Mental Musings

"None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." Romans 8:34-25 (The Message) This past week has been a roller coaster ride. Last Sunday we had everything in place and went through a preview service with no problems or glitches. We felt good about the upcoming launch service. Monday we got a call from the city telling us we would not be allowed to meet in the place we had rented due to zoning issues. Tuesday the Mayor of Annapolis contacts zoning and we get a call telling us that zoning has nothing to do with us renting a space for Sundays. Wednesday the weather reports start calling for 2-4 inches of snow on Saturday evening. Friday they change things to an inch or less. Saturday they change it to rain with rain and snow p...

My dad has always liked little yappy dogs. They bounce around barking at everything. They seem to have no fear whatsoever. As soon as you move they start yapping at you. Occasionally you will find a yappie dog that actually is more than it seems, but usually they are all bark and no bite. In fact, if you move too quickly around them they will probably bounce backward yapping more out of fear than bravery. There are people just like these yappy dogs. They like to bark at and about everything. The more they yap, the more they get noticed. They learn from this that yapping gets them their way. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. As long as dogs or people are just yapping, they are generally thought to be of no harm. But just because you don't bite does not mean that you do no harm. Perhaps a yapping dog doesn't hurt you in any noticeable way, but people have a way of inflicting severe pain just through their words. “An offended brother is harder to reac...

I absolutely despise going to meetings. Especially in the mornings. Especially if all I will do is sit there and listen to someone talk. Especially if nothing of value has been said or decided. There are things I would rather do with my time: sleep in, enjoy a good country-style breakfast, or go get my usual cup of white chocolate coffee at Ahh Coffee. So I understand the importance of answering your unasked question of why you should come to church. Why should you get up early? Why should you have to rush to get the kids ready and eat breakfast on a day you would normally lounge around relaxing? That is what we will be discussing today. First let me share what church is not. Church is NOT a country club. Country clubs typically cater to the specific desires of their members. There are usually areas to relax, exercise, eat, and play. Members pay monthly fees and get to use all of the facilities and equipment. Members get to make decisions on the future of the country c...