Cyber Monday Steals - Lot's of traffic out there today. Really slows everything down. Even with construction halted the detours are annoying. Must everyone be out there at the same time? Thankfully shopping can be done anytime day or night...midnight, 4:00 AM...just like in the stores!
Some Crazy Good Buys - Unfortunately, shopping online doesn't offer the defense against impulse buying that in store purchasing does. You really should need something to shop for it. Then when you find what you need with the price greatly reduced, it is a blessing. But buying something you don't need because the price is good is just plain nuts. Crazy good buy!
Super-Duper Walmart - Online, stores list thousands of items beyond what you can actually find on their shelves. Direct from the manufacturer, your purchase is brokered by your big brother and best friend. How can Target cover five movie titles on my son's Christmas list? There is no way you can find these titles in your neighborhood store. But because they are close as family, they get it done.
Family First - Those who know you best know what you like, what you need and what you would enjoy. Take into account all three. This still leaves room for surprise and spontaneity. That is what makes Christmas giving fun. Move beyond the want to include need & joy. That is exactly what the first Christmas was all about. They wanted a Deliverer but received so much more.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Faith Promise 2010
More or Less - Is it possible to give less and be more generous? Absolutely. It happens all the time. Much of the time it has to do with a persons income. One recently retired, has usually (in my world), taken a sizable cut in pay. Often they continue to grow in their generosity though actually giving fewer dollars. Perhaps a family goes from two incomes to one, or one of the two incomes takes a drastic reduction. I must mention the sad circumstance when job loss occurs. But how encouraging it is for the Believers when the commitment to stewardship and financial partnership shines through...even though the actual dollar amount may be less.
Less is More - Another way people give more generously is when expenses increase. Medical bills can mount quickly and family budgets are squeezed. New additions to the family can add expenses in a hurry. Children grow up and go to college, sometime two at a time! College bills can limit a persons giving yet not spoil the generosity. Expenses not only limit the funds but challenge the resolve. Amen?
More with Less - As far as I can remember, only two times in Scripture were God's people commended for what they gave. Both instances were due to the parties giving out of their need. Great generosity was seen against the backdrop of income/expense of living. What a challenge for us in 21st century America. Yes, unemployment remains high. Nest eggs continue to shrink. Expenses loom large and unpredictable. But, really? Partnerships in ministry and missions will continue to thrive because God loves a cheerful giver. Do you love to give? It really has nothing to do with your circumstances, neither income nor expense, because if you love to give you will continue to grow in your generosity and cheer!
Faith Promise - Our congregation gave over $51,000 to missions last year. Not bad for a small fellowship. Yet we gave less than we did the previous year...or was it more? Good question. I have no doubt that this church will continue to grow in our generosity because we are made up of cheerful givers. Circumstance can not stop cheerful givers. Therefore, we will continue to excel all the more in the grace of giving. That's a promise!
Less is More - Another way people give more generously is when expenses increase. Medical bills can mount quickly and family budgets are squeezed. New additions to the family can add expenses in a hurry. Children grow up and go to college, sometime two at a time! College bills can limit a persons giving yet not spoil the generosity. Expenses not only limit the funds but challenge the resolve. Amen?
More with Less - As far as I can remember, only two times in Scripture were God's people commended for what they gave. Both instances were due to the parties giving out of their need. Great generosity was seen against the backdrop of income/expense of living. What a challenge for us in 21st century America. Yes, unemployment remains high. Nest eggs continue to shrink. Expenses loom large and unpredictable. But, really? Partnerships in ministry and missions will continue to thrive because God loves a cheerful giver. Do you love to give? It really has nothing to do with your circumstances, neither income nor expense, because if you love to give you will continue to grow in your generosity and cheer!
Faith Promise - Our congregation gave over $51,000 to missions last year. Not bad for a small fellowship. Yet we gave less than we did the previous year...or was it more? Good question. I have no doubt that this church will continue to grow in our generosity because we are made up of cheerful givers. Circumstance can not stop cheerful givers. Therefore, we will continue to excel all the more in the grace of giving. That's a promise!
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Person Jesus Knows
Knowing You - I am reminded of the old joke about the college hosting a parents weekend. The campus bar posted a message in the student mall that read "Bring your parents by for lunch this weekend, we'll act like we don't know you." After reading the post, the campus chaplain also posted, "Bring your parents to church on Sunday, we'll act like we do know you." I told you it was old.
