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I used Jesus' Sermon on the Mount as the backdrop to our sermon series For the Love of God. What stands out to me the most is that we are called by God to make a difference. Our love for God is about reserving a place in some world after this one. The way we (that's right, all of us) make things better now, here and now, matters to God. So, today's Music Monday selection is totally appropriate for that thought. I give you John Legend and the Roots, "Wake Up Everybody." Father, stir in us a compassion and love for you that pours out to others as well. Teach us how to make this world the way you intended it to be. May our love for you be enough to drive us to wake up to hear your calling. Amen. Stay blessed...john

So, how do you feel today? Well, let's watch something together and see how we feel afterward, shall we? I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 I may use this as an illustration for this week's sermon. The text is Matthew 6:24-34: 6:24 "No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what ...

I'm working on putting together another sermon series for Lent, which begins in a couple of weeks. The title hasn't pulled itself together, but I'm focusing on Jesus' interaction with the individuals in the text from John. In the meantime, there is still the matter of finishing our current series For the Love of God. What we have discovered together so far is that the way we love God is by loving others, and the way we love others begins by loving God. Next week we'll see what it might mean to put ourselves somewhere in that equation. This is the fourth sermon in the series; it's called Neighborly Ways. There's one more sermon to add that will be ready next week. Then I can sell them all as a package for 49.99 (grin). If you're reading by email, listen to the sermon here: Neighborly Ways Stay blessed...john

Can your Redshirt sophomore do this?

Well, it seems I am on a Texas kick.  And why not?  This list was an email forward (Thanks, Susan) I hadn't seen before.  It reminds me of a small past time I used to have as a kid.  I would open a map of Texas and just look at the city names.  I promise I wasn't always a boring kid. This is a must read for all Texans, used-to-be Texans, adopted Texans or wanna-be Texans: Just Texas Pep, Texas 79353 Smiley, Texas 78159 Paradise, Texas 76073 Rainbow, Texas 76077 Sweet Home, Texas 77987 Comfort, Texas 78013 Friendship, Texas 76530 Love the sun? Sun City, Texas 78628 Sunrise, Texas 76661 Sunset, Texas 76270 Sundown, Texas 79372 Sunray, Texas 79086 Sunny Side, Texas 77423 Want something to eat? Bacon, Texas 76301 Noodle, Texas 79536 Oatmeal, Texas 78605 Turkey, Texas 79261 Trout, Texas 75789 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Salty, Texas 76567 Rice, Texas 75155 Pearland, Texas 77581 Orange, Texas 77630 And top it off with: Sweetwater, Te...

I'd like to go to this presentation.  Dr. Heath is one of my professors. If I attend that one I have to give a quick two page reflection.  Now, if I go see Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas next Monday I can just enjoy it.  You might remember him from his Backside series. We'll see what the schedule permits.  Stay blessed..john

stay blessed...john +link

I recently preached a sermon entitled A Get-And-Give Life . The point was that God gives to us—specifically, God gives us life. So, we must give others life as well. The “Now What” for the sermon was to Consider what thing(s) you are thankful for that God has done/given for you (forgiveness, health, help, etc). Now, commit to giving that to someone this week. That got me thinking, as I hope it always does you. There is much to be thankful for. One example, for me, would be books. Of course, you know how I feel about reading , but there’s more. In the last few years I have literally spent thousands of dollars on books. When I say “spent” what I mean to say is that books have been purchased under my account. Actually, I have yet to purchase a single book with my own money. Scholarships and God’s people have made that possible. Believe me that is a blessing! As part of my “Now What” and to get a good resource in your hands, I am giving away a copy of the book Hard to Dance...

