Today’s Baby Dedication was really neat. Gary did a great job of putting it together. His words, along with the words of the Elders, were powerful and helpful. The whole assembly made me proud to be a part of such a wonderful church.
Here is the preaching text for Sunday the 10th of December:
Matthew 5:33-37
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your `Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ `No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Some questions for you:
What is your first impression?
Can you think of similar texts in the Bible?
Why do people feel the need to say, “I swear on a stack of Bibles, on my Momma’s grave, etc.?” Is that parallel to what Jesus is saying?
We all tend to exaggerate/embellish things, some more than others. Is this wrong? Why? When?
What do you think Jesus is really getting at with these words?
How does speech affect community?
Tony and I ran the Tecumseh Trail Marathon on Saturday. I won’t bore the uninterested with thoughts about that in this post, but If you want to read more about it, click on the link Tecumseh Marathon Experience.
37 comments:
It's cold this morning! I am looking at 11 degrees.
I wonder what this week holds? It is always interesting to start out on a Monday and see what happens. The interruptions are the ministry, according to some very wise people.
I finished up Company of Preachers last week. It was surpisingly better than I thought it would be. That's always good. This week I am going to read a couple of shorter works. One is Performing the Word - Preaching As Theatre by Jana Childers. The other one is Pastoral Ministry According to Paul - A Biblical Vision by James Thompson (Associate Dean of ACU's graduate school of theology). I think I will learn more from the latter than the former!
Kedra and I joined Lester late yesterday afternoon to attend Butler's football banquet. I believe this is going to mark the end of Lester's football career. He had a good experience on the team, but it was very time consuming and he plays behind an all-conference sophomore kicker. It is a strange feeling for me. I have been watching him for the last 5 years and enjoyed it so much. I am proud of him, however, for devoting his to time to things that are more important: church, study, and relationships.
200 years ago and until about 60 years ago in this country most of the business deals were done with a handshake. We have now progressed to the point that to sell a used car it is recommended that you have an attorney look at the documents prior to seling or purchasing the car. The length of time to make a deal and the cost of the deal has gone up while trust in the other person has gone down.
Watch your mouth? I like to put it as "watch what you say". It is funny that this is the topic this week. Last week the plant was shut down and as normal I was required to attended mind numing meetings while my employees were at home enjoying a week away from the daily grind. One of the meetings was dealing with a programe that we are now about 10 months into here at the plant called "Lean Manufacturing" some of you in manufacturing I am sure have heard of this and it is one of those Toyota systems. One of the major concepts is developing ownership of a process from the bottom up. This is especially important in the development of new methods. We spent an hour watching a vidoe on how not to present this concept to your employees and seeing what happens and how it fails. We then spent about an hour discussing how we should present it to employees and what we should say. It is hard to believe how just moving a few simple words around in a statement can produce two totally different out comes. This being our first day back to work I made it point to say good morning to a couple of employees and then not say anything to another just to see the effect myself. So far the two that I said hello to are doing just great; considering they are two of what you might call my problems; the one that I did not say anything to has already came to see me and ask if they had done something wrong. This employee is one of my stars and I knew it would bother them if I did not say anything. It just proves what I have always believed we are very fragile people. Words or the lack of them can do a great deal of harm. I am reminded of what my Dad has always said "You don't have to treat everyone the same; you just need to treat each of them fairly". He told me this before I took my first coaching job and then again when I became a manufacturing manager. Hope this was not to long and made some sense to someone. Robin
The following is taken from Max Lucado's 'Walking With The Savior'. You get impatient with your own life, trying to master a habit or control a sin--and in your frustration begin to wonder where the power of God is. Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit. Dwell on the fact that God lives within you. Think about the power that gives you life. The realization that God is dwelling within you may change the places you want to go and the things you want to do today. Do what is right this week, whatever it is, whatever comes down the path, whatever problems and dilemmas you face--just do what's right. Maybe no one else is doing what's right, but you do what's right. You be honest. You take a stand. You be true. After all, regardless of what you do, God does what is right: he saves you with His grace.
