Meet the Band!

My birthday this year was extra special.  Three excellent musicians - Pete on lead guitar, Dan on drums and Ron on bass - invited me to join them in playing Beatles music. For nearly two hours we jammed and played everything from "A Hard Days Night" to "Yesterday." We had so much fun and really sounded good! So, we're ready to play wedding receptions, store openings and Elks and American Legion Halls. Yes, invite us to play for your venue and you'll soon be singing, "Yeah, yeah, yeah!"

A Christmas tradition continued

Last night Sherri and I and some friends from church traveled to Grand Canyon University for their seventh presentation of the Messiah, Handel's great masterpiece.  We learned that of all the great works composed by masters like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and others, the Messiah is the only classical musical piece that remains continually performed. Amazing!

Have you been to GCU's multi-purpose auditorium? It's primary used is for basketball but the venue holds concerts, conferences and many other events. It's primary drawback? Seating.

To set in a bleacher seat is torture, especially if you have long legs like me.  These seats make flying coach on an airplane feel like first class.  I was so uncomfortable it was hard to concentrate on the music.

Fortunately, when the second half began, the people seated to my left had moved.  I was able to pivot in the seat, stretch out my legs and finally felt comfortable.

Coincidentally, the music got much better. Ha! "The Hallelujah Chorus" was performed with great power and "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" brought tears to my eyes. The beauty of Handel's confession of the Christ cannot be matched.  It never fails to help me rejoice in Jesus, my Savior.

Sherri and I started this tradition many years ago.  With few exceptions (our South Carolina years) we have managed to attend a performance of the Messiah each Advent season.  Handel's magnum opus never fails to put us in the Christmas spirit - God's way!

Grace and Mercy defined

What is mercy? How does it differ from grace? The two terms are frequently synonymous; but where there is a distinction between the two, it appears that grace is a loving response when love is undeserved, and mercy is a loving response prompted by the misery and helplessness of the one whom love is showered upon. Grace answers to the undeserving; mercy answers to the miserable.

D A Carson, "A Study of Matthew 5-10", page 29  

A Blast From the Past - Nov. 26, 2012

Another story from Mitch Albom, "Have a Little Faith."

The pastor of the little country church began his sermon with a stirring reminder: "Everyone in this church is going to die!" The minister looked around and he noticed a man in the front row with a huge smile on his face.  The minister asked, "Why are you so amused?"  The man answered, "I'm not from this parish.  I'm just visiting my sister for the weekend."

Page 231

Jesus calls us friends!

It's no accident that Jesus said to His followers, "I have called you friends" (John 15:15). He also expresses that precious sentiment to you as you walk in faith. You are not just a name on Jesus' church membership list. You are merely a face in the crowd of Christ's believers. You're not an imperfect and needy burden Jesus has to lug through life. You are Jesus' friend. 

"Greater love has no one than this," Jesus said, "that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). Jesus proved His bond of friendship with you by doing just that.  He died for you, not because you were so noble,but because you were so needy. Jesus loved you at your lowest point, and His is alive to continue loving you during your deepest need. Jesus is your true friend who understands you and walks patiently with you. Your Savior not only understands the grief you can express, but He also understands your groans too deep for words. Jesus doesn't rush you through your pain; He rushes to you and stays with you.

From "Hope When Your Heart Breaks," page 155

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount

Over the past couple of months Baker Books has been offering updated versions of some of D.A. Carson's earlier writings.

This has been a great blessing for those who are serious about living out the Christian life.

Carson points out in his revised book that the Christian life is countercultural.  Jesus has called believers to walk a different path and take a different view of this world than how popular culture sees it.

It's been said that the Sermon on the Mount takes about 15 minutes to read.  But scholars and theologians and members of the church have puzzled over Jesus' words for 2000 years.

Carson's approach is, as you would expect, scholarly and yet he writes in such a way that the average man or women in the pew can gain a tighter grasp on what was said by Jesus in His most famous sermon.

