I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.   Wonderful are your works;that I know very well.

++If you are reading by email or newsreader, click here to watch the video.++

Hopefully, this happens more often than not.  Stay blessed...john

Here's something I came across today.  It's appropriate to end off "Pastor Appreciation Month."  God has placed pastors in my life that have prepared me for ministry and life, and I am thankful for them.  What about you?  What have you learned most from your pastors?

If a pastor preaches over 12 minutes, he's a windbag; if her sermon is short, she came unprepared.

If she gives her sermon in a quiet voice, she's a bore; if he puts feeling into his sermon, he's too emotional.

If the church budget is balanced, he's a good businessman; if he asks for money to balance the budget, he's greedy.

If she visits church members in their homes, she's nosy; if she doesn't, she's a snob and doesn't care.

If she's young, she's not experienced; if he's old, he should retire.

If he lives, the pastor at the church down the block is a better preacher and counselor than he is; if he dies, there was nobody like him and his equal will never be seen again.

Do me a favor, don't appreciate your pastor.  Pray for her/him.  Get behind his/her vision.  Be a part of ministry.  You'll always have a better pastor.

Stay blessed...john

This Sunday our church began a discipleship emphasis.  Actually, we first called it a stewardship campaign, but felt too many people would think we were asking for money because, you know, stewardship is all about money.  Well, not actually.

For the next six weeks we are focusing on several aspects of life with God.  This week we began with prayer.  I think most people acknowledged the importance of prayer.  It's just finding the time and knowing the words that are hard to do.  I get that.  I have the same struggle which is why I still use material to guide me through prayer.

Praying is not something we come out of the womb ready to do.  Fortunately, the Holy Spirit shows us how to pray.  And prayer is not a chore or something to mark off our things to do list.  It's a blessing.

That is what I wanted to communicate in this sermon, entitled "You Do Have a Prayer."  God knows how the burdens of life in this world can make us lose heart.  But God doesn't want us to lose heart, to grow weary or 'give into the bad.'  And the way out of that is prayer.

Have a listen to this week's sermon, and let me know if it came out right.  I hope it's a blessing.

++If you're reading by email or newsreader, click here to listen to the sermon.++


Stay blessed...john

Each one of the Fletcher Five has a container to hold keepsakes.  Recently, we had a chance to go through a couple of them and had a lot of fun looking at pictures, old handwriting and all kinds of other things.  Over the years, the kids' collecting habits have evolved.  At first they wanted to make sure to keep every piece of paper returned from school.  Every. Piece. Of. Paper.

I'm excited to announce our church's new website.  It's been in the works for a while, but considering how hectic this year has turned out to be, it was also put on the back burner.  I think it's pretty informational.  Now, the quest will be to transition to a more engaging site.

In the mean time, however, this is a good start.  Have a look at www.shinerfumc.org.  See if I'm missing anything, or included grammatical errors.  Who knows? Maybe I put them there to test you!

By the way, how does your church website look?  Maybe this is a good time to update it.  Quite often it is your church's first impression.  Not to sound whatever, but church websites have a reputation for being not so good.

Stay blessed...john

I posted this picture to the blog's Facebook page.  Within two days it reached over 31,000 Facebook users.  That represents this blog's best attempt at being viral.  So, did everyone think it was funny, or did they just want to convince me to actually do this one Sunday?

You be the judge.


Stay blessed...john

We all know that football is a religion here in Texas, and I'll admit that I'm a dedicated follower. Now, I'm not a religious leader or by any means a fanatic. I don't do fantasy football; I don't know every statistical category; I don't know every roster. I've wanted to paint my face and wear a Darth Vader mask to a game, but have yet to do so.  I do, however, enjoy watching the games either sitting in my La-Z-Boy or in a crowded stadium.  I'm looking forward to watching the Super Bowl on our church's gym wall again.  My reading habits change during football season, I check my favorite team's website often and want to hear what the experts have to say on ESPN or talk radio.