I think integrity is a struggle daily as we walk in this world. It seems that all around us from the companies we work for to the relationships we have with others there are challenges to do the right thing and doing the wrong thing may be much easier at first but the toll it takes on your conscience is far more costly if you are in touch with God and know right from wrong. The world blurrs the defining line and we have to stay in touch with Him and His word to keep our 'paths straight' in word and in deed. You may pay financially or emotionally or lose so-called freinds by doing the right thing but the rewards are far greater. I will never master it perfectly as long as I live in this earthly body but perfection will occur in Heaven and as we practice His ways more it gets easier to do the right things in our relationships with others in what we say and what we do as an individual. We are not islands. Others watch. I have to be conscious of the fact that I no longer belong to me. I belong to God. He will provide, he will pardon and he will help us do right.
Sherron; I love reading your words and your thoughts. You have become a great support for me and you did not even know it. Thanks, Robin
Robin, you are very kind and I appreciate your encouraging words. Had it not been for this avenue of communication I would not have known the hearts of so many that I worship with and it has caused me to pay more attention to the fact that we are not alone in our walk. We are surrounded by so many better examples than I will ever hope to be. WE are all just 'workin' on a building'. I am thankful for God's grace and the strength he gives. Love you all. Sherron
Good stuff from everyone today, as usual. Times certainly have changed. It really is hard to take most people “at their word” anymore. I, sadly, even sometimes have difficulty believing things Christians tell me. Do you have the same problem?
I like Robin’s little experiment. What does that tell us?
I think Max’s word encourage us all to speak truthfully in love at all times, even when others won’t/don’t.
Have we been so captivated and desensitized by the culture that we are afraid to speak unexaggerated, unembellished words? Why do we need to embellish, exaggerate, (and boast)? And are these things related to the words Jesus speaks in the text?
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your `Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ `No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Just what is Jesus getting at? How is he calling us to be different from what we have always heard?
Came across these words this morning as I was reading Thompson’s book.
For an earlier generation, the ideal minister was the evangelist who was measured by his success in persuading large numbers of people to become Christians. Some were traveling revivalists, and countless others worked in local congregations where they were appointed primarily for evangelistic purposes. In a second era, ministers learned the techniques of the therapist and placed considerable value on pastoral care and counseling. Their task was to meet the ever-increasing perceived needs of the people in the congregation. In the present era, the minister is ultimately measured by the ability to organize, build, and manage a complex organization. Congregations continue to assume that the minister will maintain the traditional roles of marrying and burying, but they believe the ultimate goal of the minister is to take the congregation to a new level of growth. The minister must be both an effective communicator and an administrator. In a competitive religious marketplace, the task of the minister is to ensure that the congregation maintains its place among religious consumers. Often search committees no longer look for someone who conforms to one of these models. Instead they seek someone who is a combination of, for instance, Jay Leno, Lee Iacocca, and Dr. Phil.
Hmm, where does that leave me? How ‘bout we just all work together in community to be the missional people of God, people of integrity in speech and in action?
Your church is no longer a church of christ.You have no authority for the things you are doing that are not scriptual."baby dedications" Remember revalations the last chapter He who adds to or takes away. What would your elders of 25 yrs ago say to what is going on now? Better remember it's not what man thinks will be good, it's what the Bible says about it, and the authority it gives for it
Dear Anonymous;
The comments that you make are very hard and is some of what makes people turn for attending church. Did Christ always do things as they had been done in the past? I find it some what distrubing that someone would make comments such as yours and feel as strongly as you must feel about them and yet not put your name at the bottom of them. This goes back to the lesson for this week; a person is only as good as their word. So we must assume that since no name is assigned to these words that they must not mean a great deal. I am sorry if this seems harsh to a point yet I believe that what was done on Sunday did not in anyway take away or add to the word of God. It was a form of praise to our heavenly father for the gift of children that he had blessed us with over the last few months and show of desire for his guidence in raising these children to love him as we do. ROBIN
This is the second time this has happened, and it won't be the last. I suggest the option of "anonymous" be diasbled. The main problem with an internet messageboard or blog with comments is anybody can hide behind a computer monitor and sling mud or grind a pervious axe that's been sitting idle for years. Alan, i know you take these things personally, and i just don't think you should have to endure these kinds of things.
I am ok with the comment and the anonymity. Anonymity is a part of the blogosphere, in my mind at least. [I do have the ability to delete comments and will if they are obscene or profane.] And just so you know that I don't sit around all day and watch this thing, waiting to respond: the comments are emailed to me as soon as they are posted.
IF the comment is genuine, then it is a reflection of who many of used to be. I don't have a problem with the posts critcizing the comments, but my feeling is more directed toward striving to help the person grow in grace and knowledge.
