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Here is the video I showed as a part of the sermon this past Sunday, Oct  Those of you of a certain age will remember the ad to the left that had a regular place in the back of comic books. I have no idea how many of these novelty items have been sold over the years, but the promise of acquiring a super power previously reserved for Superman - and for only $1 - undoubtedly has lured thousands of adolescents to part with a portion of their allowances.
It's a common topic of "ice-breakers" and light-hearted conversation: "What super power would you like to have". For the record, I would choose the ability to fly. But I wonder if you've ever considered that God is waiting for us to ask him for some supernatural powers. It's all just a matter of praying, quieting ourselves, and getting in tune with the Holy Spirit who resides within those of us who have chosen to make Jesus our Lord and Savior. Last Sunday I shared two of those supernatural powers God wants to give us: the ability to hear insight and directions from God and experiencing the amazing fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) growing in our lives. This Sunday, October 27th, we'll discuss two more of those Reckless Prayers that can lead to supernatural powers. (HINT: one of those relates to the X-ray Specs). I hope to see you there! There's a favorite scene of mine in the film "The Matrix" in which Keanu Reeves' character, Neo, get's very detailed directions from a voice on a cell phone that helps him to escape from the bad guys. Take a look: Wouldn't it be awesome if God gave us such exact guidance in our lives?! We'd never have to wonder about what to do or which choice to make in terms of jobs or vacations or anything that came up.
Unfortunately God doesn't work that way (at least he hasn't in my life). But he still speaks to us on a regular basis. The question is, "are we listening?" I hope you'll be able to join us this coming Sunday at 10:00 as we talk about "Reckless Prayers". What kind of prayers will lead us into the "abundant life" that God intends us to live? Every year new words or new meanings for old words enter the lexicon. Some of these make it all the way into the Oxford English Dictionary. It wasn't all that long ago that you wouldn't know what I was talking about if I wrote the letters LOL. And at one time referring to an icon would bring to mind the painting of a saint.
Most of these new words and phrases are the result of the expansion of technology and the use of the internet and social networks like Facebook. Speaking of Facebook, the word "friend" has taken on a whole new meaning because of their use of the term. I would say that it has lost meaning and resulted in people who believe they have hundreds of "friends", but are more lonely than ever. But that's getting into an entirely different discussion... Social media sights and other internet-based communication has also changed some of our understanding of the word "sharing". For many people, the term primarily refers to sending an article, joke or an electronic file to another person via an online connection. At it's worst, this kind of sharing takes the form of unwanted junk mail and chain letters. But it's important to keep the original meaning and practice a part of our life. When we were children our parents and teachers emphasized the importance of sharing our toys with others. Those who are generous with their resources and abilities are commended. And Jesus encourages us to practice generosity with not only our friends, but also with those who haven't done anything to earn it! This Sunday, October 13th, we'll be talking about Reckless Generosity and both the reasons why we should practice it and what it might look like. I hope you'll be able to join us! * meme The college football season has reached it's mid-way point and schools are getting desperate to position themselves for a chance to play in the post-season bowl games. Getting a bowl bid is pretty much in the hands of the teams themselves: win enough games, and you'll get an invitation to one of the bowls out there (there are currently 35 of them!). But if you want to play for the NCAA Championship, you also need to have the computer stats on your side. The Bowl Champion Series (BCS) was established in 1998 and has used a complicated computer program to assign points to determine the rank of teams with the top teams at the end of the season playing for the championship. Despite the attempt to make this process completely objective, there are those who will never be satisfied until the NCAA establishes some sort of playoff system so that the top teams will actually play each other to determine the ultimate champion.  My nephew, Isaac Dotson Okay, I've probably bored many of you with this jibber-jabber... but I have a reason for bringing it up (other than looking for an excuse to post a picture of my nephew, Isaac Dotson, who is playing for the WSU Cougars - watch for him on special teams and subbing in on defense against Cal on Saturday).
Deciding on what is number one in our lives is not in the hands of a computer program. It's demonstrated by our thoughts and actions and the ranking can change from moment to moment. I'm in constant need to assessing my attitudes and actions: where am I placing my priorities? Where am I finding security? Who is getting my highest attention and loyalty? Join us this Sunday, October 6th, as we take a look at an encounter between Jesus and Peter and some key questions we should ask ourselves in order to rank our own priorities. You can get a head start by reading John 21. We will be celebrating the Lord's Supper this week. I hope to see you. |
Pastor JeffThoughts about living as a Jesus follower and life at Community Covenant Church Archives
December 2020
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