If we were to compare the religion of football with Christianity, you might say I'm like the guy who comes to church occasionally during the month and leaves $1 for offering.  I watch enough football to be labeled a follower of the football faith, but don't usually offer money for team memorabilia.  What I do with my money is between me and my football god.

I mention all that because I was intrigued this week by comments made from an NFL player.  You fellow believers have probably heard about James Harrison's reaction to the HBO series, Hard Knocks, filming at the Cincinnati Bengals training camp.  If you don't know him I'll just tell you he is probably head usher at the First Football Church of America.  Don't mess with this guy.  He is new to the Bengals--he was a long-time player for the Steelers--and was not thrilled to have the show's cameras around his team.

++Bengals' James Harrison rips into HBO's 'Hard Knocks'++

His conclusion was that they, the TV crew, didn't "deserve to be here." He mentioned the hard work he and his teammates have put into their training and preparing for the upcoming season. The TV crew wasn't a part of any of that, and shouldn't have a part in any other aspect of the team's activities.

If the football field is the mission field, I suppose the locker room is the sanctuary. That makes the work in between those two places sacred, I suppose. Teammates bond in ways many of us can't understand.  So,  I can at least appreciate Harrison's feelings.  By no means would I want to be the cameraman for that show.

The reason for his disapproval, though, was what intrigued me.  They didn't deserve to be there.  They hadn't put in the right kind of work.  They weren't around before.  They weren't a part of what has gotten the team where they are now.  Some of you are about to disagree with me, and perhaps vehemently so, but here goes.  Many religious people, and now I mean Jesus people, feel the same way about their churches.  They are happy with who is there and have no intention or desire to include anyone else.  Other people don't deserve to be there.

Some recognize it; some do not.

I would want to disagree with me, too, but I've heard it verbalized.  It's been spoken to me!  It has made me angry, but at least I can deal with it and call it for what it is.  It's hard, though, when you're dealing with those who mask that sentiment.  They never say someone doesn't deserve to be here, but the way they act toward that someone speaks for itself.  The glares. The muffled comments.  The tone of voice.  Even the way ministry is done beams with this feeling.  The truth?  Church often makes it difficult for new people to be a part of the body.  And it's all because someone else feels like these new people haven't given enough money, don't have the right connections or are just not the right type of people.  They don't know anything about our church history and probably want us to do things we haven't done before.

Excuse me?  Jesus is probably turning in his grave.

Oh, wait.

+Naked Pastor

It would be easy for me to suggest that people who think others don't deserve to be a part of their congregation are the ones who don't belong.  That is incorrect, however.  We all belong.  Some of us are a bit more honest about it, but we're all messed up.  We all need the church to help us move toward greater faithfulness to God.  All of us.  Remember, your church is not yours.  It is God's.  God has opened the church "to people of all ages, nations and races."  Have you?

How do your experiences of church sit with this idea?  What kinds of things does your church do to intentionally be welcoming?

Okay, now I have to try to figure out why Jesus isn't tackling the guy in the picture.

Stay blessed...john

Oh, how I would love to show this video to you and have a little talk.  Since I can't do that, you'll just have to watch it on your own and let me know what you think.

Blimey Cow may not be a good resource for everyone.  You have to be able to appreciate their approach to the topics they present.  That said, I'm putting it on my blog.  That should tell you what I think about it.

++If you're reading by email or news reader, click here to watch the video.++



After watching, did you find anything in there that applied to you? Let's hear it. Stay blessed...john

The book of Revelation is a book about worship.  That seems strange to many people.  Images of beasts, plagues, whores, horsemen and the end of time make it difficult to see John's call to worship the One who is worthy.  In fact, those types of images scare many people into thoughts of destruction and disaster.






