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,...
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...
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....
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,...
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..j...
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,...
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 Sup...
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. ...
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...
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
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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...j...
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...
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...
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
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