Pastor’s Page | March 11th, 2025
Sermon Prep (Read James 1:18-21)
If I told you that I was on a diet and you saw me devouring a whole birthday cake by myself while drinking a 2 liter of coke, would you question my diet? What if I told you that I heard a fitness expert talk about going on a diet on Sunday and so that is why I can say that I am on a diet. No doubt you would laugh at me (and probably poke me in the belly like the Pillsbury doughboy) and remind me that hearing about a diet and actually doing a diet are two different things.
This is what James is getting at in our text. The word of truth that God implants into our hearts must be humbly accepted and then lived out. The mere hearing of the word is not sufficient; you must believe and accept it and then actually do what it says. God’s truth is not merely meant to be informational but rather it is meant to be transformational. So, ask yourself, are you a doer of the word? Does the truth sink deep into your very being so that it impacts your life? When you read this passage, ask yourself what God’s word says about who God is, who I am, what He has done for me, what He is doing in me, and what He is asking me to be and to do. And as you do, ask yourself whether you are listening and are you obeying? Also, notice how James ties all this to our sanctification and our works of mercy. If the word of truth is truly accepted, what impact does that have on us?
Here are some other verses to help us get ready for Sunday: Ja 2:14-20, Dt 26:16, Matt 7:21-25, Matt 28:20, Luke 6:46-48, Luke 11:28, Luke 12:47, John 8:31, Rom 2:13, Eph 2:10, Ezk 33:31, John 13:7
Updates, Thoughts and More
As many of you know, my daughter Carrie is due to give birth to my first grandbaby in July. We can’t wait! To add to this joy, my other daughter Clarissa has given us permission to tell everyone that she also is pregnant. Her baby is due to arrive in February. We are extremely grateful and would covet your prayers for our girls.
Father’s Day is this upcoming Sunday. We will be recognizing our fathers during the service so make sure to invite the father figure in your life to come and worship with you. Also, we will be having a special Father’s Day BBQ meal on Saturday, June 21st at 11 am. You can sign up for this meal in the Narthex or by contacting the church office.
Let’s get ready for VBS! Our VBS is scheduled for July 14-17 and will be headed up by Izzy, our director of Family Ministries. The theme is“True North” and we will be helping kids learn how God can guide them through their lives. You can sign up your kids and grandkids in the Narthex or by visiting our website or calling the church office.
One of the highlights of my week is the Wednesday Sip and Share study group that meets at 10 am. We simply get together and share what we have read or heard the previous week that jumped out and impacted us. I am reading a book by Tim Chester called “Enjoying Jesus” and in this book he makes the point that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. So when I read the Gospel accounts of Jesus, this is how I can enjoy Him in my life. He hasn’t changed. He is still compassionate, caring, and amazing. I’m only on chapter 3 so I will keep you updated on how the book unfolds.
What has happened to the Oklahoma City Thunder? I think their youth is really starting to show. Indiana seems to be the better composed team that doesn’t panic and plays until the very last whistle. I love watching SGA (a Kentucky guy!) and Haliburton play. This has been a fun series to watch, and I hope it goes the whole 7 games.
Quote of the Week
“Intellect without implementation is ignorance, not intelligence.”
~Richie Norton
What’s Going On This Week (06/15)
Lorem Ipsum
Joke of the Week
The Pastor’s Wife was asking her little girl how she should behave in church.
“You have to be very quiet,” she said, “and don’t make noise.”
“That is a very good idea,” the mother replied. “So why should we be quiet in church?”
“Because,” the girl continued, “it is sermon time, and daddy is preaching…. and all the people are asleep.”
