A mini-series for the ages

At church we are are doing a mini-series on Peter's confession of Christ (Matthew 16:16). Since Jesus did say, in so many words, "You got the right one baby," we feel it is a good place to start.
Now we do expect that this mini-series will be famous. How famous, is really up to you (I guess).
Regardless, if you have a spare 30 minutes, here is my sermon. In addition to our sermon series, for advent we've created a devotional to go along with the sermons. The last two years I've written a study for each day. However, this year, in order not to intimidate people, I've just written some questions to cause us to further reflect on God's word: in this case, the deity of Christ. If you don't think this is all that important, or practical, then listen to my sermon.

Here is the Devotional that my prove to be helpful. If not, then find someone to blame. Never me. Thanks.

1. Read John 8:48-59
No one knows exactly the precise date Jesus was born, but we can be certain that it was between 4-6 BC. We celebrate the birth (his taking on flesh) of Jesus at Christmas. But how old is Jesus in his divine nature? Who DOESN’T believe in this truth (Hint-J.W.)?

2. How do we know that Jesus really did claim to be God? How is this claim unique among all religions? Why is this so important to believe?

3. People often simply create a God who suits their needs, schedules, desires, interests, etc... Can you think of any ways you’ve done this yourself? Be honest and specific. How can we keep from doing that on Sundays? Is there anything we can do during the week to keep us walking down this well traveled road?

4. How does knowing Jesus is fully God personally bring you comfort? How can it in the future?

5. God is described in the Old Testament as one who is “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling (Psalm 68:5)” and Jesus continually sought after those in need. Is there anyone to whom you might reflect this love? A widow, someone elderly, without family, someone hurting, lonely, depressed, etc…What step might God be calling you to take now? Visiting, baking cookies, giving presents, calling, etc...?

Sorry for the formatting weirdness. I tried like 6 times to correct it, and then gave up. Just because the first questions are the largest, doesn't make them the most important. Might doesn't make right, eh?

Just under two years

Michael Vick has now been sentenced to 23 months in prison. I was honestly surprised at this. I really was. I am no Michael Vick apologist. Please understand that. I never liked him as a QB, and as a humanitarian he's probably not getting any votes for Person of the Year.

But I will say this: I think that his 23 months are certainly plenty for his crimes. As a person, I would have been happy with a year and half; as a Buc's fan I'm certainly fine with him being away from the NFL for longer. Perhaps if he were fighting dogs that I actually like, such as Labs, I might push for five years. But pit bulls don't exactly make my dog Top Ten list.

Again, I think dog fighting is unthinkably disgusting (whatever dogs are used-yes even little yippee dogs like Palmeraneans or Shitzu's-though that would be mildly entertaining if they didn't hurt each other), should be outlawed, and those involved should be severely punished.

But in our culture, animals can often be treated as though they are every bit as dignified as people. Whether we like it or not, mankind has a special place in creation; God has placed special honor upon him as His most highly regarded creation (Psalm 8). However as stewards of God's creation, we are to till the land, not kill the land (or its creatures). In fact there is even a command in Deuteronomy 22:6 which prohibits taking and eating the mother bird AND its young. So I think we are to act justly even with animals.

With all that said, since Vick is getting 23 months for dog fighting (and several charges related to it), we ought to see rapists or online predators get much more. Unfortunately that's not often the case, and I wonder if that is simply reflective of a culture that fails to see the dignity of God's highest creation.

The writing on the wall

Sometimes we can see the writing on the wall, and it is very clear. And yet out of stubbornness, we decide to move forward regardless. But sometimes we might see the writing on the wall, then realize that it in fact doesn't mean what we thought it meant.

I had one of those moments today. The men of the church get together to play paintball about once a month. Well this time, everyone seemed to have prior commitments. Some regulars had to work, do housework, take care of wives who had back surgery, etc....

When I went to fill up my paintball CO2 tank at WalMart last night, I found out they didn't have the correct size tank. Just before that someone else canceled on me. The owner of the property wasn't going to make it. I had to preach the next day and could have used a little more sleep.

It seemed the writing on the Wall was saying "Cancel it." Was I being stupid? Willful? I decided it was too late to cancel and didn't feel like calling everyone up anyway.

So I got arrived on site. That made 5 of us. Then one more came fifteen minutes later. Fifteen minutes more and 2 showed up. Then the sounds of the Hallelujah chorus rung out as one youth brought 3 of his friends. His dad showed up and it ended up 6 on 6, with probably more than half not even from our church.

Sometimes the writing is clear. Sometimes it might be there, but it may not say what we think it says. Fortunately. God chose today to bring some different people to play. I'm glad we didn't cancel.

Plugging in the lights

Another thing I enjoy about Xmas time is the lights. Now I don't like to ride around intentionally and admire the lights. But as I drive, I like to see what people have done with their houses. Its kind of like art, that I can 'get.' But mostly, I just think its cool and it makes me feel like Christmas.

Last year Amy prodded me to put up lights. While I was reluctant at first, I'm very glad I did it. Most of our neighbors have lights up, so it is pretty cool pulling into our driveway after having seen all of the lights.