I know one of the elders from 25 years ago was standing up front supporting the dedication of his great granddaughter. Another one has been at the dedications in the past and seemed supportive.
I think there is misunderstanding of what we were/are doing, if the person was even present.
The hermeneutic that allows this person to arrive at his/her conclusion is, ironically, man-made and without the biblical authorization he/she invokes. I could go into that more if you want, but I doubt there is much interest in it.
This means of communication is great and helpful, so don't be discouraged by a comment here or there that seems a little "off." It really is OK! It is a part of being/living in community. And we have a great one!
I CHOOSE LOVE...No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves. I CHOOSE JOY...I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God. I CHOOSE PEACE...I will live forgien. I will forgive that I may live. I CHOOSE PATIENCE...I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage. I CHOOSE KINDNESS...I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me. I CHOOSE GOODNESS...I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness. I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS...Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home. I CHOOSE GENTLENESS...Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself. I CHOOSE SELF CONTROL...Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest. Wise words from my favorite author. May God bless all of you, my brothers and sisters on this beautiful winter day.
I will admit at first read of the Anonymous post I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I am sure I may have came off somewhat strong in my comments concerning the Anonymous writer. I still believe that the service on Sunday was pleasing unto God. I grew up in a church that did one every time a baby was born into the church. They to this day still have a Cradel Roll at the back of the church and I can go see my little lamb with my name and birthday on it; along with Ryan's. They are both somewhat yellowed now; even though Ryan I am not sure will ever admit or act his age :) Then when I got married we attended a church that even the thought of singing what might considered a Christmas song in December was unheard of. I remember the first time I heard "Silent Night" in July. I also remember the December that I was asked to lead singing one Sunday and all we sang were so called Christmas songs; one I like them and two these were the only ones I truely knew with out music at the time. (that was also the last time I was asked to lead singing in December). I guess what I am trying to get at is I see our church family as a group of believers that are not tied to a bunch of rules that we may not even know their start or bases; but they have always been this way; and we are not always concerned with what a perception may be. We all know we have faults and only by the grace of God are accepted with these. Also once again Sherron has some wonderful thoughts. Robin
Robin, you make me laugh! I can hear the conversation taking place behind the scenes: "Robin does well leading the singing, but make sure you put him down for the Summer months. We certainly don't want him singing those blasted Christmas songs around Christmas time!"
Legalism is easy, comfortable, seductive and hard to leave. The MCOC comprises people, many different people, on a common journey toward the heart of God. Different ones are at different points, so we all work together, striving to understand, encourage, and even rebuke each other from time to time.
What you said about the "Cradle Roll" is really neat.
And, Sherron, you continue to amaze me.
Wow! Sherron you always come up with such appropriate comments, I really love that about you. Robin I too am laughing with Allen.
And comments Allen made about our church family is why I am so happy here. I am so thankful God lead me to this church family of tolerance, understanding, learning, forgiveness, and mostly for truely wanting to do what God wants us to do. God's will in all things...mistakes are mistakes...and boy have I made my share of those. I do not feel condemed by my church family...I feel loved. I know I get mushy from time to time but I truely love you all. My church family has been my life line...
And to anonymous...I pray God will enlighten you and help you and keep you safe from such thoughts and feelings. It makes me think of Lukes feelings of dislike that he feels from people at church...are you one of those? May God have mercy on your soul....if you do something to turn away a child. And I say this not in anger, I say it in pure love.
Annette
Luke had a few seizures today. His dad couldn't reach me and had to deal with it by himself, he felt very scared and helpless. The cat scan and blood work didn't come up with any conclusions of why this is happening. Please pray for Luke.
Annette
One more comment...God turns things meant for bad into good...I am glad people are sharing their true feelings, how else are we to know where everyone is at? We should be thankful for seeing things that otherwise would have been hidden.
Annette
I’ve been thinking a lot about our text for the week. It seems at this point, and I want to wrestle with it more, that it is simply about truth and integrity. The Bible has a lot to say about Truth. John’s gospel especially emphasizes the fact that God is Truth and all about Truth, so it should not be surprising that the Kingdom ethic has Truth as a key part of its foundation. What is Truth? Why is it so hard to tell the truth?
