Merry Christmas to all. I have had a wonderful season thus far. I got to go home to Wyoming for a few days and see family and friends there.
On a sad note one of my best friends mom has cancer. I got to see her however and pray with her so it has a good side too. I would ask all who read this to lift up a prayer on her behalf and for her family as they struggle with her ilness.
Had more for the eve service than I had expected and many from other churches. Out of town people and some who just don't frequent church much. Makes for a great evening.
Today is the best of all, my grandsons will be here for the day. They always add some excitement that is unexpected. Now if the rest of the gang will laugh and enjoy it will be the perfect gift.
Merry Christmas to you all again and may you have the blessings of the Savior in your life.
Pastor WaynO
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Personal Mission Statement
I got a letter from my Executive Presbyter encouraging me to take some time and rethink or maybe think for the first time about a personal mission statement. Take the time and put in the effort to put on paper my own calling. Without some direction we are simply drifting along, blown about by the latest wind getting no place in particular and accomplishing little if anything in the kingdom of God.
I am working on mine and will post some info for your thought and discussion. First however I want to invite your thoughts about personal mission statements.
Pastor WaynO
I am working on mine and will post some info for your thought and discussion. First however I want to invite your thoughts about personal mission statements.
Pastor WaynO
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Golden Compass
It continues to fascinate me what people will choose to boycot because it is not absolute truth. Don't get me wrong, I am not supporting or boycotting the movie but it did occur to me that the Left Behind movies were not necessarily true to scripture either.
I remember addressing Left Behind in a sermon and a gentleman approached me after church and challenged me that Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye were good Christians.
That is one of my favorite tags for believers "Good Christians" as I don't know a lot who would actually fall into the catogory of good according to scripture. I assured the man I believed that both were Christian but that the books are on the fiction shelf.
I still hold to the thought, be prepared for no one knows the day nor the hour except the father.
Then I wonder how many of us would be prepared if Jesus were to arrive today??????
Oh well, we will debate until the time. There will be movies boycotted andothers left to lead us astray. I connot tell which one is which.
Pastor WaynO
I remember addressing Left Behind in a sermon and a gentleman approached me after church and challenged me that Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye were good Christians.
That is one of my favorite tags for believers "Good Christians" as I don't know a lot who would actually fall into the catogory of good according to scripture. I assured the man I believed that both were Christian but that the books are on the fiction shelf.
I still hold to the thought, be prepared for no one knows the day nor the hour except the father.
Then I wonder how many of us would be prepared if Jesus were to arrive today??????
Oh well, we will debate until the time. There will be movies boycotted andothers left to lead us astray. I connot tell which one is which.
Pastor WaynO
Monday, December 10, 2007
Still amazed at no responses. What is it that I need to do to get someone to like or dislike what I post? Is it that I think I am posting but none of this is actually leaving my computer?
Kinda scary ain't it to think we might be posting to ourselves and think we are putting this stuff out in the big old scary world? Oh, well here goes a new thought.
Not sure how to begin the thought process but as we study the Bible things from the world jump in and can mess things up a bit or at least add a whole new dynamic. One such thing is the movie the Golden Compass. As I have stated before I don't like the whole concept of boycotting and e-bashing or using the internet and email as a ground to throw things at someone or something. This movie is no different than so much other stuff and I happened to notice that Harry Potter is the new up and coming Christmas movie thon. I would be interested to hear thoughts and especially info on the new one the Golden Compass.I found on the PCUSA site a statement about the movie and some of its bias' and theology. I would encourage you to check out the site at http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/goldencompass.htmIf there are other somewhat open minded sites for info I would be interested in them also. Lets get some sharing going on here.Pastor WaynO
Kinda scary ain't it to think we might be posting to ourselves and think we are putting this stuff out in the big old scary world? Oh, well here goes a new thought.
Not sure how to begin the thought process but as we study the Bible things from the world jump in and can mess things up a bit or at least add a whole new dynamic. One such thing is the movie the Golden Compass. As I have stated before I don't like the whole concept of boycotting and e-bashing or using the internet and email as a ground to throw things at someone or something. This movie is no different than so much other stuff and I happened to notice that Harry Potter is the new up and coming Christmas movie thon. I would be interested to hear thoughts and especially info on the new one the Golden Compass.I found on the PCUSA site a statement about the movie and some of its bias' and theology. I would encourage you to check out the site at http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/goldencompass.htmIf there are other somewhat open minded sites for info I would be interested in them also. Lets get some sharing going on here.Pastor WaynO
Saturday, December 8, 2007
As I have reclined and read and thought this last week in recovery from surgery a couple of things occured to me. First and this is most important, when you take narcotic drugs things don't make much sense most of the time. You think you think something, you think you said something, you presume you did something only to find out that is not quite correct.
