He is no fool...

"He is no fool who gives up that which he could never keep to gain that which he can never loose."

Jim Elliot

What happens when Jesus comes again?

But Jesus says He is coming.  When He does, it will not be as a judge to strike terror into my sinful heart.  He comes as the "Son of Man," a term Jesus loved to use of Himself.  That expression directs my eyes to a manger of straw, a cross of pain, a grave of victory.  He's the One who came earlier to shoulder my sins, die my death, fill my grave.  That's my Savior who's coming.

"Together With Jesus," November 26 devotion

Top Ten Church Staff Excuses

In going through some old blog posts I discovered that back in 2015 I posted a number of Top Ten Lists - kind of like David Letterman's Top Ten Lists.  So, for the next number of Friday's I'll be reprinting some of the lists.

10) Choir director: "We thought a country-western version of 'A Mighty Fortress is Our God' would go over well."

9) Fellowship chairperson: "I thought everyone would like liverwurst on a stick."

8) Nursery attendant: "I'm allergic to crying children."

7) Secretary: "Proof reading is not one of my spiritual gifts."

6) Organist: "I don't chose the hymns.  I just play the hymns."

5) Custodian: "I didn't think anyone would object to a tip jar on the bathroom counters."

4) Usher: "How was I suppose to know that that was their personal private pew?"

3) Associate Pastor: "It was the Senior Pastor's idea."

2) Senior Pastor: "It was the Associate Pastor's idea."

And the number one church staff excuse:

1) Youth leader: I guess the teenagers really should have been locked in

The Lord has our back!

Becky Brown is a friend of mine.  I got to know her through one of our former members at Life in Christ.

When a grandchild was born with numerous health issues her world was rocked.  She spent much time in prayer and devouring the Scriptures.  Through study and prayer she says God gave her insight into this challenge.  

In an email she wrote: "The Lord doesn't waste opportunities for growth (and I am praying that I don't either).  There are always purposes behind what we go through."

God doesn't always reveal why He allows the problems and disappointments that take place in our lives.  But He promises to be with us and that nothing can separate us from His love.

Where do you see opportunities for growth in your life? 

How to deal with critical people

While going through one of my journals this morning I came across this good advice from former NBA basketball coach Jeff Van Gundy: Do not take criticism from people you  wouldn't take advice from. 

My World Cup Fever Has Reached a Fever Pitch!

Every four years it rolls around.  It captures the attention of the world.  Even America is learning to love soccer ("football" every where else in the world)!

This year's World Cup started with 48 teams with countries from all over the world.  The USA, Canada and Mexico served as hosts.  The first match began on June 11 and  the tourney finally reaches its conclusion tomorrow.  Spain and Argentina will vie to raise the cup in front of their multitude of fans.  Both countries will be well represented.

Spain are the favorites.  They feature one of the best players in the world in Rodri and one of the best young players in Lamine Yamal.  And Argentina has the GOAT (Greatest Player of All Time), Leo Messi.  Any team that features Messi cannot be counted out.  I won't be surprise if Argentina finds a way to victory.  They would be the only team in decades to lift the trophy in consecutive World Cups.

I fell in love with soccer in 2005.  I suppose I was like most Americans - I thought soccer is boring, no team ever scores, all they do is kick the ball back and forth, etc.  But then I started watching more closely.  I discovered that these athletes are in amazing condition - some run 13 to 15 miles in a single match.  How they can control the ball by using their hands is a marvel.  To watch a team move the ball down the pitch, utilizing short, accurate passes until the ball is passed in the box and kicked into the net is a marvelous thing to see.  

Tomorrow I preach two services and conduct a Bible class in Paw Paw, Michigan.  When the last hymn is sung, my dear, sweet wife and I will head back home, change clothes and celebrate my Son-in-Law's birthday.  And we'll sit right in front of the tv and watch Argentina beat Spain 3-2!

Well, I can dream, cant' I?

"Death is but a sleep"

"Thus before our Lord God, death is not death but a sleep.  For us, when we die it is and is termed death, but before God is it but a sleep and a very light sleep at that."

Martin Luther, as quoted in "Thank, Praise, Serve, Obey" page 158