License Plates & Jesus Fish - Did you hear about the church in Warsaw, Ohio that is being picketed on Sunday mornings? Evidently the local "adult" club's owner and dancers are attending each week (across from the parking lot) protesting the church that has been doing the same to them for four years. "Tommy George, the owner of the club, and his employees decided to attend the church because they were fed up. George says the church's pastor, Bill Dunfee, and his congregation have bothered the club's weekend patrons. He says they come armed with bullhorns, signs and video cameras for posting customer's license plate numbers online."
That's Not Going To Be Good For Business - "The church pastor, Bill Dunfee, calls George a parasite and says seeing the protesters outside the church has strengthened the resolve of his flock." Is it just me...or don't you know this guy is including them in the morning attendance numbers?
That's Not Going To Be Good For Anybody - Did you check with your congregants before you started your protest? At least announce it? Perhaps someone in your church had begun an intentional relationship to introduce Jesus. "Ah, yea, that is why my license number showed up on the list." Was Jesus writing license plate numbers in the sand when he knelt down? Perhaps. But it wasn't the numbers of those "caught", but the numbers of the self-righteous. His message for all who stay around to listen is: "Go and sin no more". Too bad only one stayed to hear his words.
Bars and Churches - Are both filled each weekend with the same kind of people. People that Jesus know: Sinners. Parasites. Protesters.
License Plates & Jesus Fish - Did you hear about the church in Warsaw, Ohio that is being picketed on Sunday mornings? Evidently the local "adult" club's owner and dancers are attending each week (across from the parking lot) protesting the church that has been doing the same to them for four years. "Tommy George, the owner of the club, and his employees decided to attend the church because they were fed up. George says the church's pastor, Bill Dunfee, and his congregation have bothered the club's weekend patrons. He says they come armed with bullhorns, signs and video cameras for posting customer's license plate numbers online."
That's Not Going To Be Good For Business - "The church pastor, Bill Dunfee, calls George a parasite and says seeing the protesters outside the church has strengthened the resolve of his flock." Is it just me...or don't you know this guy is including them in the morning attendance numbers?
That's Not Going To Be Good For Anybody - Did you check with your congregants before you started your protest? At least announce it? Perhaps someone in your church had begun an intentional relationship to introduce Jesus. "Ah, yea, that is why my license number showed up on the list." Was Jesus writing license plate numbers in the sand when he knelt down? Perhaps. But it wasn't the numbers of those "caught", but the numbers of the self-righteous. His message for all who stay around to listen is: "Go and sin no more". Too bad only one stayed to hear his words.
Bars and Churches - Are both filled each weekend with the same kind of people. People that Jesus know: Sinners. Parasites. Protesters.
Friday, July 23, 2010
To Believe Or Not To Believe
Do You Or Don't You - Belief stems from an original desire. Do you want to believe? If you want to believe, chances are you will find much to support your premise along the way. If you don't want to believe, you will not be disappointed by the amount of material to enable your disbelief. What's your desire?
Yours, Mine, Ours - Isn't it something how right we can be? I had a visit this week from a candidate wanting my vote. Second only to theology, is my desire to debate politics (I am kidding of course). He wasn't interested in what I believe the state government should do. He didn't come to my door to invite me into his circle of advisers. He came to my door to assure me that he was right. The trouble is... I don't care. I know that seems harsh. But I really don't.
God Is Dead - It is always shocking when you hear someone say this. But you can't deny that there is usually much in the person's world to support their claim. Who am I to argue with them? Emptiness, guilt, despair, hedonism, folly, ignorance, broken relationships... do you get the feeling the list could go on and on? What in their life rejects their belief? They are sure they are right. Trouble is I don't care.
He Was Dead - The message of the Followers. The belief of the First Century Christians. The proposition of every sermon in the first few chapters of Acts. Fortunately, the first disciples cared. Purpose, forgiveness, peace, joy, wisdom, restored relationships... the list does go on and on. Death is a harsh reality. Yet life was given over and over and over again.
What's It Going To Be? - I want to believe! I haven't been disappointed. Every turn seems to provide a different view of what I hope. Each day provides support for what I feel. All roads point to what I know. Do I care? Will anyone else?