Second --- I am preaching this weekend and have a memorial service at a nursing home today and with a whole week to prepare should have something profound. "Wrong" when you take narcotic drugs you cannot focus on things to get stuff done. I am today trying diligently to make some sense of the past week (with missing hours from surgery) that is partially in a fog. Trying desperately to get to someplace that offers sense and direction.
I am not one to panic but sometimes I do get a bit anxious and today is one of those days. I have not taken narcotics for a couple of days but still putting things into a realative perspective is difficult.
Oh well this is where study, thought, meditation, and trust in the Holy Spirit to lead and guide will open a door or window or something. Prayer is the meditation with God and that is also always a great direction to travel.
Hope you are not all bored with my rambling as this is about all I have. The other thought would be to openly contemplate the season of Advent. Advent is about anticipation and preparedness. Getting some direction as to what this child we celebrate the birth of is all about. Looking for his presence in our lives, not in the world, take it to a personal level this year.
Far to often we put Christianinty and a relationship to Christ at a world level and that leaves us out of the picture. See it is coming to me already, John the Baptizer was at a personal level with Jesus, he was making a way straight, a path for Jesus to come to him and then to the world along that path.
What are you doing in your life this season to prepare the path, first to you and then through you to the world??????
And I read some emerging stuff last night. On the Emergent update site was an interesting article that I had a chuckle at jsut a little. http://www.emergentvillage.com/weblog/emergent-village-updates here Tony Jones, leader of a group not denominational but with membership and requirements for membership :o) has this to tell about the Emergent movement.
"Brian’s thesis in the book reminded me of last year, when my son, Tanner, asked me, “Dad, if there’s enough food in the world to feed everyone, why can’t we get it to the people who need it?” I struggled to tell him that the problems (racism, classism, etc.) are fundamentally theological. If you resonate with this at all, then you should check out Brian’s book. Also, check out the latest Emergent Village Podcast on which I interviewed Brian about the book and about some of the blog reviews (positive and negative) he’s received.
And guess what?!? If you donate $100 or more to Emergent Village before the end of the year, you’ll get a copy of An Emergent Manifesto of Hope, plus one other book (and Everything Must Change is among the choices!). For $50-$99, you get a copy of the Manifesto. And for $150 or more, you also get both albums by The Colbalt Season."
That sounds just like the letter from the PCUSA about ending world hunger. I am confused that something which began as a new thought to an old problem, an escape from denominationalism, a chance to speak out in a brand new way, something that would be revolutional has moved to have leadership, direction, a name "Emergent", and is soliciting money to keep the leadership able to attend things around the globe, has moved so far from the original vision to the old standard.
Am I incorrect here or should we take what we believe and just apply it where we are. Keep your familiar, treaditional, already structured denom and just do something amazing. I think I am about there.
Pastor WaynO
Second --- I am preaching this weekend and have a memorial service at a nursing home today and with a whole week to prepare should have something profound. "Wrong" when you take narcotic drugs you cannot focus on things to get stuff done. I am today trying diligently to make some sense of the past week (with missing hours from surgery) that is partially in a fog. Trying desperately to get to someplace that offers sense and direction.
I am not one to panic but sometimes I do get a bit anxious and today is one of those days. I have not taken narcotics for a couple of days but still putting things into a realative perspective is difficult.
Oh well this is where study, thought, meditation, and trust in the Holy Spirit to lead and guide will open a door or window or something. Prayer is the meditation with God and that is also always a great direction to travel.
Hope you are not all bored with my rambling as this is about all I have. The other thought would be to openly contemplate the season of Advent. Advent is about anticipation and preparedness. Getting some direction as to what this child we celebrate the birth of is all about. Looking for his presence in our lives, not in the world, take it to a personal level this year.
