More Ramblings about Life in the Key of F

This week, I come to the bottom of the series...futility. One lost son has squandered away his life and possessions only to come to the bottom of his rope. In our present economy, I know there are many who can relate financially as they sit in ruins. People are wondering where to turn, what to do hoping they have enough to hang on.

Luke 15:15-16 (NASB)
15 "So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 "And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.

Yet, when we read the story, we cannot help but consider the depths of this lost son's troubles are far deeper than his financial ruin. His problem is the chasm...the separation between he and God. In his case, it is evident by his state of lostness. His hunger highlights the emptiness not only of his stomach but his soul. Catch the last phrase however, no one was giving him anything.

No one can give what they don't have. I wonder how aware I am of the opportunities I have to take an active role in connected people at the bottom of their ropes with their Father? Someone needs to look out for the lost and help them be found. Our Father came seeking, we told should be seeking. Do I have something to give? Will I hold on to it tightly and be stingy

I am prayful that I will not miss any opportunity this day and that my eyes will be open and my heart will be generous. I hope you will do the same.

Fallen in review

Yesterday, I started a new sermon series "Life in the Key of 'f'" in which yesterday's message dealt with the tpic of the fallen nature of humanity. It doesn't take a hard look to recognize that people aren't all the should be.

I am no different from any culturally sensitive pastor in these days, I don't always know the best way to communicate the simple reality of our fallen nature...that due to our human desire to live life detached from God we are all bound to give into our darker sides. When I first started speaking, it seemed okay to stick out my fingers and rant about that three letter word...you know it...sin. Today, I don't ever feel much like shouting about it because as I look int my life, I see enough of it in me I'd much rather hold my head in shame. I'm certainly not afraid to broach the subject, but I do approach it differently.

I have helped many people who have literally fallen get back to their feet or waited with them while they get the care they need. When we think about what it means to have a fallen nature, I hope we will be reminded of our own weakness and we will be kind enough to help up those around us. Outstretched hands did a lot for me and I need to do the same.

Old and New

For every end there is a beginning for every ending there is a beginning. Our trip to visit Texas was a picture of both sides of that. While seeing my new niece, Rachelle commented how awesome it was that her ears were hearing the Christmas story for the first time. How awesome and how special of a thought that though her ears will hear much in her life that will cause concerns, she has already had a seed of the Good News planted in her life.

On the other side, we saw Rachelle's uncle who is in the very final stages of a long battle with cancer. At the age of 48, this temporary life seems to remind us that it is never fair. This Christmas, he heard the Christmas story for the very last time.

We never know when the first time or last time will be, but may this blog remind us all that time is short but the Christmas message is truly Good News to those who believe!