Stay blessed...john

Everyone knows summer can be hard on church attendance.  People travel.  People say they travel.  It can be difficult to tell how many of your church friends you may see in church on any given Summer Sunday.  Instead of taking summer "off" or leaving the good stuff for when everyone comes home, I wanted to do something a little different for those folks who are able to make it to church during the hot months.




We'll wrap up the series next week.  Until then, stay blessed...john

Remember your baptism.  Stay blessed...john

Today, our family is celebrating Gloria's birthday number ## .  Oddly enough, we'll be traveling to celebrate another life--a newborn nephew.



Stay blessed...john

I've told you before about one of my favorite websites, but I don't think I've mentioned another.  In the last week or so, there's been a "Yo mama so Methodist" trend on United Methodist Memes (aforementioned other site).  Some of them have been pretty good.  So, I joined the trend and combined two of our favorite things: Methodism and football.

I leave it to you to decide which order those should be arranged.


If you're a good Methodist and a decent fan of football, you get it.  Stay blessed...john

Today Gloria and I are celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary.  In that time I've realized a lot about myself.  For example, I see now that I have tended to be the one who took all the pictures of everyone else. That isn't a bad thing until you try to make a 3-minute montage with pictures of yourself and your bride.

So, with that in mind, join me in wishing Gloria a happy anniversary.

++If you are reading by email or news reader, click here to watch the video.++

Stay blessed...john

O sing to the Lord a new song.

And you might be reading some Galatians 1 this week in church.  If so, this is for you.



Stay blessed...john

One day, our lives will look like this:

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands.

Revelation 7:9

But, until that day, we have to put up with stuff like this:


++If you are reading by email or newsreader, click here to watch the video?++


Thoughts?

Stay blessed...john

+22Words

Aldersgate Day is May 24th.  It's the day we United Methodists remember John Wesley's "heart strangely warmed" experience.  I'm not sure if Wesley made such a big deal out of that day as we do now.  Still, as we follow Wesley's life and theology, that evening marked a significant moment in is faith.  He would later question the assurance and faith he was given that night as he continued in ministry.

Here are his words:

In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while the leader was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.

Journal, May 24, 1738

I love how he wasn't even reading the Bible or having the Bible read to him. It was thoughts/assurances from Luther that triggered something in his heart. You see, God works in all kinds of ways. What about you? How have you experienced God lately? One thing, at least, we can take from Wesley's Aldersgate experience is that our faith can be strengthened and encouraged when we least expect it--or even want it!



Stay blessed...john

I've been thinking about music a lot lately.  There's great opportunity at our church to expand our church's worship service.  It's exciting.  I couldn't help but think how awesome this group would make church worship.

What do you think?

Please use your children's sermon to train children, not entertain adults.

I told my friends I was not going to eat for 30 hours.

They were all like....

*

Did you stand?  What?  You saw the asterisk and you didn't stand?  I'm beginning to question your commitment to Christ.  Who doesn't stand in church when they see an asterisk?

Answer: A lot of people.

It's fun to watch the church wave as people realize they're supposed to stand to sing this song or hear that reading.  Some wait to be the last one sitting.  That's probably an ego thing.

Now, instead of making fun of criticizing people for not knowing when to stand, even though you've inserted the canonical *indicates stand admonition, how about you help them out a little more.  I've done a lot of things I'm proud of in the last two churches I've served.  I'd hate to say it, but one of my most daring accomplishments has been that I have Xed the *.

Okay, I've done some more important things.

Instead of hoping that asking people to, "Please stand" will work or remind them of the great and powerful *, we insert that phrase in the bulletin each time we want them to stand.  So, it looks like this:

Greatest Sermon You've Ever Heard^{Please Stand}

We don't actually make people stand during the sermon, but that's just an example.  Amazing, right?  Maybe not, but I think it's helped us a little.  And any little bit we can help, we're on our way.  So, be a rebel; ditch the *.

Stay blessed...john

I will be disappointed if I find out Space Jam is not on Netflix because I think it's time to raise my children right.  Now, of all movies in the world to think about, why would I be worried about this film right now?

