“Christians don’t need the church!” …That statement is incorrect.

 

Hey Dan, did you know the church has flaws?

 

Having a little prayer with a praying mantis

This morning when I was unlocking the doors at the church, the fellow in this photo caught my attention. There he was on the front doors holding his own little prayer meeting.

Do you know what type of bug this is?

Yes, he’s a Praying Mantis. And he seemed to be giving me a special message.

What was the message?

Answer: It’s always a good idea to floss.

But then we had a moment. It was a brief moment, yes, a fleeting moment. But it was a moment nevertheless. The Praying Mantis seemed to say a little prayer for me.

After a minute, or so, he took up an offering and I thought, “Okay, I get it. Fair is fair.”

 

Is it time for a roofing project update? I think so.

 

The church is not supposed to be a PUNISHING OBLIGATION!

It is important for the church to PHYSICALLY meet together!

An unusual visitor at the worship team rehearsal

Recognizing the Authority, Supremacy and Lordship...!

Yes, I'm transparent...but not THAT transparent

Rehearsal...making things "perfect" for Sunday

A small amount of kung fu with every message!

Being receivers and givers when the church gathers

You've been waiting for a 2 1/2 hour sermon, haven't you?

Going Home In Time For Church

Yesterday, the cardiologist who was treating me explained the options we could pursue. There were basically two:

One option is that I could take a stress test. A stress test can provide helpful diagnostic information but it is not the test which can provide the highest level of certainty regarding issues like blockages in the arteries in and near the heart.

On the other hand, it is not invasive.

The second option is an angiogram procedure. With an angiogram we would know for sure if there was any blockage but the angiogram involves a catheterization that is invasive. It also involves anesthesia which increases the risk factor.

So it is more complicated than a stress test and it involves some recovery time.

Obviously, I liked the idea of a stress test from the standpoint of being less invasive. But I also valued the certainty of the angiogram.

The doctor was basically giving me the choice to pick which option we would pursue.

Then he added this: if the angiogram reveals no blockage you could possibly still go home later today (Friday).

If there is a blockage and they put in a stent you would go home tomorrow (Saturday).

I perked up. I could have an angiogram and still be home on Saturday?!? I could have an angiogram and still be at church on Sunday?!? Whoa! Now the decision was easy.

"Let's go with the angiogram, doc!" I exclaimed with glee.

(Keep in mind, angiograms rarely involve a tremendous amount of glee.)

I had the angiogram on Friday afternoon. There is some blockage but it is not in a place where a stent could be inserted. However, it can be effectively treated with medications.

So, I get to go home today.

Better yet, I get to be at church on Sunday!

...And believe me, I have a wonderful, thankful, joyful message to proclaim!

Talking With My Dentist

While the suction hook was hanging in my mouth my dentist—who is a very nice friendly fellow—said, “So, how are things going at the church?”

I couldn’t speak very well. But I managed to say, “Aghrr uughh ehh ohhhh zzzhhh”

He nodded his head knowingly and said, “Isn’t that the truth!”

And we continued talking in that manner throughout my cleaning and check-up.

At one point, following a totally garbled comment from me—I had three instruments in my mouth at the time—he laughed, shaking his head and said, “Yep. We have exactly the same issue at our church every year around Easter.” He was laughing so hard he had to set down one of the instruments in order to readjust his glasses.

I do not know how he could interpret what I was saying but his responses seemed to indicate at some level he was understanding what I was saying.

As I was leaving his office he shook my hand and said, “Always good to catch up with you, Dan.”

I said, “I feel the same way, Dr. Bob.”

I Am God's Friend

We sang a song in our services yesterday titled “I Am A Friend of God.”

I am familiar with the song. We have sung it in our services in the past and I have heard it on the radio a number of times. It’s a nice song and I’ve always liked it.

Yesterday, however, the truth which this song conveys gripped my heart in a way which has not occurred before. It’s sort of weird because I am a Christian pastor. The idea that God thinks of me as His friend is a biblical concept with which I am familiar. This is not a new idea to me.

But sometimes a truth we know becomes conscious to us and relevant to us in a profound new way and we come to “know” it in a manner we have not previously known it. I sat playing this song over and over on my computer last night and my heart was rejoicing.

It is empowering, uplifting, encouraging… it is extraordinary. I write this with no sense of bravado or pride. I write it with tremendous love, peace and gratitude in my heart. I am God’s friend.

God Is Real And His Church Is Alive

I know there can be times in life in which this may not seem possible but it is true: there are people who cannot be bought. They are committed to God and to living His way and they are not for sale.

I am not saying these people are perfect or cannot be tempted. What I am saying, however, is their walk with Him is genuine and because of His power in them—not their power, His power—they remain faithful to the truth.

So, don’t be discouraged. God is real and His church is alive.

You are not alone as you serve Him. God is real and His church is alive.

It is wise to walk with Jesus. God is real and His church is alive. 

When The Church Gathers Together Gladly, Joyfully and Willingly

When the church gathers together it is not with a heavy sigh and a strong determination we are going to do things that, frankly, we don’t really want to do. However, just watch us, we are going to prove to God we love Him by fulfilling this burdensome obligation.

When the church gathers, we do so as God’s people. And we come together gladly, joyfully, willingly to praise and honor Him. He deserves it! Also, we come together to lift each other up and encourage one another.

When the church is functioning properly it does not involve gathering together because we have to. It involves gathering together because—in recognition of who He is and what He has done—we want to.

A Woman Who Was Flustered

I was waiting for Rachel, standing outside the restrooms at Walmart. A woman approached me and she had something in her hand.

She said, "What do you do on Sunday mornings?" And as she was asking me the question she extended a couple of pamphlets to me. The pamphlets explained Christian teaching on a couple of topics and they functioned as invitations to the church she attends.

I smiled and said, "Well, I'm tied up on Sunday mornings because I'm a pastor of a church."

It was fairly obvious she wasn't expecting that response. She stammered and smiled and looked like she was about to say something then changed her mind. After some verbal stumbling she finally said, "Well, you can go ahead and come on by anyhow."

I realized she knew that was a silly response on her part. She was flustered because she hadn't been given any training on what to say in the event that the recipient of the pamphlets turns out to be a minister.

I said, "I think my congregation would be a little confused if I told them I was going to possibly start attending another church on Sunday mornings."

We both laughed.

I said, "Do you want your pamphlets back?"

She said, "No, you can...um... well... why don't you... or... that is... you can hang on to them... um... in case you change your mind."

As she walked away I waved and thought, "She's still flustered."

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Ephesians 4:11-16

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