Sunday, June 27, 2010

Sunday Night Reflections

So, we finally made the big announcement: I am going on a 7 week sabbatical this fall! No, it is not a vacation, but I am looking forward to the rest and renewal. If you weren't at church today, I will email everyone the Sabbatical FAQs as well as the proposed schedule. Feel free to ask any questions you might have. Our Sabbatical Committee has worked very hard over the last few months to get everything planned so that we can all have plenty of time to be ready.

Okay, here are a few thoughts on today's message. Are you ready to seriously consider that God lead you to your current place of employment? If that is true, then what are the implications of your attitude at work, your work ethic, and how you treat coworkers and supervisors? Hmmmm- that truth might change a few things, right? So let's think about God a whole lot more this week.

Now I want you to think deeply about something. Take a long look at Ruth 2:20-21. When Naomi says, "He has not stopped showing his kindness . . ." who is she talking about? God or Boaz? What do you think, and why? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Have a great week- think about God!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Monday Reflections (a few thoughts on Sunday)


Yesterday's topic was faithfulness. Several of you asked about the movie clip I used to intro the message. It was the opening scene in Hope Floats (from about 1998). Yes, that is the movie with Harry Connick Jr.

Before you run out and rent it or download from Netflix, please hear me out. What you will find throughout the movie is unfaithfulness and a whole series of bad decisions that will inevitably lead to further pain. Movies do a great job of illustrating the pain and hurt resulting from the decisions of others, as well as from our our choices. Rarely, however, does a movie provide the solution- for the solutions is always and ultimately found in Jesus Christ. In the movie, (warning- spoiler ahead) Berttie (Sandra Bullock's character) living with her mom in her old hometown, crosses paths with a former boyfriend, Justin (Harry Connick Jr.'s). Within a few scenes they spend the night together- while she is still married to her cheating husband. Not exactly God's plan. Not exactly the way to start a relationship that will be based on trust, respect, and faithfulness.

If you want to see real faithfulness- a true tear-jerker, you need to watch this video. This is the real thing. This is true faithfulness- the kind you have been looking for your entire life. And if you have 2 hours to watch Hope Floats- surely you can find 5 minutes to watch this.

The Robertson McQuilkin story of true faithfulness: http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=228dd8d3ebb664623220