This last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost which is the birthday of the church. We are reminded each year of the Scriptures in the Book of Acts that describe flames of fire that rested upon the heads of those present as the Holy Spirit descended to dwell within each of them. As thousands were baptized that day, the church was birthed.

Look around for a very large tree that is tall and has branches that extend far out from its trunk. Lie down on the ground under that tree and pause there quietly. Don’t worry if anyone sees you, they won’t think you have lost their mind...they will be envious of you taking that moment.

When Dayton, Ohio was put under a tornado warning before the tornadic activity began thousands of social media posts said..."Thanks for ruining my night Jamie. (Jamie Simpson is the Meteorologist on TV)  You ruined Bachelorette for everyone." Another said: "Get off my TV."

This really makes me ask several questions about our priorities and also our response to interruptions in our day. Am I the only one wondering????

Memorial Day seems to have diverse purposes as we observe the upcoming weekend.

 

1.The original purpose was to honor those who died in serving our country.

2. This seems to have expanded to decorating not only gravesites of those who had served our country but also our other loved ones.

Archived Posts

The Rest of the Story

          I mentioned Russell Conwell in Sunday’s message.  He was a famous preacher, educator, and lecturer.  His sermon/lecture “Acres of Diamonds” was turned into a book and sold rather well.  I used Conwell’s illustrations to talk about sharing the good news of Jesus with those closest to us first—family, friends, coworkers, and church family.  The wider world is our ultimate aim, but until you invest in the people God has already put in your life, you are unlikely to have much success. 

No One Said It Would be Easy

To love Jesus first is to learn to love all the other people in our lives with greater intensity and less selfishness

 

What’s Saved Is Often Lost         

Here’s the benediction we didn’t have time for yesterday (Sunday, November 3).  It’s one of my favorite quotations (portions of a newspaper column).  I hope you find it as inspiring as I have

Leftovers Continued…

         It’s not just the fact that God is un-impressed by our leftovers, it actually goes deeper than that.  In a sense, Jesus is passionately and purposely opposed to anything leftover.  To be a follower of Jesus Christ is to work diligently to make sure that in the end nothing at all is left over.

Less Stuff and Fewer Wants

          Here’s a point I left off Sunday’s sermon due to time and length.  In dealing with an Entitled mindset it is very helpful if you can Reduce Materialism and Consumerism.