A Really Good Sunday

The way my Sunday began I wasn't sure if it was going to be a good day.  My alarm clock didn't go off and I woke up a hour late.  I like routine.  When you do something the same way for many years it provides comfort, calm, and a system of making sure everything goes right.  For me, my Sunday begins with breakfast, look over Bible class, practice sermon, get ready for the office, get the sound room set up, double check PowerPoint, and finally a moment of devotion and prayer before going to the coffee shop to talk with people.  When your alarm doesn't go off... chaos.  The positive is watching the Spirit fill in all the holes.  God is good.

Most of us do like routine, which is why Sunday's sermon can be difficult.  We like to rest on the things we have always believed and been told.  We like for our Christianity to be comfortable.  That doesn't mean we are not given the peace of God, but we must continue to study and know more about this Jesus.  We have learned so much from other students of the Bible in the past, but don't place the Lord in a box built by others, rather come to the Gospels with open minds and open hearts to the text.  The life of Jesus teaches us God refuses to be placed in box.  At times He could be wild.  At times He makes us uncomfortable.  When He does so it is for a reason.  I appreciate all the kind comments from yesterday's lesson.  You never know what to expect when you preach on a subject like this, but you were very encouraging.

Speaking of our current sermon series, we only have three more weeks.  This Sunday we will deal with the "Amazing Love" of Jesus.  But be prepared, it is the most difficult love of all - the love of enemies.  The Lord didn't just command it - He also demonstrated in the most amazing ways.

Last night was a lot of fun, for what has become an annual event - Caribbean Night.  We had a GREAT turnout.  Thanks to everyone who came and sported your best flowery prints.  I'm sad to say I forgot to take pictures.  We did several things within an hour - we sang some familiar songs, we learned a new song, we sat through a boring presentation (well you sat through it, I was the one doing the boring), and then we celebrated August birthdays.  It was a great night.  By the way, the Caribbean music you heard coming in was a group called "The Conch Fritters".  One of the guys in the band is the nephew of Fran Mooney.  They are even better in person.  Also a quick shout-out to David Brooker for teaching us the new song.  I know I sometimes sound like a broken record, but I can't tell you what a blessing it is to have someone with his musical knowledge, especially when learning songs.

I want to brag on a couple of our teenagers.  Last week there was a need to find some folks to help unload a truck.  When we got the call they needed help within the hour!  I contacted Mike Dean to see if it was something he could do.  I was surprised when he told me he would do it and find a couple of guys to help him.  Mike, along with brother Nick and Gage Brackett, did the work.  It took an hour and half to complete.  Not only was Mike willing, but he took the initiative to handle getting extra help.  None of the boys complained and did a good service on short notice.  The future present is bright for the church!  Thanks guys.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT the adults begin a new video series to finish out this quarter.  I love the topic: "Jesus Throws the Best Parties" by Jonathan Storment.  This class will meet in the Hebrews Coffee Shop.  Also, my personalities class with start back up after taking a break during the men's and women's classes.  Same time - same place.

Let's wrap this thing up.  Go out today and find something to be thankful for in your life.  Put a smile on your face.  Open doors for others.  Use your extra change, for the person in front of you, so they don't have to break a dollar.  Or if you really want to do something cool, pay for the person in line ahead of you and tell them Jesus loves them.  Just be filled with joy, nothing fake, but the joy that comes out when you sit down and really focus on the Savior.  Be a light to people who may have gone through some dark times this weekend.  Pray on and off all day.  Christians have so much to offer the world.  Many in our country are frustrated.  They listen to bad, depressing news all the time.  We have Good News to share.  It begins by showing people the impact the Good News has on our lives.

Ok, I didn't have any pictures this week so I leave you with this cartoon.  Now wear that smile when you go out.