Discoveries of Aging

Last month I celebrated my 43rd birthday.  Although I am still younger than some I am older than many, and now have some bits of wisdom I would like to pass along to those behind me chronologically.

1. I started out with nothing and still have most of it.
2. I am finally getting my head together; now my body is falling apart.
3. Funny, I don'e remember being absent-minded.
4. Fact - Life is unfair!
5. It is easier to get older than to get wiser.
6. You can't make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.
7. If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees.
8. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the length and depth.
9. I spend a lot more time thinking about the hereafter:  I walk in a room and wonder what I am here after.
10. Funny, I don't remember being . . . absent-minded.

What words of wisdom do you have to pass along? 

Scott

Top Ten Reasons I Love Being a Preacher

From my study in Parrish, Alabama comes this morning's top ten.  Top Ten Reasons, I Love Being A Preacher:

10. I get to talk during worship.
9. I am blessed to have extra time to study God's word.
8. I don't sleep through the sermon.
7. I serve the GREATEST PEOPLE on Earth -- God's people!
6. Although the pay hasn't always been great, God's Retirement plan is wonderful.
5. People invite me to be part of their celebrations (weddings, anniversaries, etc.)
4. Fellowship Meals!  Christian ladies (and some of us men) can really cook!
3. The privilege to help people in times of physical, fiscal, and spiritual needs.
2. My family shares in my ministry.
and reason I most love to preach . . . .
1. There is no greater message to proclaim! (Rom 1:16).

Rejoice in the Lord always, I repeat REJOICE!

Scott

Top Ten Ideas to Help Destroy the Local Church

The home office is feeling quite sarcastic this morning and provides us the following top ten list:  Top Ten Ideas to Help Destroy the Local Church.

10. Be irregular or at least habitually tardy in attendance at Bible Classes, worship, and other activities.
9. Talk critically about church leaders in public, around other members, and to your family.
8. Be apathetic in you singing.  Please do not move you mouth and never demonstrate emotions when you sing.
7. Do not come prepared for Bible Classes and worship when you do attend.
6. Talk about where you attend in terms of "they" instead of "we;"  As in, "Do you know what 'they' are doing down at the church?"
5. Constantly criticize and look for opportunities to complain or to think the worst of the church or other Christians.
4. Do not study your Bible at home or anytime you are away from the assembly.
3. Do not be "ready to give an answer" for the "hope" you have of inheriting eternal life.
2. Do compartmentalize your life into sections such as: a) Private Life, b) Public Life, c) Church Life, and d) Family Life.  Do not let these separate lives cross over and merge.
And the number one idea to help destroy the local church is  . . .
1) Expect others to do more (contribute, work, etc.) than you are willing to do.

Seriously, take each of these ideas and do the opposite to help the local church grow!

Scott

Excuses, Excuses, You Hear Them Every Day

The title is a line from an old song, I think the Kingsmen did the original version. There is truth in those lyrics, people supply excuses for many missed opportunities and appointments. Here are a few favorites (typos are in the originals):

1. Please excuse Johnny for being, it was his father's fault.
2. Kimmy is under Doctor's orders not to do p.e., please execute her.
3. I was late to work because my cat unplugged my alarm clock.
4. I was late because I could not find my shoes.
5. I cannot come in to work today, my garage door is broken.
6. I was late because my wife is expecting and I was experiencing morning sickness.
7. I will not be in today, my cat has hairballs.
8. Please excuse Jenna's absence, she was sick and I had her shot.
9. I had to take my dog to her psychiatric appointment.
10. I borrowed a friend's car to get to work.  The car was reported stolen and apparently used in a robbery.  I was in jail for possession of stolen property.  The police were interrogating me, which kept me from calling in to work.  I was eventually able to convince the officers of my innocence, so they let me go and I got here as fast as I could.

I need to tell you that a secretary called the local police about that last one and found it to be completely fabricated.

Excuses are not the sole property of students and employees.  If we are honest with ourselves we are guilty of excuse making.  The compiler of Proverbs records an ancient excuse for laziness, "There's a lion in the road, there's a lion in the street" (Prov 26:13).

In the arena of the Christian experience, one finds people making excuses for: 1) not obey the Gospel, 2) refusing to give up a sinful practice, or 3) getting involved in the Lord's great work.  Our lame excuses will not hold up.  I can hear them now, "God, I would have done . . . ., but you see there was this . . . ."  I just do not see that standing in God's court of law.  What about you?

Maybe, just maybe, instead of excusing why we cannot, let's rationalize why we should and can serve God (Rom 5:8; Phil 4:13).

The next phrase of the Kingsmen's song reminds us about excuses, "The devil, he'll supply them if from church you stay away . . ." Here is a video of the Kingsmen Heirs.

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Have a great day! -- No Excuses!
Scott

Top Ten Church Puns

What a great morning to walk. Temp in the upper 40's lower 50's with the sun breaking through the morning clouds. Every one seemed in a good mood as they drove past, waving good morning, the birds were very happy and delighted me with song. Thank you God for a great day!

Now on to this morning's Top Ten!

Top Ten Collected Christian Puns:

10. Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.

9. Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

8. Quit griping about your church;if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

7. Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

6. Why change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?

5. God loves everyone, but probably prefers 'fruit of the spirit' over a 'religious nut!'

4. He who angers you, controls you!

3. The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

2. We don't change the message,the message changes us.

1. Gospel Mathematics: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4given.

Take a look at number 2 again. How many times have you heard, or said, I know that the Bible says that but I think God will understand? I read an article nearly 20 years ago that had a very catchy title; "When the Text Demands Changing." The author's point was simple, many want to change what the Bible says to fit their preconceived ideas or their chosen lifestyle,
but we are not to change the text, but the text DEMANDS that we are the ones who change. Remember that the apostle Paul lists a number of sins including sexual sins and chemical dependence in 1 Cor 6:9-10 then in 1 Cor 6:11, "Such were some of you." Those Christians in Corinth had overcome some major obstacles. They could sympathize with number 9 on our top ten list - Temptation
bangs on the door.

What was power did the Corinthians have that made their change possible. Simple - the good news of being washed and sanctified in Christ -- 1 cross + 3 nails = 4given.

Scott