the song with words about appreciating the sense of humor and lightheartedness of the deceased.
The widow had been very tearful during the service. Hearing the introduction to her late husband's "favorite song" she sat up and began to appear quite interested. As the preacher began the song, the widow began to smile, and her tears dried up.
She was actually giggling as he concluded, and he felt glad he'd decided to honor her request since it obviously had been so comforting.
After the service she thanked the pastor for sharing his music ministry, and with a big grin she added, "By the way, the favorite song I requested was 'When They Ring Those Golden Bells!'"
He was troubled that it wasn't appropriate to the solemn occasion. He struggled and prayed about it, and finally decided to honor the grieving widow's wishes.
At the funeral, still sensitive about how some of the mourners might react to hearing "Jingle Bells" at a funeral, he carefully introduced the song with words about appreciating the sense of humor and lightheartedness of the deceased.
The widow had been very tearful during the service. Hearing the introduction to her late husband's "favorite song" she sat up and began to appear quite interested. As the preacher began the song, the widow began to smile, and her tears dried up.
She was actually giggling as he concluded, and he felt glad he'd decided to honor her request since it obviously had been so comforting.
After the service she thanked the pastor for sharing his music ministry, and with a big grin she added, "By the way, the favorite song I requested was 'When They Ring Those Golden Bells!'"
Thursday, May 9, 2019
What could be worse than death?
I think this quote came from a Woody Allen movie which I watched many years ago. I don't remember for sure but I think I might have added this to my journal after a one hour appointment lasted nearly three hours.
There are worse things than death. If you've ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman, you know what I'm talking about.
There are worse things than death. If you've ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman, you know what I'm talking about.
TBT - The Owners Manual
The Owner's Manual. We're certain we don't need them. But they sure come in handy.
For example, the last time I had my car in for service, the digital clock got scrambled and wasn't showing the correct time. There are two little buttons to set the time. Should be easy to set the clock correctly, right? Maybe for you, but not for me! I messed with it and fussed with it, all to no avail. Finally, I got out the owner's manual, read the short paragraph on "clock," and had the correct time set in two minutes. Thank goodness for the owner's manual!
After doing some study it seems to me that the Epistle of James serves as a manual of sorts for Christian disciples. Over the course of five chapters the brother of Jesus deals with a variety of subjects.
1) How to deal with temptation
2) Hearing the Word of God and putting it into practice
3) Loving your neighbor
4) Putting faith to work through serving others
With James you get nothing but straight talk. He's got no time for those who blame their problems on God or others. He's not impressed by those who "talk the talk" but fail to "walk the walk." Take some time to read James. You'll find yourself being challenged by his words. Read them carefully. They were written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit so, you might say, these are God's Words to you. Consider them. Pray over them. Identify those areas where growth in faith and obedience is needed. And then ask the Holy Spirit to continue to do His sanctifying work in your heart and soul.
May your reading of James fill you with the wisdom that comes from heaven! (3:17)
From May 2, 2014
For example, the last time I had my car in for service, the digital clock got scrambled and wasn't showing the correct time. There are two little buttons to set the time. Should be easy to set the clock correctly, right? Maybe for you, but not for me! I messed with it and fussed with it, all to no avail. Finally, I got out the owner's manual, read the short paragraph on "clock," and had the correct time set in two minutes. Thank goodness for the owner's manual!
After doing some study it seems to me that the Epistle of James serves as a manual of sorts for Christian disciples. Over the course of five chapters the brother of Jesus deals with a variety of subjects.
1) How to deal with temptation
2) Hearing the Word of God and putting it into practice
3) Loving your neighbor
4) Putting faith to work through serving others
With James you get nothing but straight talk. He's got no time for those who blame their problems on God or others. He's not impressed by those who "talk the talk" but fail to "walk the walk." Take some time to read James. You'll find yourself being challenged by his words. Read them carefully. They were written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit so, you might say, these are God's Words to you. Consider them. Pray over them. Identify those areas where growth in faith and obedience is needed. And then ask the Holy Spirit to continue to do His sanctifying work in your heart and soul.
May your reading of James fill you with the wisdom that comes from heaven! (3:17)
From May 2, 2014
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Food for Cross Thoughts from Kurt Senske
Simply put, it is impossible for us to live the life that God created uniquely for us and continue to live in our old ways.
From "The Calling," page 13
From "The Calling," page 13
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
One ingredient to beat depression
Countless studies have found that social relationships are the best guarantee of heightened well-being and lowered stress, both as an antidote for depression and a prescription for high performance.
"The Happiness Advantage," by Shawn Achor, page 14
"The Happiness Advantage," by Shawn Achor, page 14
Knowing God
If you want to know God, then you simply need to know Jesus.
"Authentic Christianity," page 70
"Authentic Christianity," page 70
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