IT'S BEEN A FEW DAYS

It has been a few days since I last wrote...I have been busy with officiating and helping a couple in the congregation who are moving. I am glad summer is here - though it is about to get very busy for me - study-wise...I am ready - God is good

JC

STEEL TOE SHOES OR SANDALS?

When I was a technician at the Tulsa Bus Plant for many years, we were required to wear steel toe shoes at work. Why? I found out a few times when I decided to break the rules - something can fall on your foot and it really hurts. Imagine if I had wore sandals to work - my exposed toes would have been smashed, stepped on or lost for good...

I have a fear of having my toes stepped on, how about you?
I do not mean by a forklift or fellow employee; I mean by the Word of God...
Not a day goes by that something doesn't pierce me, break me or enlighten me to new understanding - sometimes it makes me uncomfortable...
I worry sometimes that my sermons will do the same - that the ones who I have been commissioned to inspire and teach will leave with bruised toes.

But isn't that why Paul tells us to have our feet "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6:15, KJV)...If we would start wearing better shoes (BIBLE), maybe our feet wouldn't hurt so bad on Mondays anymore.
I think it's time to put away the sandals!

JC

GO CELTICS!

How about them Celtics!!!!
World Champions 2007-2008...

SLOW TO ANGER?

I have never been very good at video games...From Nintendo to Sega to Playstation to Wii, I am brutal! I am getting beat by 30 points by a 12 year old from church and I begin to get angry...yes, that's right, angry. I accuse him of cheating; I accuse him of "rigging" the game; I accuse him of any and all things I can think of. I mean, I am really upset! Wow, that's sad. I don't think Jesus' brother James knew about video games when he wrote the words, "slow to anger"...there's no way that can apply to this...Or can it. What separates the Christian from the outsiders (those not in the Family yet) is our reaction to difficulty. Our slowness to anger:

- Car's in the shop 5 hours instead of two - slow!
- Boss just gave you a assignment at 4:48 Friday afternoon - slow!
- Daughter just broke your only pair of glasses Sunday morning at 9:00 - slow!

Over and over we are faced with opportunities for anger slowness...
Me, I am going to go continue to get beat and practice that slow thing...

JC

WHAT THINGS REALLY MATTER

I was driving Thursday somewhere in the direction of Siloam Springs, when I noticed something in the middle of Highway 412. A small, Elmo stuffed animal...it looked as if it has seen better days - dirty, grimy, used up. I wondered how long ago it was a child begged and pleaded for that toy - parents fought thru other parents in the wee hours of the Friday after Thanksgiving, grandparents driving to the next state to get the prize...How important that small little item was only to be ran over by semis and sedans - I drove by today and saw it on the side of the road - practically on its last leg. Isn't amazing what we chase yet are so afraid to chase the will of God?
We will spend time, money, and savings for the toy, video game, and fishing boat, but spending the effort to seek the things of God aren't as necessary. I understand, I think, what Jesus meant by seeking treasures that moth and rust can't destroy...I think that I know what Paul meant we he said not to get too excited about anything - It may just end up in the middle of 412 someday.
My prayer is that I chase Godly things and get excited about those instead...