Carson does a wonderful job of explaining what Jesus meant when we said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit...Blessed are those who mourn...Blessed are those who hunger and search for righteousness."  In fact, it would be worth the cost of the book just to read the section about the Sermon on the Mount.

This is not a book that would be read in a couple of nights.  But that's alright - it will be worth the time to read and savor this book.

The significance of Absolution

In nearly every Lutheran worship service, confession and absolution is the first thing that's found in the liturgy.  This is not by accident.  We arrived to worship carrying a boat load of sins - things that we've done and things we've left undone.  To have that burden lifted at the beginning of the service readies our hearts to receive the other gifts of God that the service delivers.

William Weedon, in his book, "Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey," shares these thoughts about the significance of absolution:

It is the truth that God speaks to us about Himself and what He has done about the disaster inside each of us. We call that truth the Absolution. It is when God justifies the sinner, declaring her or him to be righteous.

This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Church year.  In just a week the season of Advent and a brand new church year awaits to greet us.  We invite you to join us at Life in Christ - today at 5 pm or tomorrow at 8, 9:30 or 11 am.  Have a blessed weekend!

What are you thankful for?

That was the question someone asked me while at church yesterday.

I thought about it all day yesterday.

And in no particular order...

Thankful for the grace of God in Jesus Christ.  That Jesus would "save a wretch like me" is amazing. In baptism I became one of God's own children, forgiven of my sins and filled with the Holy Spirit. Since that moment, God has generously given me His Word and Supper to nourish and nurture faith to trust and rely on Him more and more.

Thankful for Life in Christ Church. In 14 years God has created a wonderful church family that joyfully receives His gifts and trusts in His promises. Such wonderful friends and fellow soldiers in the Lord's army.

Thankful for those in our church who have been patient with me as I've struggled with depression the past three years.  There are many times when I'm not myself. It's so frustrating.  And yet, many have offered their support and prayers and have affirmed my ministry to them.

Thankful for my dear, sweet wife. In Proverbs 31 we read: A wife of noble character who can find? The writer must have met Sherri. I can't imagine life without her.

Thankful for my three kids. As their Dad, I tend to still think of them as "kids." But they are not. What has happened in their lives, the people they've become, the things they've accomplished - thank you, Lord, for how you've loved and blessed them.

Thankful for my seven grandkids. Nothing puts a smile on my face faster than hearing one of them call me "Poppa."

Thankful for Sherri's folks, Bill and Betty.  They've reached their 90th year and life is so hard for them.  They are frustrated by what they can no longer do. They'd be very glad if the Lord would call them to come and rest in His arms. I appreciate their faithfulness.  And I'm thankful for caregivers like Michele Colla who give Bill and Betty so much of their time.

Thankful for our church Administrative Assistant, Connie Kanzler.  Connie has seen me at my best and my worst and has never stopped being my friend. Like my dear, sweet wife, Connie models the love of Jesus better than anyone I know.

Thankful for our pets. We said "goodbye" to our beloved cat, Tiddy, a couple of months ago. He was the cat who followed me around like a dog.  Our present cat, Glory, is just that - a cat.  She is mostly interested in ensuring that her food bowl is full and that she has a warm place to lay.  And now we have a new pet, Jake.  He's a Border/Terrier mix and is the perfect dog for my non-dog loving wife. It took Jake about 12 minutes to make himself right at home.

Thankful for all the "First Article" gifts that God has given to me and my family.  We want for nothing and have been blessed with far more than we deserve. It sometimes sounds trite but it's true - "God is good!"

Well, I've gone on far too long.  I'm afraid that reading this blog post is like having to watch someone's family movies of their vacation trip.  So I'll stop here.

But I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving!  And, if you're in the Peoria area, hope to see you at worship this weekend!

Where to look when giving thanks

When Jesus fed the five thousand, He took bread and looked up to heaven (Luke 9:16).  By that simple action, He reminded the disciples where to look.

