Cory and Ashley

After this Saturday they will be forever one.  You won't say Cory without adding the name, Ashley - and Ashley will be tagged with Cory for forever the same. Sound 'old fashioned'?  'Out of step' with our times?  No, not with these two.  For, somehow, we always knew.  

I remember the Youth Mission Trip to Washington DC, now 6 years ago.  That was the summer they first became a couple. Cory loved God, as did Ashley, but in Washington - and from that summer on - they grew in their love of Him and with each other.  After High School came Baylor. Would they stay together?  Most thought, maybe not, but then... they did.  Holidays would find them back in Plano, sitting together in church - still the same.  And so it went, day after day, week after week till the announcement was finally made.

As a pastor I am fortunate for many reasons, one of which is joyfully watching life FROM the pulpit. I observe families, cliques, feuds, people who come, go, and move from one trauma and/or revelation to another (what we call the professional 'drama' and/or 'crisis' seekers).  In this I simply watch' normal' people do normal things and do such very, very well. Nothing fancy. Nothing begging a lot of attention. Just life. Finding this a most wonderful 'watch' of all.  So yes, it has been grand watching the Whitmore's and the Allen's - two families with two teens who met, grew up, fell in love and will now be wed in the church where it first began. A true celebration of God - and reminder of how He works in us all.  The 'Imago Dei' - found extraordinarily - in me, you, and in Cory and Ashley, too - called first to love and now to wed - this twenty seventh day of June, in the year of our Lord, two thousand nine.  

Without God's Grace, what is there?

Not a bad question to ask, especially for a preacher. So tonight, while engaged in what many of my profession are on Wednesday, speaking to a handful of the 'older faithful' who both remember and yet enjoy the Wednesday Night Prayer Service, I found myself so doing.  In such I sensed - once again - that resonating power we preachers often feel when we strike a cord of truth and see it reflected back on the faces of those listening.  And what is that truth? Why it is the subject of God's grace.  Of how He saved me, called me, and gave me yet another chance to serve Him.  Not because of who I am, nothing from or out of me, but because of Him. His love only. His calling only.  His power only. And by His name to be praised.  

As I spoke I could see in the eyes of these seasoned Saints a look of understanding. A look of agreement and knowing.  I thought, "without preaching of God's grace, what is there left that I might say?"  Oh, I could speak of His creative genius - and none would argue.  Or, I could speak of His might - and none would likely disagree. But, when I speak of His grace, this is something which is and will always be my one great 'connect' point. For it is only by this that we can know Him at all.  Perhaps that is why the Apostle Paul wrote to the church that they were to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."  For certainly it is true - to grow in His grace is to grow in knowing Him.  

Many preachers are known for noise, some for politics, some for poise.  We've been known for buildings, our ministries and degrees!  But this preacher stands content being 'known' by God's grace. 

Pastor Sam  

School's Out!

Do you remember the old song, "Schools Out"?  Its original lines were delivered in derogatory jest towards students. Now, well, welcome to the 21st century! Nonetheless, we still should sing because summertime really is upon us and, with such, comes a wonderful opportunity for church and family to make a difference in the lives of so many.  

In the summertime our church enjoys camps, mission trips, and VBS for pre-teens and teens alike. Ahhhhh Camp!  When I was a boy a church couldn't even attend a youth camp without their pastor.  Now, well... thank God for student pastors.:) But boy, those were the days!  How funny are my memories of those old 'geezer' pastor's sitting on lawn chairs underneath a great oak, drinking iced tea, while we kids played baseball in hot the sun.  "Come on, Sammy." "Win one for the 'geezer,'" Oooppps.  Did I say that?  I mean "Gipper."  And, how about those late night talks when Bro. D would 'visit' the boys cabin and we boys would try to get him off track with questions like, 'Bro. D. Did Adam have a belly button?"  Yet, amazingly, he was always the same.  Tennis shoes, black socks, bermuda shorts, a big straw hat - and lot's of love.  

When I think of the influence of church I can't help but wonder how far it really reaches if not into the hearts of children. For this reason I look forward to summertime. Its our opportunity to have His precious little ones on our campus and in our halls hearing about Jesus from people who know Him firsthand.  This morning, at our staff meeting, a staffer prayed the right prayer."God, as the boys and girls come onto our campus for VBS next week, may they hear of Jesus, of His love, and how He can save their soul and change their life, forever."  

Amen! Its Summertime. And schools out, indeed! 

Pastor Sam