Sunday Recap 6-24-12

Morning: The sermon, "Chart the Right Course," focused on Proverbs 23:15-19. Solomon reminds us that those who walk in the fear of the Lord have a future. How do we know we are walking in fear of the Lord?

1. Our lives cause those who reared us to rejoice.

2. We speak right words from a wise heart.

3. We are content to walk in righteousness.

4. We endure to the end.

What do we do with this?

1. Seek true North-look to Jesus Christ.

2. As God to help us through our unbelief.

3. Let the Bible teach us how to think about God.

4. Walk in the fear of the Lord.

Evening: Movie Night.

On Where I've Been and Where I'm Headed

If a blogger blogs in the blogosphere, but no one follows the link did he actually make a sound? I have spent a great deal of time contemplating this blog. To borrow from young Hamlet, "To be or not to be." That was the question. Beyond answering that question, I also wanted to know what I be if I decided to be.

I started this blog for several reasons. I wanted to develop as a writer. I wanted to talk about things that I lacked time to address in the pulpit. I wanted a place to share my heart. My trouble began, not with writer's block-which is a kind of mental constipation, but with a lack of clear purpose. Without a clear focus, there are too many ideas to write about. A well defined purpose acts as a filter to eliminate some ideas.

I have spent the last several months searching for my focus. It feels at times like I have been wondering around aimlessly in the fog. But the fog is starting to clear. I haven't completed the puzzle of purpose for my life yet, but God has been filling in more of the pieces.

So I apologize for the weeks of silence, interspersed with random fluff. In the weeks ahead, my goal is to transition into a new phase in this blog's existence. It will be part sermon, part devotion, part conversation, yet all discipleship.

Sunday Recap 6-10-12

Morning: The message, "The Father's Mercies," focused on 1 Peter 1:3-9. In this passage, Peter urges us to praise God the Father for all he has given us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In his mercies, he gave us:

1. A new birth into a living hope. Our hope is as alive as our Savior Jesus Christ.

2. A new birth into an inheritance. It is an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade because it is kept in heaven for us.

3. Protection. He shields us so our faith won't falter.

4. An abiding joy in the face of trials. Although we are tested, testing only serves to strengthen us.

5. A heart to love him. Even though we do not see Jesus now, we love him.

What do we do with this?

Praise the God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rejoice in his mercies.
Rejoice in our trials.
Entrust ourselves to his care.

Evening: Business meeting.

Happy 13th Anniversary

Today marks Delia's and my 13th anniversary. It doesn't feel like it should be that long. They have passed way too quickly. We're over half way to our 25th anniversary. So far it has been an amazing adventure. I'm grateful she still loves me in spite of my pride and selfishness. I like what Andrew Peterson says in his song, "Dancing in the Mine Fields,":

"We bear the light of the Son of Man,
So there is nothing left to fear.
So walk with you in the Shadowlands,
Until the shadows disappear."

Sunday Recap 6-3-12

Morning: The sermon, "Awesome God! Amazing Power!," focused on Psalm 147:5. Psalm 147 compels individuals to praise the Lord. Verse 5 focuses on three reasons:

1. God is great. God is greater than the universe he created.

2. God is mighty in power. His power is his ability to create, judge, save, and raise from the dead.

3. God's understanding is infinite. He knows everything.

What do we do with this?

We praise God.

We humble ourselves before him.

We seek him.

Evening: VBS Kick-off 2012.