When was the last time you participated in productive waiting? Check out this 3 minute audio thought recorded while I was waiting for my turn…
Psalm 38:15 “But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.”
Thankful for the complaints
Happy Thanksgiving.
For most of us, plans are in full swing and expectations are high. Finishing a shortened work/school week leading into a day of over indulgence (fancy talk for pigging out) followed by even more decadence (another fancy word for waste) as we shop till we drop, we see why it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
At least, it better be, since we will be paying for it on the treadmill and out of the checkbook for months.
Still, Happy Thanksgiving!
If I asked most people what Thanksgiving was about, we’d get the standard three “F”s:
* Family
* Food
* Football
Then, once we got past all that honesty we’d remember that somewhere between the trip to Grandmas and the tryptophan coma, we’re supposed to be thankful for something, right?
So, what are we thankful for on Continue reading “Thankful for the complaints”
No Lukewarm Turkey, Please
Normally, I do not blog more than once a week, but in my personal devotional time today the Lord gave me a pre-Thanksgiving message today. Let me stress, this was given to me, which means it was for me. I have no idea if this is anything anyone else needs to hear, but I will publicly process this and if it’s a blessing to anyone else, so be it.
Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. 15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”
In the book of Revelation, Jesus spoke directly to seven different church communities, and there was a pattern:
- He introduced Himself
- He commends the church
- He rebukes the church
- He offers a solution
- He warns
- He promises
Oddly, this last church on the list (Laodicea) is missing one of these elements… a commendation.
Ouch.
Apparently, what Jesus has to say to the church at Laodicea has to differ from the way He talked to others because He has nothing good to say about them.
Again, I say, Continue reading “No Lukewarm Turkey, Please”
Speaking of Cheese Puffs
Psalm 71:18
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.
Forgiveness
I have been on a mini-Sabatical for the last two weeks and I am looking forward to reconnecting with my fellow CrossPointers this weekend.
While I was away, I got to spend some time with people and in places that had significant meaning to me. The last spot I was in was Little Rock, Arkansas. My good friend and seminary buddy lives and ministers there.
While I was visiting, he asked me to speak on the issue of forgiveness at his church (Little Rock’s First Baptist Church). I was happy to do it… great people there in Arkansas.
Thought I’d share that teaching. Thanks for checking it out.
Forgiveness from Andy Addis on Vimeo.