A Blog of Questions

How about a Monday Morning blog with lots of questions?  What do you think?  In honor of the sermon topic Sunday I thought I would try.  Speaking of the sermon, isn't Jesus amazing?  Doesn't His questions demonstrate brilliance?  Concerning next week, what about a lesson on the amazing stories of Jesus?  He was the master storyteller.  Do you want a good topic to invite others?  Bring them this week.

Who is celebrating 50 years of marriage this week?  My parents.  Did they want their kids to throw them a big party to invite all their friends?  Nope.  All they wanted was all of their children and grandchildren to be together a few days in the same place.  So we are in Jacksonville, Florida.  Us kids pitched in and rented a house that could sleep 18 (with a couple of air mattresses) until Friday.  I hate being away right after the Caribbean Lectures, but it was the only time everyone's schedule worked out.  After that I only have one more speaking engagement for the year, the last Sunday in August.  Here is a picture of the happy couple.

On Sunday night, August 1st, we will have our Caribbean Night.  Do you have any tropical clothing?  Wear them.  We will do some singing, show a few pictures from the Caribbean Lectures and tell you about next year.  Speaking of the lectures in St. Thomas, Iguanas' were everywhere.  In one spot I counted 18 of these huge lizards.  Some of you like puzzles so I thought I would include this picture.  How many iguanas' can you find?  Answer: 8.

Are you interested in demolition?  We have a project for you.  This church is taking on a much needed remodeling project for the Family Homeless Center August 1st.  David Paladin and John Pickerill are heading up the job.  They are asking for those who would be willing to give a couple of hours to help... well... rip up the place.  This is my gift.  I can't fix anything, but I am very good at tearing things up.  I'm planning to be there, who's with me?  Let David or John know if you would like to help.

Are you ready for me to wrap this up?  Me too.  So we will end with a few more questions.  Do you have people in your life who oppose you at every turn?  Have you ever tried using good questions, like Jesus, to make them think and possibly see your way of thinking?  Have you ever asked yourself questions about arguments people have made about you?  Maybe something you need to change.  Jesus is the only One who never needed to change.  It doesn't mean we should do a 180 on everything, but allow good questions to challenge you.

Final questions: Do you know of someone who sits around you that wasn't here Sunday?  Do you know of someone who needs prayers or maybe even a kind gesture, who is going through some difficult times?  What have you done for others?  Actually the better questions is, what have you done in the name of Jesus?  How have you served others because you want them to see the Messiah?  Who have you demonstrated the love of God to in your life?  How have you grown in your love for the Lord?  Too many distraction?  Solitude, prayer, Scripture reading and meditation, even fasting, are the way to clear the worldly mind to focus on the spiritual.

Tracy