Monday, August 30, 2010

Never Forsaken, Never Alone

Never Forsaken, Never Alone
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15,16

This weekend is a weekend for remembrances. I’m not sure what it is about the end of August. Maybe it’s the effects of a long, hot summer. Maybe I’ve had too much time on my hands as I have recuperated from my own health issues. Preparing for a wedding that was held last night, at Club Continental in Orange Park, I found myself remembering another wedding in the late 70’s, at the end of August. And I remembered the divorce that ended that marriage four years ago, this weekend. But this weekend is about more than one marriage.

Five years ago a storm hit the gulf coast around Louisiana and Mississippi. The hurricane was given the name, Katrina. Remember? Images from New Orleans were devastating and disturbing.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Can You Do Something For Me?

Can You Do Something For Me?
Luke 13:10-17

Walking through a nursing home, one day, I heard a voice calling out. That’s not so unusual. You will often hear people calling out from one corner or from another room. This voice was calling, “Can you do something for me?” I will confess that I did not look around, too hard. At first, not at all. There can be so much need, and with so many residents who are confused or with dementia, you never know what you’re going to get in to. Better to leave it to the staff. Except, I didn’t see any staff around, either. Only the voice kept intruding into my world, “Can you do something for me?”

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Running With Perseverance


Running With Perseverance
Hebrews 11:29-12:2

I debated about using a video to begin my sermon. Would the technology work? Would there be someone who could work the technology? Would the video distract from the central message of the sermon? My intention is to talk a little, today, about spirituality, how we are each on a path that is unique to us. Sometimes the paths may look similar to another, but we are all unique and our spiritual paths are unique. And, as the Hebrews passage encourages us, we are to follow our path, run the race, with perseverance. So, if we can pause for just a moment, I would like to share with you a video, a song, a glimpse at one type of spirituality.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Abounding In Things Not Seen


Abounding in Things Not Seen
Hebrews 11:1-12

Do you believe that we are surrounded by things unseen? Consider these comments that I have either said or heard at one time or another: Mom, where are my socks? Hey Dear, have you seen my car keys? I could have sworn there was leftover pizza in the fridge, but I swear I can’t see it now? Where is that blasted tv remote?

You know, we are surrounded by things unseen! Sometimes the things unseen are right in front of us, but for whatever reason our focus doesn’t let us pick them up.