By now, you all should be aware of the Favorite Scriptures of Pharr Chapel sermon series that I will be starting this Sunday. This week's requested scripture is Ezekiel 36:26, and in order to put it in it's proper context, the passage we will be looking at is Ezekiel 36:22-32. It is my experience that whenever you study the prophets of the Old Testament, you can't help but be touched by the fact that these guys were put in a seemingly impossible position. Here they were, in many cases minding their own business, when God reaches down and says that you will be the messenger for the Divine, and you will get to deliver a message that they are going to be driven out of their land, endure crushing hardships, be mocked and ridiculed by the world. Oh, and anything good that comes of it comes not because of your actions or attitude, but because of what God says and does. Let me ask you, how fast would you sign up for this job?
Speaking of difficult messages to deliver to the world, the youth of Klein UMC did a FANTASTIC job during their presentation last night. A musical drama, their message spoke to all of us who are a part of the church. It helped put in perspective the lives of youth in today's world, and reminded us of all the challenges that they face every day - challenges that people in school even 15 years ago never dreamed of. These youth reminded us, much as our youth do on a regular basis, that our kids face so much pressure, from so many avenues, that what we can do most for them is to pray for them, and to be there for them. Instead of spending so much time worrying about what is wrong with the world and the perceived wrongs of the next generation, we should be people who step out with a hand to help them through the difficulties they face. Rather than give them pithy sayings or 'back in the day' stories, we need to be actively involved in their world, and get to know them on their terms. The young man who delivered the closing monologue and prayer spoke to so many - I want to thank those of you from Pharr Chapel who showed up to support the 60+ kids and 14 adults who accompanied them. I can safely say that each of us who were honored to be there will not soon forget the enthusiasm and energy, but most importantly the message, that was conveyed to us on this special occasion.
The prophets of the Old Testament & the young prophets of today's church - both delivering messages that not everyone wants to hear. The prophets of the Old Testament & the young prophets of today's church - both having the courage to step up and speak hard truths that we don't necessarily want to think about. The prophets of the Old Testament & the young prophets of today's church - both realizing that what it takes to deliver a hard message is nothing more and nothing less than supreme confidence that God is with them.
What keeps you from delivering the hard truths (in love, of course) of life to the church and the world? Join us Sunday to explore this more.
See you Sunday!
Lamar
Speaking of difficult messages to deliver to the world, the youth of Klein UMC did a FANTASTIC job during their presentation last night. A musical drama, their message spoke to all of us who are a part of the church. It helped put in perspective the lives of youth in today's world, and reminded us of all the challenges that they face every day - challenges that people in school even 15 years ago never dreamed of. These youth reminded us, much as our youth do on a regular basis, that our kids face so much pressure, from so many avenues, that what we can do most for them is to pray for them, and to be there for them. Instead of spending so much time worrying about what is wrong with the world and the perceived wrongs of the next generation, we should be people who step out with a hand to help them through the difficulties they face. Rather than give them pithy sayings or 'back in the day' stories, we need to be actively involved in their world, and get to know them on their terms. The young man who delivered the closing monologue and prayer spoke to so many - I want to thank those of you from Pharr Chapel who showed up to support the 60+ kids and 14 adults who accompanied them. I can safely say that each of us who were honored to be there will not soon forget the enthusiasm and energy, but most importantly the message, that was conveyed to us on this special occasion.
The prophets of the Old Testament & the young prophets of today's church - both delivering messages that not everyone wants to hear. The prophets of the Old Testament & the young prophets of today's church - both having the courage to step up and speak hard truths that we don't necessarily want to think about. The prophets of the Old Testament & the young prophets of today's church - both realizing that what it takes to deliver a hard message is nothing more and nothing less than supreme confidence that God is with them.
What keeps you from delivering the hard truths (in love, of course) of life to the church and the world? Join us Sunday to explore this more.
See you Sunday!
Lamar
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