From "Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey," pages 101-102

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A prayer for thanksgiving

Heavenly Father,
 from whom come all good and perfect gifts,
 from whom come mercies new each day,
 from whom come blessings beyond measure:

Accept our thanksgiving
 for protection and those who provide it
 for daily bread and those who prepare it
 for clothing and those who manufacture it
 for family and those dear to us
 for friends and those associated with us
 for jobs and those working with us
 for social security and support programs

We confess that we think too little
 about the fact that we deserve nothing
 about the many who serve us
 about the blessings of Your Spirit

We pray You
 forgive our ingratitude
 open our eyes to behold Your goodness
 fill our hearts with thankfulness
 make us respond in appreciation
 help us to serve in love

We thank You, through Christ, our Lord,
 Your best gift to us.  Amen.

God's will is...

Sweet Gospel from William Weedon: God's will is your forgiveness.  God's will is that His forgiveness ring in your ears so that you believe and rejoice that the blood of His Son has answered for your every sin...

From "Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey," page 90

Be the church to your neighbors

Wise advice from Greg Finke: The good news is that Jesus has uniquely ripened the culture for the church to once again go and be the Church in our neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. If the culture won't come to our church buildings, the Church can go to them and embody the very things for which they are longing. That's actually how Jesus had always designed His Church to operate, being the people through whom the grace and truth of God is experienced by others in real life.

From "Joining Jesus on His Mission," page 43

Be nice to the Pastor's wife

A few years ago I received three copies of a Hallmark gift book, "A Laugh a Day."  Apparently, I looked like needed a good belly laugh.

I was flipping through the book the other day and I found this quote:

Say something nice to your pastor's wife. She has a hard job for which she is not paid.

October is Pastors Appreciation Month.  Maybe November should be Pastor's Wife Appreciation Month.  Many pastors wives work both inside and outside the home.  Many are expected to be completely involved in the life of the congregation.  As one person said to me, "We get two for one - the pastor's wife is like an unpaid staff member."

What an attitude!

So, give some kudos to the pastor's wife the next time you see her.  So often, the focus is on the pastor. Give some love to his wife.  She'll probably be surprised.  But she'll really appreciate it!

Missing Tiddy Boy

That's Tiddy Boy, one of the most loving cats we've ever had.  I still miss him jumping up in my lap, curling himself into a furry ball and going to sleep. He also had the habit of crossing his front legs, as you can see above. In a world where unconditional love is rare, we received that love from this wonderful cat.

Meeting Matt Maher!

The good-looking guy standing between Sherri and me is singer/songwriter/musician Matt Maher. We got to meet him at his concert a couple of months ago.  Couldn't believe I was standing next to the guy who wrote "Christ Is Risen," "Abide With Me," and "All the People Said 'Amen'." So glad that his songs point to Jesus Christ as the victor over sin and the grave.

Notice that I tried to rock my skinny jeans but finished a poor second to Matt!

Your refuge, your hiding place

Trust in Him at all times, O people;

Pour out your hearts to Him,

For God is our refuge

            There was a chill in the air.  Not that it was particularly cold.  It was the kind of chill a person feels when fear and evil are nearby.  The disciples wrapped their cloaks around their bodies just a bit tighter and drifted off to sleep. 

            Sleep was not possible for Jesus.  He was wide awake and acutely aware of the events that were about to unfold.  Jesus is experiencing the kind of human agony that you and I might experience.  It was the gut-wrenching feeling you get when the call comes telling that a loved one has died…a child has been injured…a friend has been jailed.  What does a person do when undergoing what some call “the dark night of the soul?”  You do what Jesus did.  You pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father.

            You tell the Lord exactly how you feel.  Jesus did.  You tell the Lord exactly what you want to have happen.  Jesus did.  You tell the Lord that no matter what happens, you want what’s best – that God’s will be done in your life.  Jesus did.

            My friends, follow the example of Jesus.  Heed the advice of the Psalmist.  Pour out your heart to God.  Share with Him your joys and sorrows, fears and frustrations.  Flee to Him – He is your refuge.  Trust in Him – He loves you and knows what’s best for you

Wake up, Jake! Wake up!

