YONDER BREAKS

A couple summers ago, I was taking a lot of boat rides, and consequently spending lots of time in the sun. Towards the end of that season, I was sort of done with it. The boat was always fun of course, but as we drove the long way back on my last boat ride of the season, I looked ahead in anticipation for the bridge that marked our landing -- and a way out of the sun. Again, not that I didn't enjoy boating and all that comes with it -- I don't want to appear ungrateful to those who lent their time and possessions to provide our family with a little fun -- but I like to eat fried chicken, not feel like one. But as we glided across the marshy waters, I caught myself. It's beautiful out here . The sun was shining, the grass was green and the air was moderately cool (especially for July). My family was with me and everyone had had a great day playing together, as well as a tasty lunch. The whole day was a real treat, and here I was looking forward to the end of it because I w...

All In #3, by Joseph Barkley, can by found here . I don't want to write too much, because these notes below have a lot of good information from the sermon - please read and consider them. I will say, though, that as I revisit this sermon, something feels missing... Renewing your mind is a bit of an abstract concept, and even though Joseph gives some practical insights below, applying ideas that aren't concrete or fully understood seems like an empty practice. Sometimes depending on Jesus as a person even seems too abstract to accomplish, but what God's been teaching me lately is that scripture is where to begin on this. If you're struggling with something, lack direction or feel like you're missing out on Jesus as a person, go to the bible . Really study, deep and thoughtful. Ponder the words, whether you understand them or not. Pray about them. God will show up. I promise. I'm going through it now, and it's funny how simple it can be, but also how ea...

That's an interesting title for the second sermon in the " All In " series, isn't it? In here, Joseph says some things about being "present" in worship. Lately, living in the present moment is something that has been coming up a bit in my life, so I'll write about that... I listened to this quick video , which talks about how often "today" is used in the bible... 2 Corinthians 6:2 - "For God says, 'At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.' Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation." Matthew 6:11 - "Give us today our daily bread. " Genesis 24:12 - " Then he prayed, ' Lord , God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.'" ( Here's a search on it if you want more.) So much of our lives are about tomorrow (the next job, retirement, buying a house), and I'd wager that a lot ...