I just learned that the website for Space Jam has not been changed since 1996.  That's the year I graduated high school and got married.  If you visit the website right now you'll remember what late 90's websites looked like.  You'll also be thankful we've learned a few web tricks since then.

Still, it was kind of bomb (90's lingo, baby!) to be reminded that fluff can get in the way.  Word!  If I'm interested in Space Jam, that site has what I need.  As a preacher and a communicator that's a good lesson to remember. Give the message before anything else.  Don't get overly involved with the fluff that might take away from the message, or, maybe more dangerous, become more important than the message.

What are you trying to communicate?

Stay blessed...john

The Movie

It's based on a true story about a husband and wife who learn their estranged son has been found to have a brain tumor.  The tumor is removed, but their son is left with no ability to form new memories.  The last memories they have of their son is from 20 years earlier when he stormed out of the house after a heated argument. He was a teenager then in the 60’s. He questioned everything and wasn't sure he wanted the life they thought he should have. Since then they have wanted to find out how he was doing, and maybe even make sense of that night.

Now, even though they have him back, communicating with their son is next to impossible because of his condition.

The father, Simmons' character, begins his own research and finds a doctor that has had positive results from music therapy. This has a personal connection because he and his son once shared a love for music. So, they used some of the classics they both enjoyed when the boy was a child. The result?  Nothing really.

Something amazing happened, though, when they experimented with music the boy loved as a teenager like the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, Cream, the Beatles.  The music triggered the son's mind into action; he and his parents were able to share conversation and even talk about their past.

There's more that can be said about the movie.  I'd recommend it to you.

I'm writing about it, though, because it's been on my mind ever since I watched it.  Gloria even stayed awake for it.  I felt like God was saying, "Here's something worth repeating."

The father and son once shared in the joy of naming composers and tunes they loved.  Many of their selections came with stories about when they first heard them.  As music is introduced as a possible post-op therapy, they begin with music he and his son loved.  The father is a bit outraged to eventually learn that music is not having an effect.  Instead, it's the God-forsaken rock music that is making the impossible happen.  The father has to come to terms with that.

He can continually force the issue about what music his son should like or respond to, or he can use what music is now meaningful to his son, if he wants this new-found interaction with him.  Once dad understands this is the only way he can have a meaningful relationship with his son, he goes all in.  He buys the records, learns the songs and even attends a Grateful Dead concert.  Believe me, it plays out more emotionally on film than it does on blog.

The Point

But it made me think about the church.  I cannot tell you how often I hear people who so desperately want their church to grow.  Specifically, they want their church to be open to young people and their families.  Ask those people what they're willing to do to reach those young families and they'll tell you, "Whatever it takes."

That is until you start talking music.  But don't think this is all about music.  That just happens to be the topic of the movie.

What about worship styles?  Or the need to have childcare workers, or cry rooms.  Or the willingness to refuse to turn your head if you hear a baby cry in church.  Or this ministry.  Or that ministry. Or [Input your sacred cow here].

Those families and people your church has been praying for?  If you and I were to get over ourselves and learn to live with a little more change and become a little more flexible, more of them might show up.  Be careful because your flexibility might come across as caring.  It might be that because they think you care they want to be a part of whatever good work you're doing at your, maybe their, church.

Jesus did not greatly commission us to go and teach traditions for traditions' sake.  God forgive us when we have let what is comfortable for us get in the way of what Jesus really wanted us to do.

So, what is it you may need to cool your jets about?  What in your church do you see as a potential new-life stumbling block for new families and people of faith?  Do we care more about the people or our supposed tradition?

By the way, you've probably forgotten about it by now, but there never was an extra-biblical book about people who hated music.

Stay blessed...john

Most people like O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing.  Until you tell them we're going to sing the whole thing!