This is our new dog, Jake.  He's a Border/Terrier mix.  We rescued him from Animal Control about two weeks ago.  As you can see, he's quite comfortable in his new home.

Bulletin Bloopers

I thought I'd seen them all but...

Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions.  She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack's sermons.

Reminder: Housing is needed for the visiting missions drama team next week. If you can put up with these performers for a day or two, please notify the pastor.

Our youth basketball team is back in action Friday night at 8 pm in the Rec Center. Come out and watch us stomp Sacred Heart of Mary.

Our church will host a potluck dinner tonight, featuring live music. This promises to be a memorable evening for both the young and the young in heat.

The Ladies' Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall after the Ladies are done with the B.S.

Don't forget our annual Bargain Basement Fund Raiser, to be held in the Upper Hall next Sunday.

Fasting Group meets for breakfast Saturdays at Pancake Plaza.

Until next time, that's all folks!

What day is it?

On Thursday I went through an out-patient surgical procedure.  Since then I can't seem to remember what day it is.

Yesterday, I made a blog post about the importance of worship.  I also made an invitation to attend worship, noting that worship would begin today at 5 pm.

Only one problem - yesterday, I now realize, was Friday.  So, my invitation was a day off.

I hope no one showed up at 5 o'clock only to find the church locked up tight.

So, just reread yesterday's blog - all the stuff I wrote is good for today.

Have a blessed weekend (it is the weekend, right?)!

Basics for Believers

Baker Books has been in the process of presenting updated versions of some of theologian/author, D.A. Carson's publications. "Basics for Believers," is for those who are serious about the Christian walk.

Carson uses Paul's letter to the Philippians to show what this Christian walk looks like. He writes that the cross of Christ Jesus must always be central to the Christian's life.  In the cross we learn what the Gospel is all about.  The Gospel forms us as we make it the central focus of our lives.  Carson does a wonderful job of unpacking Philippians 2:5-11, describing Jesus' self denial so that He might carry out His Father's will. The majestic song of praise found in verses 9-11, Carson calls, "The Son's Vindication, showing that the Father accepted Jesus' sacrifice for sin and ensuring that "every knee shall bow" to Jesus on the Last Day.

Carson doesn't shy away from the topic of suffering, which Paul writes about to the Philippians.  He describes what this suffering looks like for the Christian, which is an important aspect of being a disciple of Jesus.  And it is through Jesus, Carson explains, that we receive the power to continue on in faith in spite of what pain or difficulty might come our way.

This is a marvelous book and if you're looking for a guide to what the Christian walk entails, look no further than "Basics for Believers."

Book supplied for review by Baker Books.

Mark Twain wisdom

Anyone who has grabbed a bull by the tail knows five or six more things than someone who has not.

Bring a friend to church Sunday

Actually, every Sunday should be about bringing a friend to church.  Even more so when you consider...

Today, there are twice as many Lutherans in Ethiopia as there are in the US.

There are now more Baptists in Nagaland (an eastern state in India) than there are in the southern states in the US.

There were more Christians worshiping in China last Sunday than there were in the US or in all of Europe!  (Source: "Joining Jesus on His Mission" page 42).

Amazing, isn't it?

Besides being a people so blessed with so much, we have more Christian tools available than anywhere else - more Bibles to choose from, more Bible studies to access, more Christian plaques, jewelry, artwork, you name it!

So, why are so many Americans forsaking Christ and His church?

The reasons are many.  But there is one thing we can do - bring a friend to church.

Ok, they might say "no." They might come once and never return. It doesn't matter.

An invitation to that person, if offered sincerely and without the feeling that you've got an ulterior motive, says, "I care about you.  I want you to have what I have."

So bring a friend to church.  At Life in Christ, we worship today at 5 pm and tomorrow at 8, 9:30 and 11 am.

Think about it.  Pray about it.  Invite a friend to come with you to church. 

Who knows what God will do.

Fix your eyes on Jesus

God urges you to fix your eyes on Jesus. Heaven invites you to set the lens of your heart on the heart of the Savior and make Him the object of your life.

