The Fashion of the Christ

The Fashion of the Christ:

After a very entertaining fashion show skit delivered with excellence by Kimi Wharton and a cast of Pointe models, I drew in a few deep breaths and gave some well-deserved thanks to all who contributed to the morning’s services and prepared to deliver what I hoped was a unique and thought-provoking message. Special note of thanks to my best bro Mike Harvey in helping me to set the staging, strobe lights and camera to DVD “stuff”.

So what is this “fashion” thing, anyway? Our clothes, accessories, sun glasses, cars, homes….and there are designers for all of these things. People sitting in a studio or some odd room making up what we’re supposed to find “cool” or “shiek” or sharp or cutting edge…whatever.

From the time we’re young, we’re taught to see certain conditions or qualities about others based upon what they wear. In fact, our garments can speak volumes about us. Our status, our job, our role, affiliation, mood, etc.

And what did Jesus think of clothing? Who were the “fashion plates” of His day. Pharisees? Rich young man/ruler? What was Jesus attitude toward such as these?

Do we think "fashion" really matters to God? Look at who Jesus called. Tax collector. Fisherman. Jesus didn’t come up and say, “Follow me….but first, dude, you gotta change that tunic. You smell like fish. Whew….”

But before we go further, I think it important to mention that God doesn’t look at us based on our clothes. Some wear "Sunday clothes" as an expression of respect. That's cool. For others, it’s simply tradition. And for some, it is wasted effort. There are far too many people wearing expensive suits and dresses that are doing absolutely nothing for the Kingdom. NOTHING! While there are yet thousands of people with little to no “fancy” clothes doing wondrous things for God and His glory here on earth.

OK. That out of the way, today's message is not actually about fashion...

First question - How many of you spent as much time preparing for service this morning as you did getting ready to enter the door of the church? (Man, I wish he’d quit asking that….)

Next: Refering to a question that I placed on FB - What is the one item/article of clothing that identifies you? Everyone knows you by this “whatever it is.” Sports jerseys, shoes, boots, a baseball cap…all great answers. But what I thought interesting were two things that no on mentions…..their wedding ring, and the cross around their neck. Does it make you wonder…? Just something to think about. Maybe another message on the cross later…have to see where He goes with that.

Moving on, people are likely to wear nicer clothes than usual for specific occasions. A gig. Party. Recital. Funeral…. Party - Celebrate. Funeral - Mourn.

One of our opening songs for Sunday was Garments of Praise. This song comes directly from Isaiah 61:3

"and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."

Garments of Praise. What an amazing thing… That God would speak so clearly his ability and willingness to release us from out bondage, to take away our garments of mourning and replace them with garments of praise.

So many people carry around negative thoughts and a spirit of despair, mourning the things lost in their past. But that’s just the problem. Mourning and Despair are things of the past., and despair is basically a decision to just give it all up, because "even God can’t fix this"… How untrue is that? How unfortunate is that?

We have so many things in our lives that should give us reason to praise Him! Our children, our wives/husbands, our homes, our livelihoods.....our ability to love. How about our salvation!!!!!

God gives us all so many things to enjoy and appreciate and celebrate and provides us with Garments of Salvation.

Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness. (Quick note Isaiah 64. Filthy rags)

How Cool Is That?!?!

Through a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, God has the ability to change our clothes. Take off the veil of mourning and that spirit of heaviness and despair. Our faith in Him and the freedom provided by His Son, Jesus Christ, gives us the ability to take off these funeral clothes and put on our party clothes! Time to celebrate, for we are saved.

But why do we need to change our clothes, you ask?

My next question on Facebook was, “What is the piece of clothing that you hold on to because it’s comfortable? Probably old and faded, likely stained and worn, perhaps even torn. You keep it around and wear it around the house when no one else is there. Well, maybe close family or friends…or to the store to pick up milk. Sooner or later someone’s going to come clean and say…”What are you thinking? Dude, that’s ugly.”

Sin is a lot like this “favorite” garment. It’s always there in our closet or drawer, just waiting for us to come back to it when no one’s looking, or when there are those around us who understand. It’s no big deal. Wrong.

The only way to get rid of this old, comfortable garment is to get rid of it. Period. Don’t give it to someone else, or donate it to Goodwill. Get it gone. Throw it away.

And, the only way to get rid of sin is to take it to the cleaner. Have it washed white as snow, have it mended.

Wait, are you saying that we’re literally stained?

