Grandparents used to have "Brag Books" to show off their grandchildren. These small photo albums were always nearby to show a friend, family member - or complete stranger - how cute and accomplished their grandchildren were. Today we have Facebook, Instagram, and smartphone photos always at our fingertips to show off kids', grandkids', pets', and even our own best and brightest moments. The only "Brag Book" God has is God's people who tell the stories of God's good work in their lives and in the world. Thanksgiving Sunday (November 20) we "Praise God for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness!" (Psalm 150:2 NRSV) as we brag on God's good work in and through the people of Union Chapel Indy... Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf8HEKXoUAo
It was the famous baseball player Satchel Paige who once said, "don't look back, something might be gaining on you!" Without realizing it, we often carry something around with us wherever we go. We bring it out in our conversations and through our actions and attitudes. Those things from our past may never have really existed, or been experienced by us personally, yet their power lives within us, paralyzing us from moving forward and causing us to look backward. What would keep us from perceiving what God is doing? Maybe it is expecting things to look exactly like what was done in the past. Are you copying patterns of the past or do you have a forward focus to the future with great expectation that God is working a new thing? Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19 18 Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. 19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Worship link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5zuRlTaFAc
If you were going to meet someone in a coffee shop who you had never seen you in person, how would you describe yourself to that person so that they might recognize you? Can you remember a time when you met someone that you were just enamored with? How did you describe that person to your best friend? How would you describe someone you know very well? You might describe things like their appearance and personality traits. You might also talk about the things they do like their work or their hobbies. You might even tell a story that you think gets at the heart of who they are. How would you describe God? We would likely each give a different description of God, but with much the same perspective. We would describe God as we've known and experienced God at work in our own lives. Even if we've not seen God, we can describe God. Who is God? God is the One you know. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4K51M3nYg
Words composed by Englishman William Chatterton Dix in 1865 help us consider the annual question posed during the Christmas season: What child is this? Within the lyrics of this famous Christmas carol about the baby Jesus who was born in the manger in Bethlehem, we encounter characters and their actions. Although wise men or magi specifically are not mentioned as characters in the carol, their notifiable actions of worship and generosity lead the lyrics of the third stanza.... "So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh…" The wise men of the original Christmas story studied the stories about, sought after, and eventually found the Christ child. Having found him, they worshiped him and gave him valuable gifts. What are you seeking this Christmas? The perfect gift for your spouse or your children? The most beautiful light display on the block? Or simply a family Christmas without any arguments. Consider joining the wise men in search of the only thing worthy of our worship this season. Video Link: https://youtu.be/-E7K5GGisj4