What to preach???

Our elders have invited a missionary to speak Nov. 30th.
This is a great thing and a much needed visitation for us
here at Kansas. The only minute problem is that I was in the
middle of a series and this has to be postponed until December.
UGH! (Charlie Brown again)...Now, I do not know what to preach this
Sunday. I know the Lord will show me, but still...oh well
Less of me and more of Him!

JC

Good Day

Today was a good day...
We had a good morning in worship, good men's meeting
and a great singing tonight. Devo went very well.
I am extremely worn out tonight. I am taking tomorrow off.
I have sweatpants on I am enjoying life.

JC

Fireproof - A+

My wife and I went and saw the movie, Fireproof, last night
in Grove. Some of the best $14.00 (21 with popcorn and a drink)
I have ever spent. The folks at Sherwood (Facing the Giants) are getting
better and better. I recommend it to every husband and wife, those
engaged, and teenagers who aspire to be married.

JC

I should be grateful

As I woke up this morning, a dark shadow was cast over my
bed... I HAVE TO REFEREE TODAY - Ugh! (Per Charlie Brown)
Every week I say that I am going to retire...and every week there
I am on a Saturday, running around, chasing children and blowing a
whistle.I know I should be thankful for this opportunity for extra
money & exercise, but I just cannot shake the fact that I just do not
want to do it. Then I remembered what Paul wrote in 1 Thes. 5:16-18.
"Be joyful always; Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS (My caps)."
So, as I play that verse in my mind all day - this (I Hope) will help me
become motivated.

Lord, I want to follow your will.

JC

Crown without a Cross

Last week and for the next two weeks, I am
preaching on the concept of gaining our crown
(eternal righteousness) by taking up our cross
(daily sacrifice). I have been reading the book
The Jesus I Never Knew by Phillip Yancey and he
has some wonderful thinking points... When Jesus
was tempted 3 times by Satan, the devil was offering
Him a easy way out - the ability to achieve glory without
having to go through the pain - - - the crown without
the cross. As I have been studying this and Heb. 2:14-18,
4:15-16 and Heb. 5:8-9, I see that Jesus went through
EXACTLY what we do...Satan offers us the crown without
the cross everyday! Temporary satisfaction over eternal
glory...That is why Jesus said in Luke 9:23 - "Take up your
cross DAILY and follow me..." And...this temptation and
trial is necessary for growth and for learning God's perfect
will for our lives!

Thank God for the example of Jesus Christ for our lives - so we
can see how He handled these tests of temporary greatness.

JC