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We serve a living Jesus who fills. “And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.” (Ephesians 1:23) I am full. Each year, Cumberland blesses my family and me with a summer study break. The purpose is to be filled. I anticipate this great time each year. And when it’s over, I’m full. Perhaps better language is: “Ready to explode!” Sunday is Firehose Sunday. I’m asking God to…
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Re-entry was the non-topic yesterday as we traveled home from Florida and our 2016 summer study break. The moment the subject of re-entry came up, someone else shut it down. Nobody wanted to talk about it, but we knew we had to. For the re-entry process of spacecrafts, millions of dollars are spent. Re-entry is about friction and drag. If not navigated correctly, you’ll crash and burn. Rob Irvine talks about re-entry a lot when a team is coming home…
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Another year has passed and another Argyle Back to School FIA is here. YEA!!!! First of all, thanks to all the team leaders that have put this event together for 2016. It would not happen otherwise. Thank you to all who have signed up to serve and all of you that will show up Sunday to serve. When I think of all that happens at an FIA Sunday, I am reminded of the following passage: 1 Corinthians 12:14-26 (J.B. Phillips…
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Last night I performed a beach, wedding vow renewal ceremony for good friends. The groom of twenty-five years worked hard on making this all a surprise. He lied like an old dog at a breeding kennel. He sneaked and snuck to buy a cake, a new wedding band, and secure all the necessary components. He corralled the likes of a pastor, a celebratory restaurant, photographer, and his original and hand-written vows. The once-again bride had no clue of the effort…
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Oswald Chambers wrote, “The preacher is there as the representative of God — “… as though God were pleading through us…” (II Corinthians 5:20_. He is there to present the Gospel of God. If it is only because of preaching that people desire to be better, they will never get close to Jesus Christ.” On Sunday morning, I caved. The kids wanted to stay in a stream a live church service. I wanted to go to a “real” church. I…
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I settled into my pre-sunrise beach post. My toes were exploring the white sand. Nothing but ocean, sky, and coastline stood before God and me. With eternal gratitude, I took a deep sip from my coffee mug. Coffee mug is such a deceptive term. There was absolutely no coffee in my mug. I’m drinking fake coffee. The label says “a coffee beverage.” More deception. There’s nothing coffee about this coffee beverage. But real coffee doesn’t seem to like me these…
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The most vivid memories during my grade school years often involved recess. Between jump rope competitions, kickball tournaments, and swings that went so high they are likely illegal now, the blacktop behind Edison Elementary provided a forum for a bunch of rambunctious kids to run wild, form alliances, and establish pecking orders. Only two things ever ruined it for our class – inclement weather or a mischievous boy named Greg Fulk. Greg was well-liked by his peers, but was…
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Growing up, I listened to WVUD out of Dayton, Ohio. It was an album rock radio station. Without commercial interruption, WVUD played whole albums. Listening to an album rock station is where I learned to appreciate the song “Gnat Attack” by Kansas. It was a part of “Magnum Opus” on Kansas’ Leftoverture” classic. Many would recognize “Carry On My Wayward Son” or “What’s On My Mind.” But, would you recognize “Release The Beavers?” This song was another great movement in…
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It’s hard NOT to process things through Baton Rouge, Minnesota, and Dallas. Chaos abounds. Most would assume that all chaos is dangerous. Does the chaos tell us anything about the Church in the West? We live in the chaos of a post-modern culture. This is not merely going back to a pagan, pre-Christian life. This is post-Christian. Many are seeking the benefits of religion (community, values, elevated lifestyles) without the rigors of commitment, obedience, and the authority of one God. …
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I’ve been visiting my dad this week in Ohio. He lives in the same hometown I grew up in. I’ve been driving by houses and libraries and post offices and old stores and schools and baseball fields and playgrounds to induce a wonderful flood of memories and stories going back some fifty plus years. This morning as I sit in my dad’s kitchen, I’m the only one here. Windows and screens doors are open as a cool breeze makes coffee…
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