Thought For the Week

Dear Friends, Last week I received a “thought” from a couple in my church who also sends them out weekly. I thought it was good and asked if I might use it for one of these thoughts I send out. It’s by John and Judy Hollenbach. John lost his sight years ago, but it has not slowed him down a bit. He presses on and continues to make the best of every day, with, of course, the help of his dear wife Judy. They work (as couples should) like a team. Their “thought” is about those times in life when we have felt, or do feel, loneliness – and what we can do. As I read it (the part about striking out to end the game) I was immediately taken back in my mind to high school when by slacking off for just one play I probably lost the last game for my football team. And it’s true – I did feel very alone. In fact, that it popped into my head so fast after 40 years shows how those things can linger! But anyway, enjoy! “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Dear Friends, Today I wanted to share three poems. The first one I wrote for my ordination service. It chronicles my conversion story, with each stanza referring to particular experiences I had in my life, including dreams and a stark momentary encounter with -- yes -- an angel. The other two poems/psalms are from a brother I have come to know and love who attends my church. Mine is just one of three I have written in my entire life(!), the other two are taken from Rev. Lee Tyler Robertson’s book, “Musings of a Heart – Vol. 1” which he gave me as a gift. All three have to do with the inner strength and help we get from Jesus. Enjoy. JESUS You sought me when my days were young, Your love reached out through everyone. Such gifts you gave, so rare and sweet – Ten thousand clues laid at my feet – And yet our paths did never meet. You called to me from peaceful woods, From morning dew which glistening stood, In fields where flowers Your radiance shown, And wildlife’s whisper in clear

Dear Friends, Most everyone I know appreciates selflessness in others and tends to find selfishness distasteful. Yet, where does that near universal appreciation for selflessness come from? In the excerpt below, J. Warner Wallace (a former atheist) offers what he feels is the most reasonable answer. I found it on his blog site, “Cold-Case Christianity” (he was formerly a cold-case homicide detective). I offer it to you as the view I hold to as well. If you don’t agree, I’d enjoy hearing your alternative explanation! Enjoy. “Most cultures find selflessness attractive and virtuous. People who put themselves before others are typically scorned, regardless of one’s religious convictions. As C. S. Lewis once said, “Men have differed as regards what people you ought to be unselfish to – whether it was only your own family, or your fellow countrymen, or everyone. But they have always agreed that you ought not to put yourself first. Selfishness has never been admired.” In fact, the transcen

Dear Friends, Is your church a safe place to express your emotions? Obviously the answers will range from “yes,” to “no,” to “the one I used to attend was not,” to “the one I now attend is working on that,” to “I’m not sure mine ever will be,” and others I am sure. The answers will be as varied as the person who responds. This “thought” from Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton from their book, “More Jesus, Less Religion – Moving from Rules to Relationships” addresses that issue in Chapter 7. I have edited and condensed some of the material trying to keep it short enough that you hopefully will not pass it over, but including enough to make it truly helpful. Enjoy! “If Jesus attended your church this Sunday, would he be shunned, criticized, or quietly avoided because of his open displays of emotion? Would you and I feel, well, a little uncomfortable – maybe even embarrassed – in the presence of such strong and spontaneous expressions as his anger at the temple money changer