Stay blessed...john

You've seen the "You are here" maps in public places. You've looked at that red dot and tried to make sense of where it was locating you, wondering if you understood where you really were. It's important information to have in case of an emergency situation.

And it's good to have in life, too.

I'm thinking this next song speaks to that a bit. How insignificant we feel sometimes. How hopeless our future seems. Consequently, our life reflects such feelings. That quickly wears a person down. Have a listen to Ben Howard's "The Fear" and see what you take from it.

Here are the lyrics:

Mama, cold-hearted child, tell me how you feel
Just a blade in the grass, spoke unto the wheel
Mama, cold-hearted child, tell me where it's all gone
The luster of your bones, those arms that held you strong

 
I been worryin' that my time is a little unclear
I been worryin' that I'm losing the one's I hold dear
I been worryin' that we all live our lives in the confines of fear

 
Mama, cold-hearted child, tell me how you feel
Just a grain in the morning air, dark shadow on the hill
Mama, cold-hearted child, tell me where it all falls
Oh this apathy you feel will make a fool of us all 

I been worryin' that my time is a little unclear
I been worryin' that I'm losing the ones I hold dear
I been worryin' that we all live our lives in the confines of fear 

Oh I will become what I deserve 

I been worryin',
I been worryin',
I will become what I deserve 

I been worryin' that my time is a little unclear
I been worryin' that I'm losing the one's I hold dear
I been worryin' that we all live our lives in the confines of fear

 ++If you're reading by email or news reader, click here to watch the video.++


What's your take on this Music Monday's selection?
Stay blessed...john

I say that I will scream if I hear another sermon, clergy retreat, district meeting  or conference presentation that mentions church membership decline.  And if they include numbers and percentages I will walk out.  Now, if I did that my throat would constantly be hoarse and I would never attend another meeting because it's mentioned quite a bit.

And how two-faced am I?  Church membership decline came up in my sermon this past Sunday; I even slipped in a statistic.  I neither raised my voice beyond my usual bellowing and was the last person to the leave the sanctuary.

I think it was God.

It seemed right, and a good and joyful thing to mention it as we thought about Peter's miraculous work with Tabitha and how so many believed in the Lord because of it. It's agreed by many that the church has lost some of it's prophetic voice.  Maybe she's been yelling too loud at other things, but many do not think the Christian church has much to contribute to the livelihood of the world.  That hurts when part of your church's mission statement is to "transform the world."  And it reeks of unfaithfulness when we remember that Jesus said we would do greater things than he did.

All that said, it seems somewhat impossible to do anything about where we are as a church.  Good because, as Walt Disney once said, it's kind of fun doing the impossible.

I guess that's the point of this sermon.  You listen, scream and let me know what you think.

++If you are reading by email or news reader, click here to listen to the sermon.++



Stay blessed...john

We have been chosen by God. But what does that mean? How are we chosen? And for what are we chosen? You can use the mini sermon player below or click on the sermon title to hear each file.

1. Chosen to Be


2. Chosen for More


3. Chosen to Know

   A small act of kindness goes a long way. Do you believe that? I do because it seems God is able to do much with very little. It is often said God formed Creation ex nihilo, meaning “out of nothing”—talk about not having much to work with. And what about 2John & 3John? These are two of the shortest books in the Bible, 13 and 15 verses respectively. You could read both in minutes. Quickly, these letters express Christian love, teaching and fellowship. I can imagine the joy and excitement as these were first read to their faith communities.



Stay blessed...john

Gloria told me I should change the title of this sermon.  So, I did.  You can thank her for not hearing a sermon entitled A Big But.

Instead, I went with This Changes Everything, hoping I could still get the point across.  The point?  Easter is the biggest "But" of all!  It's called a coordinating conjunction.  Look it up or have a quick listen to this Easter sermon.  And don't be jealous that your church didn't talk about buts on Easter.

