One Pastor's Perspective

I had a dream about a new sanctuary last night. It was not like the one our New Facilities team has been planning . . . Not that it was better, just different. But what thrilled my soul was it was the first Sunday in it and IT WAS FULL!!

Then, in true dream style, I was in a t-shirt and gym shorts and had forgotten to bring my dress clothes. So I had to send Drew home to get them AFTER THE SERVICE STARTED! The bulk of the service consisted of me waiting for my clothes . . .

Did I get them??? Did I get to preach in that new sanctuary?? I don’t know . . . Maybe I will get to dream about it again!

The Boyhood of Jesus

The New York Times reports today that dozens were burned to death seeking refuge in a church due to ethnic violence in Kenya yesterday . . . (Read this article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/02/world/africa/02kenya.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin)

I wonder how long it will be until someone will cry out for US involvement?? Maybe it won’t happen, but I bet it will. In the post WW-II era, people usually DO cry out. The US, like it or not, has served as an international policeman for decades. Put all of the politics aside, that is what is happening right now in Iraq . . .

And if the call comes, should we put aside all of the politics?? Should we help?? If we can make a difference, it would be a shame NOT to help. But I won’t make that call . . . Someone else will, and no matter what call is made, he will be criticized to no end for it. Hmm . . . Seems like being the president is a little like being a pastor . . .

Oh well, we need to pray for Kenya and for the innocent people murdered every day as political and sectarian violence is on the rise.

Surfing around tonight I saw a movie supposedly set in SC. “Carolina Moon” was the title . . . What I found was the typical Hollywood attempt to mimic the south.

Things like:

*Accents that sound as if they came from a Cracker Jack box, turning many one syllable words into two or three

*Lots of mud and farm equipment

*Most of the locals had a cumulative IQ of 87 (I literally mean if you added all of their IQs up, it would total 87)

*And, of course, the obligatory use of old, old words drawn out ever so slowly.

All I know is this: I don’t know anyone who sounds, talks, or acts like these folks in South Carolina. Now, maybe in Georgia . . . .

About three weeks ago I stood at a graveside with a family, buring a father and grandfather. Yesterday, I sat with that same family because of the sudden loss of ANOTHER father and grandfather. Two days after Christmas. It is a breath-taking thing for them . . . Unexpected.

For us, a reminder that life really is precious and there is NO guarantee of tomorrow. I say those words from the pulpit from time to time, but this is evidence of the TRUTH of those words.

Hug your kids, tell EVERYONE you need to that you love them, and live life to the fullest. And, by all means, let your family know where you stand with Jesus Christ. One of the only positives in the events of the last couple of days for this family is the fact that they know, with no doubts, their father/grandfather accepted Christ and lived for Him. His hope is secured in Christ. What a gift for his family!

Messengers and the Message – Dec 16

The Greatest Gift – Dec 23

WORLD PEACE . . . (Or, Whirrled Peas) That is what I told Krissy last night when she asked me the question. She pressed me on it, so I told her the yellow Hummer at Craig’s Used Cars (anyone who knows me KNOWS that is not true: I would stress out too much every time I pulled up to a gas pump)

What do YOU want for Christmas?? What would you say? I wonder what the most popular gift is this year . . . What is the really hot item that no one can find?? A few years ago it was Tickle-Me Elmo. People were paying big bucks for a little red dude that danced . .

The gifts of the first Christmas were powerful: SALVATION . . . Peace on earth, goodwill to men. A couple of years later, gold, frankencense, and myrrh were popular. But, seriously, if you could have ANYTHING you want for Christmas this year, what would it be??

Something to think about as we fight traffic, long lines, and the stress of the holiday . . .