There is a twist this year.  Cost of admission is a can of peanut butter, or a canned meat item.  All items will be given to Irving Cares . What do you think about the invite?  Stay blessed...john Check out the details here: Oak Haven 2011 Pancake Supper

Yesterday was a busy day.  Of course, Sunday School and worship in the morning.  Our Administrative Council met during lunch.  Then we hosted our Valentine Dinner & Movie.  It was a pot-luck with some real good stuff, and we watched the Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole --yes, it was a hoot.  All in all, Sunday was a blessing again. I have provided for you the third sermon in our series For the Love of God.  This week we shifted our focus on what it means to love our neighbor.  The title of the sermon is A Get-And-Give Life .  If you were attending church with us we would make sure to direct your attention to the "Now What" section of the bulletin. This is how it would read: Consider what thing(s) you are thankful for that God has done for you (forgiveness, health, help, etc). Now, commit to giving that to someone this week. Stay blessed...john

Confession: I miss H-E-B . It sounds silly, I know.  But I remember the corny commercials with Spurs players.  I know the taste of their oh-so-delicious dark chocolate ice cream.  Yes, I laughed when I found out what the B stood for.  One day we will return to a land flowing with Hill Country Fair and the H-E-Buddy. In the mean time we can all share in the H-E-B experience with this edition of Music Monday.  Apparently, this was a commercial during the Super Bowl.  I missed it.....just like I miss H-E-B. It's a video about Texas.  Of course, H-E-B is from Texas.  Whether you understand my pain or not, if you're from Texas or have lived here long enough, you'll probably appreciate most of this video.  You can download an .mp3 version of the song, view the lyrics and get behind-the-scene looks at the video here: Jack Ingram's Exclusive H-E-B Commercial. A H-E-B shout out to my man Don for the link. Here is the video: Full Length Versi...

Why?! Why?! Why couldn't I have thought of these first: Hands On Salad Bowl

A funny video: Human Ventriloquist Stay blessed...john

Discipleship is difficult. Becoming more like Christ, putting our own will behind us, is difficult. Many find it difficult and choose something else. Many more, maybe, make discipleship something else. What do you think of this video: Difficult, though, does not equate negativity. While it is difficult, it is filled with so much joy. Just think: what we were before God has made new. Stay blessed...john +link

Here is the latest edition the North Texas Conference News . The video covers music, an interview with the bishop and information about domestic human trafficking. Stay blessed...john

I appreciated yesterday's service greatly. It was Communion Sunday, so we celebrated. The congregation joined with the children in a verse of This Little Light of Mine . It didn't sound like this , but was awesome nonetheless. The "theme" of the service, for the most part, carried throughout our time together. The sermon A Super Kind of Faith was the second in our series entitled For the Love of God .  For the last two weeks we focused on what it means to love God.  I think I said what I wanted to in a faithful, meaningful way.  Time will tell. You can listen to A Super Kind of Faith by clicking here , or using the sermon player below.  Also, the first sermon entitled Blessed to Bless can be downloaded here . Stay blessed...john

This next story is for just about every person I know.  First, my dear Cowboy Capital of the World friends will appreciate the wisdom of this story.  Secondly, everyone else who has ever had to hear me preach can appreciate the point of the story.  So, for all of you, my family and friends, I pass this story on: One Sunday, a cowboy went to church. When he entered, he saw that he and the preacher were the only ones present. The preacher asked the cowboy if he wanted him to go ahead and preach. The cowboy said, “I'm no preacher, but if I went to feed my cattle and only one showed up, I’d feed him.” So the minister began his sermon. One hour passed, then two hours, then two-and-a-half hours. The preacher finally finished and came down to ask the cowboy how he had liked the sermon. The cowboy answered slowly, “Well, I’m no preacher, but if I went to feed my cattle and only one showed up, I sure wouldn’t feed him all the hay.” Stay blessed...john +link

Yesterday's story was real.  Names and dates were not given in order to protect the identity of the faithful.  In that post we talked about ministry Super Bowl parties.  Today I saw this video: Is Your Church Having a Super Bowl party? Was this video helpful? Are you either planning or planning to attend a ministry Super Bowl party? What have been your experiences with them? Stay blessed...john + link