That's a pretty big but(t)

++If you are reading by email or news reader, click here to listen to the sermon.++
Stay blessed...john

Oh, how do I despise what I see?
++If you're reading by email or news reader, click here to watch the video.++



Let me count the ways....


Nevermind. Why don't you tell me what you think.

Stay blessed...john

+22words

March is full of exciting holidays. Here are a few: Peanut Butter Lover’s Day; If Pets Had Thumbs Day; Holy Experiment Day; Frozen Food Day; Extraterrestrial Abductions Day; Goof-Off Day; Something on a Stick Day; I Am in Control Day. Laugh now, but we’ll see how you feel come Chocolate Covered Raisin Day! Of course, calling these days holidays might be a stretch. Still, these made-up days help us break the monotony of each day and give us something to celebrate. So, enjoy them if you like, but also recall there is another day in March that gives real meaning.


For many, Easter first brings images of eggs and chocolate, or some combination of both. Bunnies and baskets are a must, as are family barbecues, too. These help us enjoy the day and the opportunity to meet with family and friends to celebrate. So, enjoy them, but know that our true meaning as God’s people is celebrated in Christ’s Resurrection. That’s why some people call it Resurrection Day; we are Resurrection people. God’s love was proven on Friday and we see the power of God on Sunday. Christ’s Resurrection brings hope and new life every day. That’s worth a celebration!

Stay blessed...john

You can read the rest of our church's March 2013 newsletter below.

++If you are reading by email or newsreader, click here to view the newsletter.++

The calling to nurture and be a part of the faith development of our young people has been ringing in my own heart for quite some time now. Over the last several years I have seen how the church has fallen short with that calling. It's one of my life's goals to establish faithful youth ministries that help young people know what it means to love God and love people--there are, of course, many facets to that.


So, I was quite giddy really as our church began to anticipate establishing such a ministry. As of last night, we are on our way. We met with a handful of students last night for our first youth gathering. I had fun, and I think everyone else did as well. Here's a quick look at what we did.

 ++If you're reading by email or newsreader, click here to watch the video.++


Stay blessed...john

Often it seems that our most important lessons come at difficult times.  Maybe it's in those times that we're finally paying attention or realize maybe we didn't have things all figured out.  Tough spots in life may be the only time we keep our mouths closed enough to listen for what we need to hear.  Whatever the case, we tend to learn those lessons that stick with us during our most trying times, or, to use biblical language, in our wilderness, or desert, experiences.



Stay blessed...john

"I'd be bored," is what Brittani blurted out about midway through this video.  "Fine," I said, "find something else to go with your lesson."  She had been preparing for a children's Sunday school class and wanted something else to go along with her First Sunday of Lent lesson.

I thought her bored comment was referring to watching the video.  It wasn't.  No, she wondered about being in the desert for 40 days.  After a while you'd want to check your phone...whoops.  Who are you going to have a conversation with?  As you get through the hunger pains you might decide you were a little bored.

Have you ever thought of being in the desert?  What kind of feelings would you have?  What would go through your mind?  We can't even make through a one hour worship service without our mind wandering.  What would 40 days in the desert do to us?

Here's a great video that portrays Jesus' 40-day desert temptation.  Watch it and see what reflections you have.

++If you are reading by email or news reader, click here to watch the video.++


May your next 40 days be inspirational.

Stay blessed...john

Need a smile?

Watch this next video.


You're welcome. Stay blessed...john

Apparently, pastors do more than put people to sleep.  

++If you are reading by email or news reader, click this link to learn why God made a pastor.++

Another saint's faith had been made sight.

That was the comforting thought and promise as the pastor visited with the family preparing their loved one's memorial service. These are holy moments. Often tearful and difficult, but holy. A pastor is invited into a family's mourning. That requires enough humility, responsibility and authority that you would suppose the pastor would have ensured there was a box of tissue available. Pity what we don't do sometimes.

