Interesting Day

Today I had a heart catheterization. This was not something that I had planned to do at my age and really had a hope that I would never face having one. But, genetics and other factors had a different idea.

Think on this…

After all of Job’s troubles, complaining and having to endure his friend’s arguments that were totally off the mark; He finally came face to face with the Lord…

“Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,

Things too wonderful for me,

Which I did not know…

Therefore, I despise myself,

And repent in dust and ashes.” Job 4: 3b & 6 (NRSV)

When Times are Dark

It seems that over the past couple of months many difficulties have come upon the Fellowship at North Brunswick. Many among us have experienced the loss of loved ones, faced problems with jobs, had car troubles, and/or had major physical problems show up. The easy thing to say would be something like, “Keep your chin up, don’t fret the Lord is in control.” But sometimes quick answers are not what we need. Rather we need a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold or someone just to come along side of us and say…nothing.

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas is a wonderful time of year to consider our relationship with each other and with the Lord Jesus. In the movie, Talladega Nights, Will Farrell, playing Ricky Bobby, a Nascar Driver, says grace at a meal with the family. However, he addresses his prayer to the “Little baby Jesus” because he says that he likes the 6 lb 8 oz version of Jesus best.
It seems that many in our world like the Christmas Jesus. A babe, asleep in a manger, angels singing overhead, Wisemen coming with all sorts of gifts. Jesus in a manger is tame, soft and cuddly. I guess that is the way some would prefer him. As a babe there are no demands, no challenge to our lives.
However, a relationship with Jesus is much more than a manger and adoring Shepherds. It is a relationship that challenges our lives on every level: Love over hate, peace over anxiety, grace over legalism, hope over despair, justice over injustice. self-giving over selfishness. Jesus came and demonstrated what a relationship with God really looked like, love, mercy, self-surrender and so much more.

This Christmas Season, why not strive to relate to Jesus the Lord. In doing so, learn to love God and others as Jesus did.

Think on This…The Leader

If I had to choose a subject that was my least favorite in High School it would be math.  For some reason numbers never made that much sense to me.  Two math teachers made major impressions on my life during school, one a good impression the other…not so good.