A Memorable Memorial

For several weeks our church has been visited by squirrels.  Whether one or several we don't know but they have come into the building through the attic and have made themselves at home.  The Christmas tree seemed to be their most beloved home.  Once that came down, they took to eating candy we share with the kids on Sunday.  One got hung up in the organ.  One was seen running across the choir rail.  Another swung from a chandelier!  One's tail  even got caught in my office desk drawer, thanks to the help of two of our more colorful church members!!  Many a laugh has been shared by the men of the church as they chased the critters down the aisle, through the pews, up the flags, across the choir chairs, up the heating system, into and out of the chapel.  A well-placed video camera would have preserved countless moments of fun for the church archives.  Fortunately all of this activity has taken place during the week.  However...

Ray Steven's song about the Mississippi squirrel came to life recently as one of these furry creatures broke free at the beginning of a Sunday morning worship service.  He quickly scampered from a high nesting place down to the organ, across the piano, and back up the wall.  Suddenly he jumped from his perch and landed some fifteen feet away, next to the first row of seats.

Now we have fun and enjoy our worship, but this gave "in the spirit" a whole new meaning.  Needless to say, feet were off the floor, screams were heard, bodies were quickly moving from one side of the sanctuary to the other, one or two stood in their pews, musicians left their instruments.  In the midst of all of this, one of our more senior, quiet-type members came running to me and said, "Pastor, this is the most excitement we've had in years."  Wow!  That's a precious moment I will never forget.

It was Communion Sunday - and what a memorable memorial service it turned out to be!  The deacons walked cautiously down the aisles as they served the bread and cup.  Our lives are filled with unexpected events that bring fun, fear, excitement, confusion, laughter and tears.  As we live through the scampering days of our lives, lets always remember who is in control of every precious moment. Enjoy life and let the memories linger.  Jesus commanded that we should; "...this do in remembrance of Me."

God's Message System

Our church recently installed a phone messaging system.  Through this wonderful little bit of modern technology, every member can receive identical messages from the church within just a few minutes of each other.  Now I know this system has been around for a while, but we are just beginning to enjoy some of its features.  No longer do we have to hear, "He said she told him what they told her;" or "Was the meeting at 6:00 or 7:00;" or "Is the supper this week or next?"  Instead, everybody hears the same thing.  The biggest problem we have encountered is the fact that not everyone answers their phone, and by the time they check their messages the event may have passed.

Life is like that...everyone is given the same 24 hours of each day.  The messages we receive are often the same, i.e. the weather, traffic, news reports.  We can choose to assimilate this information and make choices based on knowledge or we can just not pay attention and often miss the joys of one of God's days.  Heaven speaks to us in many ways, but the message is always the same..."God loves you, with no strings attached."  Does He want us to love Him?  Certainly!  But our loving Him is not a prerequisite for Him loving us.  He gives a very clear, distinct message to everyone.  This message is delivered daily to all who will pick up His Word and listen.  It says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (to die for all mankind), that all who will believe in His Son will not spiritually die, but will receive never-ending life."  (John 3:16 - my version).

The message is clear; it never changes; the voice on the other end is the heart of God calling you.  The information is dependable and the invitation is open.  Invite Jesus into your heart today.

Rejoice...Be Glad!

Well, the Mayans were wrong.  The world still brazenly defies extinction, narrowly dodging the political cannons that daily threaten her existence. Another year is in the history files and the new year is born amid the discouraging call for increases in taxes and government bureaucracy, and decreases in wages and optimism.  If this year is like many others, politicians, pundits and governmental giants will do their best to keep the common man buried deep in questions, debt and discouragement.  Happy (Ha! Ha!) New Year.

Sounds like the opening lines of a talk show monologue, huh?

BUT WAIT!  We who put our trust in Someone other than a capitol hill politician should listen to and abide by one of the most encouraging statements in all of the Word of God.   Psalm 118:24 proclaims, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." No more yesterday's...tomorrow is not a guarantee...so let's enjoy the magnificence of this day.  Prepare and plan for the "yet to come" days but put your heart into enjoying the breath of fresh air that is today.  When you lay down tonight, thank God for the pleasure of living, then close your eyes knowing two things:  1.  If I wake up in the morning, I will rejoice in another day God has given.  2.  If I don't, Heaven here I am!

The greatest struggle in life is how we react to the greatest struggles of life.  So much happens that we cannot change, but nothing happens that surprises God.  So prepare for your day by saying to Him,  "Lord, all that happens today is known to You.  I pray that all I do today is within Your will for me.  So for safety, guidance, wisdom...and fun, I hold your hand and will rejoice in the day that You have made for me."