So when I get home from working out, or whenever I remember, I plug in our lights. But its weird. Lights are cool when you're outside of your own house. But when you're inside your own house, and don't plan on going out again, what's the motivation? Turning on your lights is really an act of love. I mean you're no longer enjoying the fruit of your labor. Someone else is.

And that's a lot like love. Love is finding delight in the delight of others. I guess the joy in putting up lights, particularly once you are inside your own house, resides in sharing in the joy of others. You make others happy, and you find delight in that.

Now I know for some people its keeping up with Jones', or a competition, as with Chevy Chase in Xmas Vacation or with Tim Taylor in Home Improvement. But for many, I think plugging in your lights, particularly when you've come inside for the night, is a mundane, but good example of love.

Take a kid fishing, and to the nursing home

This has been a crazy week. I've been to two different nursing homes this week, and have heard of others going to them as well. I have to admit that nursing homes are not my favorite places in the world. They don't smell good (but you can usually counter that by breathing through your mouth; or smoke a cheap cigar the day before-that will leave the smoke smell in your nostrils several days afterwards. I've never tried that, but I bet it would work). Other than that, I guess they're not all that bad.

But beyond my preferences, God calls us to places such as these. That's who God cares about (Psalm 68/James 1:27 among a bunch of other references), and that's basically who Jesus visited. Since he was fully God, that's no surprise.

One of the most amazing things about the trip to the nursing home on Sunday was a response a youth gave to his mother. "Did you have a good time?" He responded, "No Mom, I had a GREAT time."

Why was this the case? I know he didn't smoke any cigars before our trip; I always check. Did he eat some Frosted Flakes before he came? I cannot confirm that he didn't, but it is highly unlikely.

The most logical explanation is that his parents take him with them whenever they are doing ministry. And why do they do this? Well there are probably a plethora of reasons, but I will give you one that I know to be true. Her mom always taught her, and I'm sure brought her, to be with and care for the sick and elderly. And I think that's one reason why they have such a heart for people in nursing homes and hospitals. It has been instilled in them from a very young age.

I watch a fishing show that airs early Saturday mornings. Its really pretty bad; they don't do a whole lot better than I feel I would do. But pickings are slim these days. Regardless, they always close with this line, "Do yourself a favor and take a kid fishing." I think that is sound advice. But taking one with you to do ministry will have a much longer lasting and more beneficial effect.

I have to admit that I love this time of year. I love pretty much everything about Xmas, with the exception of fruitcake, eggnog, and trying to figure out that last Xmas gift.

Perhaps my favorite part is listening or singing Xmas songs. I like pretty much all the carols/hymns-with the exception of "Lo' How a Rose Er' Blooming-and several other non traditional songs by The Chieftans and Amy Grant.

But to say I like Xmas songs is almost like saying I like dogs. I like many dogs. But some dogs I don't care for (I'll not put the names down in case you have one on the most hated list). Same with Xmas songs.

But one Xmas song I hate is "Jingle Bell Rock." That would be my least favorite. Dumb tune, dumb lyrics, dumb idea. But I would like to hear from you. What are your least favorite Xmas songs or song? Please feel free to post anonymously; most do anyway. I'd like to hear some other opinions, so I'll lend you my proverbial ear.

Meeting and Mingling to a Jingling Beat

Each year, on the first Sunday of December, our youth group goes caroling. We did this at my last youth group in South Carolina, even though the kids hated it.

Down here its a little different. We actually had two new faces to join us in jubilant song. We don't do this to make ourselves feel good (even though there is great joy as we sing of Christ in a place which needs to hear him sung), but because God does care about the fatherless/widows/the oppressed (Psalm 68). So we read that verse right before we began practicing the songs.

This year we tried to have a little more interaction than in previous years. We started in the dining hall with several numbers and then did a little "M & M" (Meeting and Mingling). It was a beautiful site to see our youth go out in teams of two's and three's (don't worry they weren't wearing white shirts, black ties, black paints, backpacks, and elder name tags) and talk with these folks. To a man/woman, the residents were INCREDIBLY thankful we were there.

Afterwards we traveled upstairs and downstairs caroling through the hallway. We would stop after several songs and do some more "M & M." Once again it was a beautiful site to see youth care for those who have no one.

Amy and I, and a few of the little one's (that's why I call the Jr. High's) went in to a room with lovely lady who had lost her husband and was really struggling. She said that hearing us sing and having us come in and pray with her (our 7th grader offered the prayer-I was stoked about that!) blessed her greatly. Afterwards, since the rest of the group had already moved on, we offered her a special guest performance. It sounded terrible in real time, but in the ears of this lady, it was beautiful.

She claimed that it made her day to know that she was not forgotten. That someone did care. And someone does. Christ our God does care for widows/orphans/oppressed. And that is why caroling at nursing homes will always be a part of our Xmas festivities. When we have kids of our own, we'll do it again. But until then, I'll be taking others kids.

I would highly encourage you to grab a small group and go caroling at a nursing home near you. If you can't sing (meaning you can't get enough folks-they think anything sounds good!), just go and talk. The activities director will be glad to 'squeeze you in.' And like Cheers, "They're always glad you came."