The Golden Crock Pot

This Sunday we will battle for the Golden Crock Pot. This trophy will be given to the one whose cuisine skills and taste-bud artistry rises above all others. To taste a true Chili is a thing of beauty. The perfect medley of tomato, beef (or meat substitute), beans, and spices... dancing in rhythm and singing in perfect harmony on ones tongue is an experience second only to the divine. Come this Sunday and taste our family's finest Chili.  Only the taste of victory will be sweeter than the taste of our Chili.

A Call to Anguish - David Wilkerson

I don't usually share religious/spiritual videos because they tend to be overemotional and disconnected from the current context and relationship with our local Church family, but this video puts words to things that I've been wrestling with deep within.  He's a much better communicator than me and so I thought I'd let his words communicate my heart.  The tone of this video isn't suited for all, but it's message is one us more "mature" Christians need to hear.  My hope and prayer is the the Holy Spirit uses this video and these words to fan into flame the work and ministry of the Spirit in our lives and in our Church.

Explore More: Ephesians, Week 9

KNOW | Personal Study
Read Ephesians 4:17-5:20.   It's been a few weeks, so get back into it.  Make time to read through it slowly and reflect on what is being said.  This passage includes a long list of "what and what not to do's".  Allow the standard of God's Word to line up with your life and pursue God in every area of life.

GROW | Discussion - Option #1
Are you different?  Should Christians be different?  If your neighbours, co-workers, and banker or financial planner, were to discover that you were a Christian would they be surprised?  Paul makes it clear that Christians are to not only be different, but live differently from the world.  Do you do things differently then those around you?  Do you talk, relate, and listen differently?  Do you work differently?  Do you spend differently?  Is your family different?

GROW | Discussion - Option #2
How does real change occur?  How you take off the old self and put on the new self?  What does it take to live a life filled with goodness, righteousness, and holiness?

SOW | Application
Live by the Book.  After reading the above mentioned text it will definitely shed light on your life and expose the areas that filled with darkness.  Pick one thing and work hard at changing that aspect of your life.  Change isn't easy, especially when it's become a habit.  Talk to those who can help you change and move forward together.

Chili Cook-off Coming this Sunday!

I love chili and I"m really looking forward to next Sunday (Aug. 15) when we will have our cook-off.  If you didn't get a chance to sign-up, it's okay... you can bring your chli on Sunday.  You'll need to do a few things: 1)  bring a list of all the ingredients used (for allergy reasons); 2) bring your chili in a crockpot with a ladle; and 3) be prepared to fill out a form that will include your chili's name and whether or not it is spicy.

Everyone in attendance will get sample bowls, a ballot, a dinner roll, and beverages.  At the end of the event we'll announce the winners and award prizes.  First place will take home the golden ladle.  Hope to see you there.

Wake up, O sleeper!

Usually once or twice a week I wake up to this face beside my bed yellling, "WAAAAAAAAAKE UUUUUUP, DAAAAAAAAAAAAAADYYYYYYYYY!"  This is followed by persistent tapping on my face and pulling on my eyelids.

I tell her that I'm awake and that I'm just resting my eyes, but she doesn't believe it.  She's not content until I'm out of the bed and brushing my teeth.  It's at that point then she'll return to the kitchen and report to her mom that the job has been accomplished.

I've been reading Ephesians again this week and 5:14b jumped off the page: "'Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'"  Are you awake?  Are you really awake?  Every day we need the light of Christ to shine on us and wake us up!  We'll be talking more about this tomorrow at our Sunday gathering.