Max Lucado, 'Grace for the Moment,' page 348

A New Pair of Glasses

Give me the insight
O Lord
to see
when my work
or other individuals
are not the problem
but I am
Prevent me from 
running scared
distrusting people
heading for hopelessness
so blinded by burdens
of my own
that I blame others
rather than myself
Give me the eyes
to recognize
the trusted friends
I have 
but most of all
You
the Friend of sinners
Forgive my myopia
and restore the utopia
of a clearer vision
of my work
my comrades
and you
Give me
the spectacles
of your Spirit!

"Prayers for People Under Pressure," Donald L. Deffner, page 87

The real power of prayer

I really appreciated these words from Pastor Michael Newman:

Jesus also bid His disciples to pray. The power of prayer is not as much in your speaking as it is in God's listening. Implicit in prayer is the promise that God hears you and responds. When you are overcome by anxiety, you can cast your cares upon your Lord and Savior, being confident that He will carry the burden and lighten the load.

From "Hope When Your Heart Breaks," page 192

Known By the Master

             For three and a half years I served as a pastor of a Lutheran church on Hilton Head Island, S.C.  Hilton Head is a beautiful area to live, work and play.  Many folks from the Midwest and the East Coast retire there.  People love the beach, the beautiful weather and the friendly people. 

            And many of them play golf.  Hilton Head Island is 12 miles long and 5 miles wide.  It also features a couple of dozen world-class golf courses.  There are that many more off island in the community of Bluffton.  Hilton Head Island is also home for an annual PGA tour event, usually held after the Masters.  This is a PGA tour event and the locals love to come out and watch the best players in the world tee it up.  The Harbor Town golf course is one of the most beautiful in the country. While living in Hilton Head I had the opportunity to see the tournament in person.  

            I got to thinking the other day of an event I attended while living in Hilton Head.  I was one of more than 650 people gathered for the Christian Heritage Breakfast to hear the testimony of a champion golfer, Larry Mize.

            He’s a fellow who had a wonderful career on the PGA tour.  But in the golfing world he’ll always be known as the one who sank a 140-foot chip shot during a playoff with Greg Norman to win the biggest tournament of them all – The Masters.

            We sat listening, totally captivated by Mize’s description of how he snatched victory from the man who was considered to be golf’s best player at that time.  But after having told us about his marvelous and surprising feat, Mize made this statement: “I am known as the man who won the Masters.  But I’d rather be known as the man who was won by The Master, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to save me from death and give me eternal life.” 

            How are you known by your friends, neighbors and the community?  Recognized as a successful business person?  Praised by others as a faithful community volunteer?  Lauded as the best golfer at the club?

            Or are you known as a Christian business person?  Are you identified as a follower of Jesus who happens to do volunteer work?  At the club are you known as the missionary who does some of his best work walking down the 18^th fairway?

            In the time of Jesus, a master was recognized as one who had absolute ownership and uncontrolled power.  Your master held your life in the palm of his hand.

            In Jesus, we have a Master like no other.  He does not consider us His servants and subjects.  He calls us His friends.  He treats us perfectly.  He knows us completely.  Jesus knows our names, our thoughts, and those times when trouble pays us a call.  He treats us with compassion, giving us just what we need when we need it.  He will never let us slip from His hands.  He is all this and even more.

            He is the Master who lays down His life for His servants, suffering their punishment, paying their penalty and freeing them from the guilt of sin and the power of death.  Jesus does all this while showing His mighty power – willingly laying down His life and taking it up again.

            This, my friends, is the kind of Master we joyfully worship, serve and adore.  Can there be anything better than being known, like Larry Mize, as a child of the Master?

The prayer for the day

Lord God, in a constantly changing world we look to You as our rock of hope. Hear us as we pour out our hearts to You, and give us grace and secure protection; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

From "For All the Saints," page 627

Down Memory Lane at Concordia University - Wisconsin

A picture of the chancel in the chapel at Concordia University - Wisconsin.  Sherri and I worshiped there when we attended the Parish Nurses convention last May.  The sound of the organ (below) sent chills down your spine.