Did you notice also that speech that appeals to oaths and other outside sources for strength, anything beyond the “yes” and “no,” is of the evil one? What do you think about that?
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
One of the important things for all of us to realize is that we are participating in God’s mission of striving to make things right in a world that has gone wrong. A time is coming when all will be made new, paradise will be restored, and once again we will eat from the Tree of Life (Rev. 2:7). In the meantime we are a sign and foretaste of what is coming, and God has asked us, his people, to be agents and instruments of his future reign. This means that we are living for God, partnering with him in his work in this world. It doesn’t matter if you work in a factory, in an office, a school, or as a full-time minister. We all are doing Kingdom work. I really like this quote found in The Drama of Scripture - Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story, pages 202-3.
Kingdom Professionals do not define success in terms of money, job or status. They do not seek to maximize their income or their security or their status, or to advance their careers. Instead they seek to maximize their impact on the people and places to which God has called them. They measure success by their contribution to what God is up to in their neck of His woods. They see themselves as successful to the extent they are doing what God has called them to do, in the place He has led them, in such a manner that their giftedness can be well utilized. Nothing less will suffice; not the shallowness of status, not the ephemeral illusions of wealth, not the corrosive effects of power. What matters most to Kingdom Professionals is that there is congruence between their daily lives and the further in-breaking of God’s Kingdom where they live and work.
Tying this to our text, it is clear to me that integrity in speech is crucial no matter what you do and where you do it.
What do you think??
"When in doubt, tell the truth" MT
"Always, tell the truth. That way you don't have to remember what you said." MT
"Falsehood is easy, truth is difficult." G.E.
As a society we struggle with the truth and many even spend hours and countless resources debating what the truth is. However, I don't believe that it is just society. I think the religious community suffers with a truth void as well. Why do you think that messages such as the recent one about divorice are not often heard? Because it is the truth and we are scared that it will not be what people want to hear. The truth hurts some time. Cold hard fact of life. This is a lesson we all learn. Every one dreams of having all the $ they need. It isn't going to happen. As kids we all dream of being a professional athlete ( 1 in 160,000 make it) or such. Remember coming to the reality that it is not going to happen? Slam!!!
Often the truth is avoided as a means to limit or soften the impact. Often it just makes matters much worse in the long run.
On to other matters.
Sorry to hear Lester is giving up football. Sherron, I love the posts, keep them coming. Annette, I will pray for Luke.
With respect to the abbrasive anonymous post. Allen is right that this is a fact of cyper communication. Unfortunate but again truth in the fact that there are those out there who chose this line of action. My concern is not really with the individual not noting their name but that it would seem they are prentending to make the observation or declaration in the spirit of Christ, yet, I can find no cases in the Bible where Christ secretly or anonymously condemned anyone or anything. I am pretty sure he was right there front and center and I think that is how he would handle a situation like this if he felt that way. I pray for the individual because to me, lashing out like this is a result of the person's personal beliefs being challenged and they being insecure in their beliefs. It is good to see or hear the other side from time to time.
Say a prayer for them that God will soften their heart and open their mind to further study.
RR
Luke had another seizure this evening and has been admitted to bloomington hospital for observation.
Annette
Annette:
Sorry to hear that about Luke.
I will continue to keep him in our prayers.
RR
Thanks Ryan and Diane, I appreciate the prayers.
Luke had an uneventful night and will have an EEG sometime this morning. It looks like the reason for the seizures may be some of the medication he takes, but since my youngest sister has epilepsy I didn't want to take any chances. Hers showed up around this age.
How was class last night? I am going to have to get another job, I don't like missing church and class.
P.S. Did you miss me?
Annette
This is completely off subject, i'm sure, but I really felt like sharing this! Every morning I get an email called encouragement for today, its basically a devotional email from crossroads ministry. its a wonderful thing to read every morning. Today's devotional is about christmas. Every year I struggle with what our culture says is the true meaning of christmas and every year i'm left realizing that we truely do not celebrate christmas in a way that shows the true meaning of christmas to the world. Christmas is certianly not fighting over a parking place at the mall the day after thanksgiving, its certainly not santa or frosty or any of the other made for TV characters, and its certainly not about getting the most presents or giving the most presents. Its about Jesus, and the beginning of such a great sacrafice, its his brithday, and a time to celebrate the gospel unfolding. How I wish we could all loose sight of the world's definition of christmas and regain the Lord's sight and "redefine" what christmas is to the world. Anyway, here is today's devotional, I hope you enjoy it!