No tissues needed, as it turned out. Swelling tears were quickly followed and replaced by laughter and a good story or two. This saint was surely to be missed. And surely there would be many friends who would want to pay their last respects. This celebration of life was just as much for them as it was for the family. Throughout life, the departed saint had demonstrated genuine friendship. Now, the family would have a chance to follow suite. Arrangements were made to invite everyone to a catered dinner at the church following the memorial service.

"We are sure there will be a lot of people," the family said.

The pastor was sure to carry that message to the church members, but these things work usually work out the same way. It's hard to guesstimate how many people will attend a service and stay for a dinner. One can, however, usually figure it's not as many people as the family thinks. Usually!

After the service began chairs had to be brought into the sanctuary. Every pew was filled. The upstairs choir loft had been filled. A crowd had gathered at the cemetery and it seemed they were all there for the dinner as well. Everyone ate well and shared time with family and friends, just like the saint would have wanted.

And some in the church learned something that day.

The church did not seem to know the saint as well as everyone else did. They were surprised at how many people attended service that day. But why?

Sure, the saint was nice and funny. Always friendly, always smiling. But still just someone we went to church with. Pity that.

Last week I aggravated an old knee injury.  I'd like to say it looks worse than it feels.  Unfortunately, however, it was looking pretty ugly and feeling the same way.

I tell you that because I was so disappointed Sunday morning.  The first part of my sermon was all about being, getting and staying UP.  God calls us UP to the mountain sides of faith.  But you and I know that we cannot stay UP because God also calls us to Get Down.

Oh, when I said that I wanted to break out in dance, very similar to this: Get Down On It

But that sore knee kept me from doing so! In fact, for the most part I stayed behind my pulpit (music stand) as I preached. Proof it can be done. Still, one day soon I will get down.

In the mean time I hope the message is clear. God wants to meet us where we are. God wants us to know the glory of God. There are no more peaceful and affirming moments than when we know we have been in God's presence. But we must realize that God doesn't call us to stay UP on the mountain. We are called to Get Down. There's a hurting world waiting for us.

++If you are reading by email or news reader, click here to listen to the sermon.++

Stay blessed...john

What does a preacher have to say to make you angry?

We opened our worship service with that question this week.  I'm sure some preacher has rustled a few of your feathers once or twice.  Was it on a Sunday morning?  Was it some off-comment during a church meeting?  Did the preacher tell you what s/he really thought about (insert hot-topic issue) during a Bible study?

If you can recall the last time you wanted to throw your preacher off the nearest cliff, you fit perfectly into the story of Jesus going back home to preach.  Incidentally, I worked on this sermon the same time I was preparing for a family member's funeral back home.  Thanks, God.  That was real funny.

Jesus went home.  He ran into his peeps and went to church.  Everyone was probably proud as he got up and began to read from the scroll.  They were even more amazed with what he had to say....at first.

If only he could have kept his holy mouth closed.

But thank God he couldn't.  I supposed we can't blame the people for getting upset with him.  How would you like it if I told you all that stuff you believe about being blessed and that America is God's chosen nation wasn't everything you thought it was?  What if I start talking about how much money you give to the church and how you like to help out, that those things aren't as important as you're making them out to be--at least the way you talk about them.

That seems to be what Jesus said that triggered a murderous rage into the congregation that day.  So, you and I have to hear what Jesus is telling us today.  What he has to say may or may not be what we're ready to hear.  But God is going to tell us. And when we listen, we are closer to being who/what God has called us to be.

My sermon The Jesus We Don't Like tells you the rest.



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Stay blessed...john

Tomorrow I am doing something I never thought I would do. In fact, I often said I would never do it! Our family is celebrating the life of my step-father, Darrell. He passed away this past weekend, even though he was one of those people I thought would be around forever. Darrell and I butted heads quite a bit as I grew up. Oh, I was the know-it-all and he was the tough guy. That's a perfect mix for a lot of things.

