Celebrate Good Times!

This is a week of Celebration, my second son graduated from High School! Way to Go Josh! You finished well!!! My daughter finished her first year of middle school, Way to Go Lydia!!! Straight A's!!! (sorry the proud dad comes out), and Jonathan has finished his first term on his new job, Proud of you man! We wrap up the week with some parties, then head to shore on Monday for a weeks vacation at the shore. Cant get much better than that. How I love summer!!!!

weeping and rejoicing

This has been an interesting week! Days filled with planning for 2 memorial services, and conducting one on Friday for a long time member, servant in our church, and seeking to comfort the family. I was reminded about how important truth is as that is the only bedrock that we can stand on that can get us through times of sorrow.

then there is rejoicing. today i will officiate a wedding of a young couple in our church, what a celebration it will be! Again i am reminded of how important truth is as a foundation to a marriage that glorifies Christ. Truly you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free, whether to weep or to rejoice!

OUCH!

As i was preparing the message for today i was confronted by the reality of the stats given in the book by David Kinnaman called Unchristian. I am using this book as a basis of a new series I am calling 4 things that bug me about Christians. The book is a must read if you are going to understand the culture we are living in and how both those outside and inside the church see believers. The hit today was that we are seen as hypocritical. As I studied Matt 23 and the stinging words of Jesus to the Pharisees, I have to be honest (no pun intended) and say that i know deep in my heart lives a Pharisee, that is often trying to come out. God forgive me, and keep me honest, transparent, and sincere. Thank you for not giving up on me!