Yours, Mine, Ours - Isn't it something how right we can be? I had a visit this week from a candidate wanting my vote. Second only to theology, is my desire to debate politics (I am kidding of course). He wasn't interested in what I believe the state government should do. He didn't come to my door to invite me into his circle of advisers. He came to my door to assure me that he was right. The trouble is... I don't care. I know that seems harsh. But I really don't.
God Is Dead - It is always shocking when you hear someone say this. But you can't deny that there is usually much in the person's world to support their claim. Who am I to argue with them? Emptiness, guilt, despair, hedonism, folly, ignorance, broken relationships... do you get the feeling the list could go on and on? What in their life rejects their belief? They are sure they are right. Trouble is I don't care.
He Was Dead - The message of the Followers. The belief of the First Century Christians. The proposition of every sermon in the first few chapters of Acts. Fortunately, the first disciples cared. Purpose, forgiveness, peace, joy, wisdom, restored relationships... the list does go on and on. Death is a harsh reality. Yet life was given over and over and over again.
What's It Going To Be? - I want to believe! I haven't been disappointed. Every turn seems to provide a different view of what I hope. Each day provides support for what I feel. All roads point to what I know. Do I care? Will anyone else?
Friday, June 25, 2010
Set In Bronze?
Hanging On - Recently, I attended a wedding in Chicago. It was genuinely an amazing day! Memories were definitely made. One memory will live forever for the group of us who shared this particular moment. While standing outside the church building, where the wedding took place, our group couldn't help but notice the statue of St. Paul that hung out over the entrance forty or fifty feet over head. What was he up to?
Waving Them In - Our group jumped to immediate conclusions as to what he was doing... Of course we were in a very spirited mood. It is hard to tell what the arm is doing since it is frozen in time. Was he waving his community in? Okay, we'll go with that. "All are welcome here." Didn't Jesus say, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses"... oh, wait "Come to me you who are weary and burdened..." What did St. Paul say? "By meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you - I, Paul, who am timid when face to face with you, but bold when away."
Study Your Bible - If Paul was perched outside our building he would be reminding us all to study our Bible. We know that each finger represents one Bible discipline, the middle finger reminds us to study it. Maybe that is what Paul is doing.
At A Crossroad - He is overlooking an intersection of two busy streets. Perhaps he is just mimicking what he has seen going on there. As someone pointed out once, Christians need more hand signals at their disposal when driving. "One way to Jesus" doesn't really work.
Frustration, Disillusionment, Rejection, Desertion - I suppose most of us would give St. Paul some latitude in this area. He did have his share of disappointments in ministry. He didn't always respond with the meekness and gentleness of Christ, though I am sure that was the goal he "pressed on toward". He didn't always do what he should do, but he always ended up with his do do. I am so glad what we do isn't set in bronze when we do it!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
A Fitting Tribute
The Wizard of Westwood - Integrity & influence do not hide behind a curtain, smoke or intimidating voices. My earliest recollections of sports includes the domination of UCLA basketball of the early 1970's. My father made sure my brother and I were paying attention to the history being made, but also the integrity being shown. John Wooden passed away this week at age 99. I have enjoyed reading the tributes those that have best known have written over the last few days. When I was ten years old, 35 years ago, Coach Wooden retired from coaching basketball. He was an old man then! He was a Christian for many years and his beliefs were more important to him than basketball, "I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior." "Well done, thy good and faithful servant."
The Bride of Troy - Sounds like a movie title. What a special day it was attending Troy and Janice's wedding. It was magical! For me the best part was Ron's tribute to his son and daughter in law. The best I have ever heard. How proud I am of this family and happy for them on this special day. Weddings make clear that Christian love is a decision. Love isn't based on feelings or circumstances, "This is my decision, and nothing will change my mind". God's tribute to mankind in John 3:16 is the same. The Bride of Christ are those of us who have confessed the same love to Him.
The Sousa of Comstock - Voted the best by your teachers. Voted the best by your classmates. Vicki and I are very proud of daughter #1 who graduated this past week. Once you accomplish something no one will ever be able to take it away. If you complete a 50 mile bike ride, it is yours forever. Earn a diploma, an award, or a championship (or ten in twelve years) no one can remove them. The hardware lasts awhile, but the tributes last forever. How will you be remembered?