Joshua 22:17 - (paraphrased)
Was what we did in Peor not enough. We still have not cleansed ourselves of this sin, despite the plague that overtook the entire people of the Lord?

God plagued His own people and killed 24 thousand….and still they are not clean? That’s a deep stain.

But, the Garments of Salvation that God can place upon us are real!

1 John 1:7
Walking in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

God has broken our bonds, cast away our chains and has cast a light upon our path. Amazing…

And to draw a specific point, it was the shed blood of Jesus Christ that makes this salvation possible. Yes, He could have lived and died and rose, but the Bible clearly states that it was the shedding of His blood that provided the sacrifice for salvation. He lived, he BLED, He died, He was buried, He rose.

And our salvation comes so easily. Romans 10:9 If you confess with you mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead…you will be saved.

Can I get an Amen? Wooo Hoooo!

Look….God isn’t looking for us to literally bring our clothes to Him. They’re His already. He made everything that went into making them. What He wants is for us to bring our garments to Him. What we’ve wrapped ourselves in and stained through our various misdeed, misjudgments and indiscretions. He wants to remove the veil and help us pull of the spirit of mourning and heaviness and give us garments of praise and garments of salvation.

To cleanse our robes and make them white as snow. (Quick reference Rev 7 and the robes of the martyrs)

Do you have a garment that is stained?
Are you walking in garments of mourning?
Are you carrying a spirit of despair.

If so, let’s talk. We need a wardrobe change and prepare for celebrating….

Garments of Praise: Nose

Today, I thank You for my nose. The world is rich with wondrous aromas that trigger infinite responses, memories & emotions. Some protect: skunk, sour milk, smoke. Others draw us in: perfume, flowers, bacon. Our lives present an "aroma" to those around us. Even when life stinks, try your best to smell good.

2 Corinthians 2:15
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God...

Garments of Praise: Arms July 16

Today, I thank You for my arms. Long they may be, but an advantage to change a lightbulb, reach a top shelf, or fill up the key. Still, their greatest value is the strong embrace of those I hold dear in protection, comfort and love.

Luke 15:20
And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love & compassion, he ran to his son, embraced and kissed him

Garments of Praise: Sun (from July 9)

Today, I thank You for the sun. Its light and warmth provide one of the very foundations of life here on Earth, sustaining us and the beauty around us.

Psalm 37:5 - 6 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Garments of Praise: Voice (from July 10)

Today, I thank You for the sun. Its light and warmth provide one of the very foundations of life here on Earth, sustaining us and the beauty around us.

Psalm 37:5 - 6
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Garments of Praise: Knees

Garments of Praise: Today, I thank you for my knees.

Though cracking more each year, these amazing joints allow me to walk with confidence as I follow Him. They give William a place to sit, and let me bend to let Eve whisper in my ear. They still weaken when I look at Cinda, yet are strong when I kneel to pray.

Hebrews 12:12-13
12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

Garments of Praise: Ears

Garments of Praise:

Today, I thank you for my ears. I have heard some of the most beautiful & astonishing sounds. Music of so many styles that move one's heart and soul. The wind, the ocean waves. The concerns and desires of those I call friend. The Word spoken with passion..AND compassion. My wife & children saying "I Love You".

Proverbs 2:2
Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.

Garments of Praise: Eyes

Today, I thank You for my eyes. Countless images fill my heart with joy & awe. Sunsets, the great divide, my wife on our wedding day, the birth of my children, friends' smiles. I am blessed to behold the world, and I strive to see others as He sees them.

1 Samuel 16:7
The Lord doesn’t see things as you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Were You Prepared?

Every day of our lives, we prepare. We prepare something or someone, or we prepare FOR something or someone. Everyone seated here this morning... No one is excluded.

We prepare for work, school, breakfast, the big game, a night out, a fight. We prepare to Survive. To Win. Our defenses. "For The Worst" (which almost never happens)

“Luck Favors the Prepared.”

We want to be prepared for whatever life throws at us. Big and small. We prepare for events and activities. For the birth of a child or the death of a loved one.

For "the big day"....women plan for months or years for their wedding.

We prepare because we know that there are expectations of us when we arrive. We make our plans, we check them twice and then we check them again. We make lists to make sure that we have everything that we need. We Google a map, and make sure our GPS navigation device is working. We make reservations, get cash out of the Teller machine.

And, Heaven forbid we show up unprepared.