You will have power...to witness

We are coming to the close of our fall sermon series, "Unshakable Hope."  We've learned that when we stand on God's promises, we stand on solid ground. In times of weakness, God's Word provides strength. Fear is banished by peace. Depression crumbles while hope stands strong. In a time of such uncertainty in our world, unshakable hope is what we need the most.  God gives that hope to us in great abundance.

Just before Jesus ascended into heaven He promised His disciples that they would receive Holy Spirit power to tell of His resurrection and His defeat of the devil and sin and death.  When Pentecost came, the disciples were changed people.  They fearlessly proclaimed the risen Christ despite threats of prison and death.The transformation is amazing and could have only come by God.

We have access to this power too.  In baptism, our sins were washed away and we received the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Through the work of the Spirit we believe in Jesus; such faith justifies us before the Father and we get the joy of witnessing the salvation of the Son for all those who believe.  We do this faithfully remembering that God works the transformation from unbelief to faith.  Our joy is to share and witness Jesus with those who need to know and believe in Him.

Come and hear more about this power God gives so that we can tell what we have seen and heard about Jesus.  Worship with us today at 5 pm or tomorrow at 8, 9:30 or 11 am.  Hope to see you at LICL!

It's a miracle! Today's funny!

At the pearly gates, St. Peter greeted a minister and congressman and gave them their room assignments.
      "Pastor, here are the keys to one of our nicest efficiency units. And for you, Mr. Congressman, the keys to our finest penthouse suite."
      "This is unfair!" cried the minister.
      "Listen," St. Peter said, "ministers are a dime a dozen up here, but this is the first congressman we've ever seen."

Preaching to those who mean the most

Any Sunday that I preach at Life in Christ, I receive generous comments from hearers who appreciated and/or were blessed by the message.

Such feedback is gratefully received.  It is a privilege to proclaim God's Word so to know that something was said that encourages a person to keep on living out their new life in Christ is special.

But when the feedback comes from one of your own kids, it is extra meaningful.

My youngest daughter was in town for three and a half weeks.  She left for home on Wednesday. During that time she was able to worship with us three times. On the day she left I received a text from her.

Among the things she wrote was something to the effect that the sermons I preached she was going to listen to over and over once she got home because "they gave her hope."

She and her family are going through some trials right now. She was blessed to be reminded that God's promises can give us unshakable hope when circumstances seem bleak.

What father doesn't want to help their kids? Mine will tell you that I'm not the always the most helpful guy.  I can't repair a car or fix a leaky faucet.  I can't cook them a meal or offer good financial advice.

But I can give them God's Word. At times that doesn't seem like so much.  But I was glad to be reminded by one of my kids that what I can do is often what they need the most.

And that makes me glad.

Giving thanks for the little things

Only he who gives thanks for the little things receives the big things. We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts,. We think we dare not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be looking forward eagerly for the highest good. Then we deplore the fact that we lack the deep certainty, the strong faith, and the rich experience that God has given to others, and we consider this lament to be pious.

We pray for the big things, and forget to give thanks daily for the Christian fellowship in which we have been placed, even where there is no great experience, no discoverable riches, but much weakness, small faith, and difficulty; if, on the contrary, we only keep complaining to God that everything is so paltry and petty, so far from what we expected, then we hinder God from letting our fellowship grow according to the measure and riches which are there for us all in Jesus Christ.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, from "Life Together," as found in "A Continual Feast."

Put the Gospel first!

Baker Books has sent me a number of books to review from author and theologian, D.A. Carson.  I'm working my through "Basics for Believers," a study of Paul's letter to the Philippians.  I was especially struck by this paragraph included in the chapter, "Put the Gospel first."

Put the Gospel first.  Brothers and sisters in Christ, such a valuation of the Gospel ought not to be the exception for us, but the rule.  We are talking about the good news that reconciles lost men and women to the eternal God. We are confessing the Gospel: that God Himself has provided a Redeemer who died, the just for the unjust, to bring us to Himself. Without this Gospel we are cut off, without hope in this world or the next, and utterly undone. Compared with this good news, what could possibly compete. Put the Gospel first.