Key Verse:
Luke 2:11 “For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (NAS)
Devotion:
Every year when Christmas rolls around, we are exposed to countless retellings of the birth of Jesus. The story is told in hundreds of ways—animation and video, acted out and sung in harmony. Is there a chance that the abundance of information can make us immune to the story itself? Is it possible that we become so familiar with the story of Jesus that we lose sight of the One we are celebrating?
This year, I want to use this time to focus on Jesus. I want to be intentional about seeing the Christmas story for what it is—the gospel unfolded. The angel announced to the shepherds that the Messiah had come. He identified Jesus in three ways—as Savior, Christ, and Lord. Savior means Messiah, which is Hebrew for “Anointed One”. Christ is the Greek term for “Anointed One.” And Lord means Yahweh, or God. What do these names tell us about Jesus? They tell us that He was both God and man. He was prophecy fulfilled, to the letter, and that He came, just as God promised.
So what does that mean to us so many years after this announcement was made from the skies? How should we respond? For me it means that Christmas is the time to learn more about who Jesus is. It is our time to get in touch with what those names mean to us personally. It is an opportunity to read the account of His birth, His life, His death and resurrection with new eyes. We need to see Him anew this Christmas.
Jesus was a contradiction in terms. He was complex and went against the conventions of His times. He challenged the religious types. He was so much more than a simple Bible story. He is worth getting to know on a deep intimate level because the things He will reveal to you are so much more than you expect. I love the following poem and what it shows about Jesus. I want to dig deeply into what this poem says. I also want to dig deeply into the character of my Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
“The Paradox”
By Virginia Knowles
www.thehopechest.net
Come, see where He lays
Good Shepherd and Little Lamb
King of Kings and Servant of All
Prophet and Prophecy Fulfilled
Physician and Wounded One
High Priest and Atoning Sacrifice
Counselor and Rejected One
Builder and Foundation Stone
Righteous Judge and Condemned Prisoner
Ancient of Days and newly born babe
God and Man
Do you know this Jesus?
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, I love You and I want to know You more. This Christmas, and into the new year, help me to explore the deep meaning of who You are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Thanks for sharing that, Erin! I like what you and it say.
Annette, of course we missed you! A few others weren't there also, but we had a good quality group.
I had an interesting class, and so did Kedra. Both classes wrestled with what our text for the week means and "looks like." Kedra said her class even commented on things as simple as being at a place at the time you said you would be.
Ultimately the passage is about integrity, making sure that our words line up with our actions. Embellishment, exaggeration, "white lies" all strike against the heart of what Jesus is saying. And did you notice the last line of the passage? Bit scary really...
Good morning, everyone. Annette, how is Luke today. You are both in my prayers. Moms suffer right along with their children when something is wrong. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. Although it is busy and sometimes hectic I have so many warm memories of Christmas and family. This year I decorated a small tree in our kitchen and hung my mom's cookie cutters from the branches. They still have some flour in them from her baking days. She loved Christmas and was so creative in making something from almost nothing and making it special. I miss her. It is a time of year that is sad for many who have lost loved ones or are very
alone without family near. If you are one of those, my heart goes out to you. I would love to have you in our home for Christmas. You can call me any time. 812 279-2747. Hopefully we will have all the decorations up before our pre-teens come on Sunday evening. We are both so excited about having them. Parents are welcome too. Just come and visit while they make their rounds. I know Ryan would love to see Bear--wouldn't you, Ryan. We could turn him loose and let him run to remind you of the old days with him. Have a great day everyone. Sherron
Thanks Sherron. Its so very nice of you to open up your home to others...may it be blessed.
Luke was discharged around 11 am after having the EEG. They have not called us with the results yet. He didn't have any more episodes and I hope it stays that way. All the prayers have been very much appreciated.
Annette
Sherron, that is funny! Bret is anxious to see Bear, but I am not sure I have a real need to be reunited with him.