As I enter into this morning’s message, ask yourself this simple question: "Am I Prepared?" There are so many implications; so many possible responses. Prepared for What?

What you'll hear today may not be what you're expecting. So…Are You Prepared?

Are you really?

1. Are you prepared for church this morning? How did you “prepare”?

Did you come prepared for church, for worship?

How many brought what the items that I asked you to bring this morning?

"Did you bring your cell phone? Take it out and call someone right not that lives nearby and you know is not in church this morning and tell them that they need to get to The Pointe within the next 10 minutes. 'You need to hear this....' "

Not surprisingly, no one called anyone. Well, my sister called my cell phone, but that doesn't count. (Thanks, Tracy) Trying to get it to ring in the hall. Funny...

"Sorry, Bill. We're just not prepared to do that..." More on that later.

Why are we assembed here this morning? General Concensus - “To worship God.”

Worship is an expression of our hearts that seeks to honor God and celebrate what He has done, is doing, and will do in our lives.

But, with that said, did you REALLY come PREPARED for this morning's service?

We come together to motivate and build each other up. To teach and demonstrate what God has revealed to us, shared with us. Sacrificed for us.

Hebrews 10:24-25:

²⁴ Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. ²⁵ And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.

Did you build a sense of excitement about coming to The Pointe this morning?

Psalm 111:1

I will thank the Lord with all my heart
as I meet with his godly people.

Psalm 122:1

¹ I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Is your heart and mind clear and at ease?

Matthew 5:23-30

²³ “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, ²⁴ leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

Taking this a step further, if you have something against someone else, leave your "sacrifice at the altar" and go reconcile with that person. Do not let a grudge develop.

Building anticipation about participating in worship, bringing your heart for service and celebration, and clearing your mind of the things outside are critical to our worship, whether collective or individual. If you're thinking about other things, you will not be focused on the importance of the message being presented.

2. Prepared for Tomorrow (Immediate Future)?

Are you prepared for a confrontation? To explain your faith?

1 Peter 3:15-16

¹⁵ Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. ¹⁶ But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

Are you prepared to worship God in the manner that is acceptable to Him?

Romans 12:1-2

¹ And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

There will be times in the future where you will be in a position to speak to your faith. To your hope. If you are living your life as befitting a follower of Christ, there is no need to defend anything, for there is nothing to defend. The acts of others are not your responsibility. You are responsible for yourself, and if you are living your life in front of others as He guides, you will be able to approach the explanation of your faith with gentleness and respect.

Spend some time thinking about how you would respond to questions. Be prepared.

3. Prepared for What Lies Ahead?

“In the immortal words of the wise and mighty philosopher and revealer of truth - Optimus Prime:
Fate seldom calls upon us at a moment of our choosing."

Are you prepared to make the hard decisions?

Are you prepared to make the right choices?

Are you prepared to lay down your life for one you love? For a friend?

Are you prepared to make a stand for what you believe in?

Are you prepared to become involved instead of standing on the sidelines?

Are you prepared to step up & serve in the way that God is calling you?

Are you prepared to step up and serve where there is a need?

Are you prepared to accept the consequences for knowingly making the wrong choices? For moving against what you know is the right path. For refusing to serve where you had the opportunity to serve?

We all know that at some point in the future, we’re going to pass from this world. No exceptions. But, are we prepared for death? Some of us have had the very real experience of having to prepare as someone we love lay dying. At some point, many will reach the point where they feel that they are prepared.

And the loved one may express their preparation. “I’m ready. It’s OK.”

But, are you every truly prepared for anyone close to you to die? Mother, Father? Wife, husband? Brother, Sister? Son, Daughter? No...

But that said, are you prepared for someone close to you to die...the death of a sinner, not knowing Christ and the love of our Father?

Physical death and “ultimate” death are two separate things.

Hebrews 9:27:
²⁷ And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,

Look, we’re all sinners. We’re all made of the same “stuff” and have the same nature. And the wages of sin is? Anyone? (Romans 6:23)

But God prepared a way for us out of our own mess through His son, Jesus Christ. John 3:16

The process is actually very simple, but the implications are important to understand.

Romans 10:9:
⁹ If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

I return you to Hebrews - with a little extra detail.

Hebrews 9:27-28

²⁷ And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, ²⁸ so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

Perhaps something said here this day might have influenced someone. A friend. A relative. The people in your contact list in your cell phone are typically people that you care about, for a large part.

Think about that next time someone asks you to call just one person in your list and invite them to come to church and hear a message about preparation... Nuff said.