Still, I loved him and I know he loved me. He had been around all my life. So, what am I doing tomorrow? I'm leading the funeral service for my dad. I never called him by that name, but that is what he will always be to me.

Many of you are praying people. If you're praying with our family, please include an extra or two prayers of strength for me. It isn't uncommon for God to ask us to do what we thought we would never do. God is funny that way. Praise the Lord, though, because in our weakness, we are made strong. Amen.

Darrell Lance Lane, 58, of Galveston, TX died January 26, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born November 27, 1954 in Texas City, TX, the son of Bernice Cecilia Ricketts. He was the youngest of three siblings. After the loss of his mother at age 14, Darrell was then cared for by his loving aunt, Gloria Whelton, who has been there for him throughout his entire life. He is survived by his lovely wife of 25 years, Deborah Sue Lane.

Darrell lived and worked most of his life in and around Galveston. He loved spending time with his family and dogs, had a passion for barbecuing and bowling, and was always willing to help a friend.

Darrell’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Thursday, January 31st, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Mr.Lane was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis Lane; uncle, Olen James McCutchen (Mack); aunt, Audrey Ricketts; and cousin, Diane McCutchen.

He is survived by his mother-in-law, Bobbie Sue Faggard, of High Island, Texas; daughter, Margaret, of Mississippi; son and daughter-in-law, John and Gloria Fletcher of Shiner, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Misty Sue Ambrosio and Jose Perez of Tomball, Texas; daughter, Diana; boyfriend, William; and dear friend, Alfio; daughter and son-in-law, Briana and Jesus Soto; son, Grady and his girlfriend Michaela Graves, of Galveston, Texas; grandchildren: Brandon, Brittani, Ashlei, Ange-le, Nathan, and Angelina; great grandchild, Harmony; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Bill Hedgingson, of Arizona; aunts, Gloria Whelton and Lilla McCutchen; numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces; and a host of friends and co-workers.

Please don't tell me this is you! Stay blessed...john

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).  

You can probably imagine the kind of looks I received when I told the church yesterday that I thought "we should stop reading the Bible." Those good church people knew that didn't sound right.
Of course, I said a lot more (Well, not a LOT more)than that to explain what I meant. In many ways, it's unfortunate that the Bible, our sacred text has become another victim of our consumeristic ways. Many of us have been taught to read the Bible because it's what we're supposed to do. We've never been any good at doing what we're supposed to do. Some consider the Bible to be a life manual. There's two things problematic with that. First, most of us only read a manual if/when we think we need to. Second, the rest of us didn't even know there was a manual in the box. If we did, we probably threw it straight into the trash. 

The Bible has to more to us than another product.

I think we should learn to listen and hear God's word. When God speaks things happen. This week's sermon reminds us of that. In particular, we can see that when God speaks there is 1)new life, 2)renewal and 3)purpose. May God speak to us today!

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 As I was writing, the song Word of God Speak came to mind. May it be a blessing to you.

With the rush of the holiday season behind us and the New Year before us, I always appreciate receiving late Christmas cards.  Sometimes, the cards get returned to sender and that accounts for the tardiness.  There are address mix ups that happen, too.  Most of the time, however, I am thankful because someone sends a card because they are just like me—mailing cards just didn’t happen on time this year.  More than that, though, I like being reminded of the joy of the season.       

Stress, anxiety and uncertainty are abundant and all too familiar to many of us.  Each of those alone is enough to burden someone.  When they are blended into everyday life, waking up everyday can be a chore.  We need the reminder that God wants so much more for us.  God offers peace that surpasses all understanding.  There is healing, pure wholeness of spirit that only God can provide.  When we are overwhelmed by the circumstances we see, it can be difficult to experience what God desires for us.  That is why I love those late cards; I am reminded that God is at work.  What do you see that reminds you of the same?  Keep looking!

And remember Paul's words and remain "joyful in hope, patient in your afflictions and faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12).