Seriously, though at this time of year, I do have fond memories of him as it reminds me of Rhonna's dad who I miss daily and I know that Rhonna and the girls do too. Christmas was his big day. He was not a very emotional or outwardly affection man and had troubles with those things. On Christmas he did not want anything and he wanted everyone else to open all of their gifts before he opened any. He would just sit back and watch or take pictures with a big smile on this face. When he had grandkids, that was so special to him. He would do inventory on Christmas Eve and if he thought there was anything missing from the list he would go get it. Sometimes that meant driving a lot and shopping a lot and this was a man who didn't shop. Of course the girls loved it. Ironically, Darci's favorite memories of him are after all the ordeal, the two of them going to the barn the rest of the day and just hanging out or walking in the woods and playing in the creek (yes the creek at Christmas time and she came in more than once soaking wet!) Bret loved to sit on his lap and feed Bear Pringles. In the end he realized "time" was a precious of gift as he could give and those memories last long after the other items are gone. Tying this in a little to this blog too, he was a man of little words. A true believer of if you don't know don't say anything. To this day I still have people come up and tell me things about him that are positive. Guys from the foundry come up and tell Rhonna and I stories or things he did for people or how he helped out a young employee that we had no idea he did. He left a great legacy and I think part of it is because he lived this verse whether he knew it or not.
Annette glad Luke is doing better.
RR
I posted earlier this morning, but for some strange reason, I posted on last week's blog! Here is what I said:
I sure could use your prayers this morning! I am having trouble completing this week's sermon. I usually try to complete my sermons on Thursdays and try to take Friday as a "day off." (Sometimes that actually happens.) I am still working on this sermon about Truth Telling. Hopefully and prayerfully everything will "click" in place at some point today! Any additional thoughts about what Jesus is telling US with this passage?
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your `Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ `No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Tony and I are going out to run for a while this morning. I have 5.4 degrees right now. He's crazy, and I have been trying to reform him for the last 10+ years.
We are having our Sunday School over tonight for our class party. As one class member said, "It is the party of the year."
I hope you have a great Friday and are looking forward to Sunday!
[I, too, am glad Luke is better, and I really enjoy hearing some your Christmas memories. Precious aren't they?]
Allen;Sorry to hear that you are having problems getting it to click. Would you see a difference if it didn't click (ha,ha). Things will fall in place. I am also glad Luke is doing better; we will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers Annette. Sherron; the boys are so looking forward to coming to your house on Sunday. Every year they have gone they have always enjoyed it. This is a great thing that all of you do. Now to the blog and Truth. Our contract ends here at work next year; and we have already started working on getting ready for negotations now. I have been in meetings off and on all last week and this week dealing with this. The more I have thought about our topic; the more I have thought of how nice it would be to not need a contract; that we as a company and the union could just set down and say ok this is what we will do and this is what we will not do and both of us know this to be true. Yet we can not; in the 10 years I have been here there have been very few days that I have not had to look at the contract to either answer a question or disprove or prove a point of concern. So many of the times the legalism wording that is used we are not even sure what either party had orginally said or meant by the statement. Over the next 6 months this is going to be a hard time at the plant so please keep us all in your prayers. Robin
Annette, I am glad Luke is better. Ryan, thanks for sharing those memories that involve Rhona's dad and connecting it with Bear. He is our 'child' now that the kids are gone. Bill is his Dad and I am his Mom. We both love him so much. Allen, the words will come. The Spirit within you will guide you as It always does. Robin, we are looking forward to having your boys. We may just have to play the Christmas Story movie again. I love this time of year. We decorated until late last night and still have more to do but it is coming together. Everyone have a great day. Sherron
Allen:
are you telling the truth? is tony really crazy? ??? Hmmm. Does that tie into the scripture? :)
how come you are having the sunday a.m. class over and not the weds. night class? probably don't want that rowdy weds. night class over there.
RR
he likes us better
by the way thats my first comment ever on this blog. Sorry to be selfish Ha Ha just kidding he loves all of us. I respect him deeply.
Maybe this will help (or not!): The part about "you can't make one hair white or black" makes me think about control. Or, rather, lack of it. We have an illusion of control, that we can control ourselves and our surroundings. Only God really has control. Maybe we shouldn't make oaths--or too many promises about the future--because, as flawed, weak humans, we may not have the capacity to make good on those promises.
I dunno. That sounded better in my head than it looks on the screen...
Donna
Thanks Donna! That's not quite where I went, but what I say in the sermon is related to your thoughts, which look good to me.
And welcome to the new anonymous! Clearly you are a person of great perception and discernment. Not about the class but about my character! ha ha ha
I love both of my classes. They are so different. Diversity is a great thing!
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