A Prayer Regarding Vocation

Since most folks begin their work week on Monday, here is a prayer for you on the theme "Vocation."

Lord of my life, I ask Your blessing on my daily life and especially on my work. My work is good because Your hand is upon it. Do not let me turn my work to selfish purposes. Forgive me when I fail.

Help me to remember that You are still Lord when I feel discouraged and useless or when I am tense and angry. Help me to remember that You are still Lord when I am satisfied and pleased with my accomplishments.

Take my work into Your own hands. Give blessing to all I do and say. Use what I accomplish as a blessing to others, for Jesus' sake.  Amen.

From "Lutheran Book of Prayer," page 180

The Five Marks of a Man

Brian Tome, pastor of Crossroads, the fasting growing church in the USA, has written a highly accessible book challenging guys to grow up!

In "The Five Marks of a Man," Tome makes a contrast between men who act and behave like boys and those who seek to live fully as the men God has created.  In 24 short, easy to read chapters, Tome describes how men can live with purpose, put others before themselves, carry out their different vocations with integrity and provide protection and care for those around them.

It seems to me that this is a book that is not to be read quickly.  Men, you'll be challenged, as you read each chapter, to take inventory of your life.  You'll be asking yourself questions like, "Do I always seek the spotlight or do I take great joy in serving others? Am I content to spend an hour in church or do I love the Lord and seek to share this love with others?"

Tome has an engaging style of writing.  He gets men.  Guys, if you're feeling like you could be a whole lot more than you are, you'll want to read "The Five Marks of a Man."

Book provided for review by Baker Books

Joy comes in the morning

Tomorrow's sermon is about...Kleenex. Well, not really.  But Kleenex is often needed when tears are shed.  We'll explore God's promise in Psalm 30:5 and describe a place where you'll find no Kleenex boxes - none whatsoever.  So, join us! Tomorrow at 8, 9:30 or 11 am.  Or if you fancy a Saturday service, we meet today for worship at 5 pm.  Hope to see you at Life in Christ!

Is there baseball in heaven?

One day a couple of old guys were wondering if there's baseball in heaven.  They promised each other that the first to die would somehow let the other one know if there is baseball in heaven. A week later one of them died. And a week after that, his friend recognized his voice coming from the clouds. "Joe, I've got some good news and some bad news," the disembodied voice reports.  "The good news is that there is a baseball team in heaven.  The bad news is that you're pitching on Friday!"

Six pounds down - ??????? to go

A few weeks ago I got on the bathroom scales and got the shock of my life. I weighed more than I ever have in my life (I won't tell you how much!). In a way, this was no surprise.  When it seems that the buttons and zippers on your clothes are about to explode, well, that's not a good look.  Something had to be done.

A diet takes discipline.  And that's what I dreaded.  Being disciplined is extremely hard, especially after you've been an undisciplined foodie! Like many people, chocolate is my downfall.  And, it was a real disappointment that even though you can switch to something that is good for you - dark chocolate - you can still gain wait! To modify a phrase from the Rolling Stones - "You can't always eat what you want!"

So, a month ago I modified my diet.  Small portions.  Less sugar.  More fruits and - I can't believe I'm writing this - vegetables. Abstaining from my favorite adult beverages. Oh, the pain of it all!

I also began a walking regiment. I walk at least 25 minutes six days a week.  Depending on the day I'll squeeze in a second walk.  With trusty iPod and earbuds on hand I can get a pretty good pace going.  Maybe I'll speed walk a 5 K (or not).

I hope that as I lose the weight my back will begin feeling better.  It seems to ache all the time and I'm sure the extra weight I've been carrying hasn't helped.  A pain-free back would be a real blessing!

The First Article to the Apostles' Creed reminds us that our bodies are a gift from our Creator God. I haven't treated this body so well of late.  So, I pray, that the Lord will help me be disciplined as I seek to keep dropping the pounds - whether I like it or not!