Far to often we put Christianinty and a relationship to Christ at a world level and that leaves us out of the picture. See it is coming to me already, John the Baptizer was at a personal level with Jesus, he was making a way straight, a path for Jesus to come to him and then to the world along that path.
What are you doing in your life this season to prepare the path, first to you and then through you to the world??????
And I read some emerging stuff last night. On the Emergent update site was an interesting article that I had a chuckle at jsut a little. http://www.emergentvillage.com/weblog/emergent-village-updates here Tony Jones, leader of a group not denominational but with membership and requirements for membership :o) has this to tell about the Emergent movement.
"Brian’s thesis in the book reminded me of last year, when my son, Tanner, asked me, “Dad, if there’s enough food in the world to feed everyone, why can’t we get it to the people who need it?” I struggled to tell him that the problems (racism, classism, etc.) are fundamentally theological. If you resonate with this at all, then you should check out Brian’s book. Also, check out the latest Emergent Village Podcast on which I interviewed Brian about the book and about some of the blog reviews (positive and negative) he’s received.
And guess what?!? If you donate $100 or more to Emergent Village before the end of the year, you’ll get a copy of An Emergent Manifesto of Hope, plus one other book (and Everything Must Change is among the choices!). For $50-$99, you get a copy of the Manifesto. And for $150 or more, you also get both albums by The Colbalt Season."
That sounds just like the letter from the PCUSA about ending world hunger. I am confused that something which began as a new thought to an old problem, an escape from denominationalism, a chance to speak out in a brand new way, something that would be revolutional has moved to have leadership, direction, a name "Emergent", and is soliciting money to keep the leadership able to attend things around the globe, has moved so far from the original vision to the old standard.
Am I incorrect here or should we take what we believe and just apply it where we are. Keep your familiar, treaditional, already structured denom and just do something amazing. I think I am about there.
Pastor WaynO
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Just reading on this blog and found an interesting post. http://www.brutallyhonest.org/brutally_honest/2007/12/kingdom-comes-r.html#comments
don't know if any are interested but the discussion is interesting. WaynO
don't know if any are interested but the discussion is interesting. WaynO
Thought you would all enjoy this little tidbit. I got this email and it seems to say something many appear to be missing. Maybe I should reframe this a bit. I get so many protest this and protest that emails that I want to scream sometimes. I have wondered how many just forward them and then assume they have made a good mark for themselves in the book of life. Quit now Wayne or you will say to much. Enjoy and think about what is here. WaynO
The task AHEAD of you is never as great as the POWER behind you. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 Subject: Fw: excellent remind
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upsetthat folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybeyou've forgotten that I wasn't actually born duringthis time of the year and that it was some of yourpredecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday onwhat was actually a time of pagan festival. Although Ido appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration canprobably be most easily understood by those of you whohave been blessed with children of your own. I don'tcare what you call the day. If you want to celebrateMy birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers youthat the town in which you live doesn't allow a scenedepicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple ofSantas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity sceneon your own front lawn. If all My followers did thatthere wouldn't be any need for such a scene on thetown square because there would be many of them allaround town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are callingthe tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree.It was I who made all trees. You can remember Meanytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if youwish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching,explaining who I am in relation to you and what eachof our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one,look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of Mybirth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to theway My birthday is being celebrated, write letters oflove and hope to soldiers away from home. They areterribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know,they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have toknow them personally. They just need to know thatsomeone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about thewording on the cards his staff sent out this year, whydon't you write and tell him that you'll be prayingfor him and his family this year. Then followup. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts youcan't afford and they don't need, spend time withthem. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I cameto live with you down here. Hold them in your arms andremind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past andforgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attemptto take their own life this season because they feelso alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who thatperson is, try giving everyone you meet a warmsmile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer inyour town calls the holiday, be patient with thepeople who work there. Give them a warm smile and akind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a"Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishingthem one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If thestore didn't make so much money on that day they'dclose and let their employees spend the day at homewith their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support amissionary--especially one who takes My love and GoodNews to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and wholefamilies in your town who not only will have no"Christmas" tree, but neither will they have anypresents to give or receive. If you don't know them,buy some food and a few gifts and give them to theSalvation Army or some other charity which believes inMe and they will make the delivery for you.10. Finally, if you want to make a statement aboutyour belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like aChristian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn'tdo in My presence. Let people know by your actionsthat you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself.Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'lltake care of all the rest. Check out the list aboveand get to work; time is short. I'll help you, butthe ball is now in your court. And do have a mostblessed Christmas with all those whom you love andremember : I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
