Attitude Is Better Than Aptitude

Attitude Is Better Than Aptitude

From a pastor's perspective, you know it is going to be a bad day when: 

. . .  You finally remember the name of that person you promised to visit in the hospital - while reading the obituaries. 
. . .  You can't find Obadiah while leading a Bible study. 
. . .  In the pulpit you notice your sermon notes this week are from last week's sermon. 
. . .  The youth pastor urgently asks you about the church's liability insurance. 
. . .  The couple you married a year ago calls to ask about a warranty. 
. . .  You are elected Pastor Emeritus - and you're only twenty-eight. 

No Pain, No Gain

No Pain, No Gain

Most people dream of a world of ease. We long for a life of perfect comfort with minimal trials. What is really dangerous for Christians are those momentary exemptions - our intermittent relief from trials can make us think that maybe it will always be that way. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Connected By Our Roots

Connected By Our Roots

During one of our summer vacations, we ventured up to northern California to see the giant sequoia trees which are unimaginable in size.  These trees are so big that you can actually drive a car under the base of some. I am sure you have seen pictures of them.  From the first glance you think, the roots of these trees must grow deep in order to hold up such a magnanimous tree.

Priorities or Fools' Gold?

Priorities or Fools' Gold?

In the spring of 1608 the settlers at Jamestown, Virginia discovered gold.  At least they thought they did.  They almost abandoned any efforts at planting crops, preparing buildings, and readying themselves for winter.  They had found gold and devoted themselves to steadily digging out and washing the precious metal.  The colonists probably would not even have survived the summer and fall if the Indians had not fed them.

Do You Feel You Belong?

Do You Feel You Belong?

Six weeks before he died, Elvis Presley was asked by a reporter, "Elvis, when you started playing music, you said you wanted three things in life: You wanted to be rich, you wanted to be famous, and you wanted to be happy. Are you happy, Elvis?" Elvis replied, "No. I'm as lonely as ___________ !"  Rich.  Famous.  But lonely. 

Prayer

Prayer

Prayer is perhaps the most unselfish thing we do in the body of Christ. We can teach, sing and even serve, and in each of these there can be an element of self-service or pride if we are not careful. Not so when people come humbly together to pray.