The Forgiveness of Detroit - A miracle happened last week in the "angriest sports town in America". Less than 24 hours after umpire Jim Joyce stole the first perfect game from the people of Detroit he was cheered in the same venue. How does it happen? There is only one possible way. I have heard my friends for years talk of how unforgiving (and fickle) Detroit fans are, even to their own teams & players. How could the fans at Comerica Park have such a radical transformation? Only one way...brokenness. The umpire became broken and poured himself out before the angry mob. The player...the coach...the team...and then the city followed suit. Forgiveness. How profound that a city so broken themselves by politics, economics & crime could find the grace to forgive. Now can they find the brokenness to be lifted up? That would be a fitting tribute.
The Bride of Troy - Sounds like a movie title. What a special day it was attending Troy and Janice's wedding. It was magical! For me the best part was Ron's tribute to his son and daughter in law. The best I have ever heard. How proud I am of this family and happy for them on this special day. Weddings make clear that Christian love is a decision. Love isn't based on feelings or circumstances, "This is my decision, and nothing will change my mind". God's tribute to mankind in John 3:16 is the same. The Bride of Christ are those of us who have confessed the same love to Him.
The Sousa of Comstock - Voted the best by your teachers. Voted the best by your classmates. Vicki and I are very proud of daughter #1 who graduated this past week. Once you accomplish something no one will ever be able to take it away. If you complete a 50 mile bike ride, it is yours forever. Earn a diploma, an award, or a championship (or ten in twelve years) no one can remove them. The hardware lasts awhile, but the tributes last forever. How will you be remembered?
The Forgiveness of Detroit - A miracle happened last week in the "angriest sports town in America". Less than 24 hours after umpire Jim Joyce stole the first perfect game from the people of Detroit he was cheered in the same venue. How does it happen? There is only one possible way. I have heard my friends for years talk of how unforgiving (and fickle) Detroit fans are, even to their own teams & players. How could the fans at Comerica Park have such a radical transformation? Only one way...brokenness. The umpire became broken and poured himself out before the angry mob. The player...the coach...the team...and then the city followed suit. Forgiveness. How profound that a city so broken themselves by politics, economics & crime could find the grace to forgive. Now can they find the brokenness to be lifted up? That would be a fitting tribute.
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Great Omission
Message To Self - Sunday will be our third message in a series of eight on "Seven Characteristics of Highly Evangelistic Christians". Thom Rainer recently posted an article by the same title compiling his research and study over the last twenty years. His findings boil down to a pattern seen in those who are successful souls winners. Compelled?
I'm Not Gifted - As my friend Ben recently pointed out to me... some of the best soul winners we have known over the years haven't been the most gifted (spiritually) at it, yet have had impressive results. Confused? We were thinking of a lady that attended here years ago. She wasn't outgoing, she wasn't socially engaging, and she could be pretty blunt; yet she is a perfect example of a follower of Christ surrendering to the task of reaching out with His love.
Read It And Weep - I am developing these characteristics with the help of Acts. They weren't all gifted alike but they sure were all highly effective at reaching lost souls. If Rainer has seen these qualities in 20th & 21st century Christians, we should see the same traits in our 1st century counterparts. If Acts were written about your community of believers, how would it read? Counterpart?
Secrets Revealed - "The secret is really no secret at all. More than programs, more than church events, more than anything we are instruments God has chosen to use. Sometimes we ask the question: What is my church doing to become more evangelistic? But the better question is: What am I doing to become more evangelistic?" Curious?
I'm Not Gifted - As my friend Ben recently pointed out to me... some of the best soul winners we have known over the years haven't been the most gifted (spiritually) at it, yet have had impressive results. Confused? We were thinking of a lady that attended here years ago. She wasn't outgoing, she wasn't socially engaging, and she could be pretty blunt; yet she is a perfect example of a follower of Christ surrendering to the task of reaching out with His love.
Read It And Weep - I am developing these characteristics with the help of Acts. They weren't all gifted alike but they sure were all highly effective at reaching lost souls. If Rainer has seen these qualities in 20th & 21st century Christians, we should see the same traits in our 1st century counterparts. If Acts were written about your community of believers, how would it read? Counterpart?
Secrets Revealed - "The secret is really no secret at all. More than programs, more than church events, more than anything we are instruments God has chosen to use. Sometimes we ask the question: What is my church doing to become more evangelistic? But the better question is: What am I doing to become more evangelistic?" Curious?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