The task AHEAD of you is never as great as the POWER behind you. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 Subject: Fw: excellent remind
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upsetthat folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybeyou've forgotten that I wasn't actually born duringthis time of the year and that it was some of yourpredecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday onwhat was actually a time of pagan festival. Although Ido appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration canprobably be most easily understood by those of you whohave been blessed with children of your own. I don'tcare what you call the day. If you want to celebrateMy birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers youthat the town in which you live doesn't allow a scenedepicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple ofSantas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity sceneon your own front lawn. If all My followers did thatthere wouldn't be any need for such a scene on thetown square because there would be many of them allaround town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are callingthe tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree.It was I who made all trees. You can remember Meanytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if youwish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching,explaining who I am in relation to you and what eachof our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one,look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of Mybirth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to theway My birthday is being celebrated, write letters oflove and hope to soldiers away from home. They areterribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know,they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have toknow them personally. They just need to know thatsomeone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about thewording on the cards his staff sent out this year, whydon't you write and tell him that you'll be prayingfor him and his family this year. Then followup. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts youcan't afford and they don't need, spend time withthem. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I cameto live with you down here. Hold them in your arms andremind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past andforgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attemptto take their own life this season because they feelso alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who thatperson is, try giving everyone you meet a warmsmile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer inyour town calls the holiday, be patient with thepeople who work there. Give them a warm smile and akind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a"Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishingthem one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If thestore didn't make so much money on that day they'dclose and let their employees spend the day at homewith their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support amissionary--especially one who takes My love and GoodNews to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and wholefamilies in your town who not only will have no"Christmas" tree, but neither will they have anypresents to give or receive. If you don't know them,buy some food and a few gifts and give them to theSalvation Army or some other charity which believes inMe and they will make the delivery for you.10. Finally, if you want to make a statement aboutyour belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like aChristian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn'tdo in My presence. Let people know by your actionsthat you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself.Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'lltake care of all the rest. Check out the list aboveand get to work; time is short. I'll help you, butthe ball is now in your court. And do have a mostblessed Christmas with all those whom you love andremember : I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
I am feeling pretty good right now thanks to some darvocet. It struck me as humorous when replying to Deb and it asks me to choose an identity. I began to wonder what identity I might choose to share with the world. Or maybe I am struck by the identity I think I have chosen. Either way it is a strange place to be prompted to consider just what choice I have made about an identity particularly in this season of identity theft.
WaynO
WaynO
Saturday, December 1, 2007
I know I said I would be off for a while but I just can't help it when I find stuff that seems to open some new questions and maybe even give a few answers. This is a site I found from nosing around another blog http://kingdomgrace.wordpress.com/ that caught my eye a while back. I don't how I get these except if I must put blame it is the Holy Spirit.
Well with that heresy I better quit before lightening strikes.
Pastor WaynO
Well with that heresy I better quit before lightening strikes.
Pastor WaynO
Just can't stay away. It seems there is so much to tell, so much to say to the world that I can't get said. I am not even sure what I have to say but pray the Spirit will descramble it for me. I am preaching in the morning, Advent 1 and it is the time again when I struggle with the Christmas stuff.
I researched and have discovered that Christmas in all it's forms has faded in and out of glory within the confines of the church. The Puritans punished celebrants for it, the early colonies opposed it because it was an English tradition. Most of what the Christian world holds near and dear about it has been dreamed up out of fairy tales, pagan celebrations, and pieces of old tradition here and there both Christian and non Christian.
I hear so much hype from Christians and then see so little action from them, it leaves me curious what it really is this being a Christian??????
Pastor WaynO
I researched and have discovered that Christmas in all it's forms has faded in and out of glory within the confines of the church. The Puritans punished celebrants for it, the early colonies opposed it because it was an English tradition. Most of what the Christian world holds near and dear about it has been dreamed up out of fairy tales, pagan celebrations, and pieces of old tradition here and there both Christian and non Christian.
I hear so much hype from Christians and then see so little action from them, it leaves me curious what it really is this being a Christian??????
Pastor WaynO
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