A Three Day Work Week?

I read a friend's post and she was thankful that this was a three day work-week. I can understand that.

But the situation is kind of backwards for a pastor. For me there are just as many messages and lessons to prepare (actually a bit more), but because of extra events there is less time to give to the work of preparing them. :-)

That's perfectly good. I like the holiday celebrations. Getting together with people for meals and celebrations far better than being sequestered away in my study like a hermit in a cave. Instead of being thankful for less work, I am thankful for extra opportunities to be with people.

After all, ministry is about people, not about paper. Better to prepare less and spend time with people than to prepare more, and miss the opportunities for sharing life with people.

Friends of Jesus

As Jesus prepares his disciples for the traumatic events of his arrest and crucifixion, he gives them some encouragement. Jesus says they are not just servants, but friends. The benefits of this friendship are an anchor for us in difficult times.

Click on the title above to listen to this sermon.

Bearing Fruit - Or Not

In John 15:1 Jesus lays out this metaphor. He is the "True Vine" and his Father is the "Vinedresser." Just like any farmer, the Vinedresser desires, fruit, more fruit and much fruit.

With this in mind we consider the implications of bearing fruit or not. Is it strictly optional? What does it mean about our status as branches? What does it mean about the Vine and the Vinedresser? What should we do?

Click on the title above to listen to this sermon.

Good Nagging

This is my new coaster...

My talented daughter made me this cup rug for Christmas! She knows I love to make a nice cup of coffee and sit here - particularly while I have my morning devotions.

But it is also possible to sit here and do unproductive things, like read all the articles about the political race that is over today. For that reason, this cup rug has a couple of features that help me out. For one thing, the yellow fabric has all sorts of clocks on it. The brown fabric on the back has a big cuckoo clock too. And the panel at the bottom has an important Bible verse that reminds me to be careful how I spend my time.

Can you read it? A prize to the first who can!

Now I need to get to work!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID

Not Orphans

Jesus was going away. In a few hours he would be arrested, tried, condemned and then executed. His disciples were completely unprepared.

In John 14 Jesus explains to them that although he was leaving them, they would not be left as orphans. Instead, he would continue to provide for them and protect them.

Click on the title above to listen to this sermon.

(Note: I had a cold. Please excuse the voice and the necessary pauses for water and cough drops.)