Are You Prepared?

June 28, 2009. Are You Prepared?

Every day of our lives, we prepare. We prepare something or someone, or we prepare for something or someone. All of us. No one is excluded. We prepare for work, school, breakfast, the big game, a night out, a fight. To Survive. To Win. Our defenses. "The Worst" (which almost never happens)

We want to be prepared for whatever life throws at us. For events. For activities. For "the big day"....because we know that there are expectations of us when we arrive. We make our plans, we check them twice and then we check them again.

And, Heaven forbid we show up unprepared.

As you read this short intro for Sunday's message, ask yourself this simple question: "Am I Prepared?" There are so many implications; so many possible responses. Prepared for What?

What you'll hear this Sunday at the Pointe may not be what you're expecting. Are You Prepared?

Are you really?

SPAMALOT - A Must See in White House

First - One more show this Thursday at 7:00. White House Civic Center

So...I took the family to see SPAMALOT performed by the kids at White House Christian Academy last night. I had not seen Spamalot on the stage, but Cinda and I suspected that it was a musical adaptation of Monty Python's The Search For The Holy Grail. We were right, and it was great!

Could kids pull this off? Cinda had taken Eve to see Annie last year, which was excellent, so we had solid expectations. The kids at WHCA did not disappoint.

A young cast from ages 6-18 delivered a great performance, especially for kids that I suspect would not appreciate the off-center English humor that is Monty. They pulled off a great show, especially the kid that gets to pull the princess home...and she's "not quite dead yet". Then he smiles a big cheesy smile.

They start off with a young lady delivering the background monologue, which was excellent....English accent and all. And then...King Arthur rides in on his "horse"...with his trusty companion clapping two coconut halves together from the back of the hall. Engage laughter...and we're off.

From the Frech taunt to the Knight Who Say "Ni", from the three headed Knight to the witch trial, the show was full of entertainment.

I laughed out loud through the whole show...but that may be because I knew the next line for most of the cast. Big MP fan. Wonder if they'll do the Ministry of Funny Walks next....

You can see the show for as little as $5.00, and it's well worh the price. We laughed and smiled all night, and Eve quoted lines up to bedtime. She especially liked the monks and the head-smacking boards.

A must see for the family.

C3Live - Quite A Trip!

A trip indeed, and it was fantastic. I hadn't driven to Memphis since....well....maybe never by myself. But, it was an interesting drive, giving me some much needed time just to be by myself, let my thoughts run, reflect on some things...be with God a while and just talk out loud to Him. I like to do that sometimes.

You can do a lot of talking in four hours....and then four hours back.

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001Y3_dzZ4bxuqSICZv3vvJ39k9FdRRp6_DMgA1zZFrTlfwcAxzFAC2VzYRKQ3dA4PhEqFehfr19ZNDXrtotZqUPZFr9pYsuMySrZ3JZ9W6QHU%3D

I met Alex Blankenship as I arrived. Alex and his family are host, and indeed the sponsor, for the monthly event called C3Live - Coffee, Live Music, and Positive Message. Turns out that Alex has been called to launch a new church in the West Memphis area and has been holding "test" services and building a launch team. His desire is so much in line with that of mine and Todd's...reach lost and unchurched, and to see people return to "church" who have left for one reason or another. An enriching, exciting atmosphere....great music....much worship.....a message that meets us where we are. Sound familiar?

I pray for their success, that God will be honored in a mighty way through their efforts, and that He will be reflected as Alex and his core group minister to their communicty.

The event was great, and everyone there was tremendous in their support and their witness. Truly a happy, joyful group.

It is my sincere hope that I can return to visit with Alex and his team. Maybe provide some guidance and some learned lessons.

When It Rains, It Pours

When it rains, it pours. Definitely holds true for the weather in Middle TN this past week. The sun is trying ever so hard to peek through the clous, and I just aw some blue between the ever-passing grey clouds overhead.

God delivers blessings in this way, and the past week has also seen a lot of those coming down. The Youth service on Sunday was truly a blessing to me. Love to see the kids' eyes light up. I sent out a Thank You to the kids and already got a response back from one that is so excited to see things happening. She even wants to sing in the Youth praise band....when we can get that together. When it rains, it pours.

I have a gig in Arkansas this weekend and have been struggling to find more bookings. Thanks to friends and relationships, I now have the chance to share my music ministry every week in May. When it rains, it pours.

I've been a bit dry in writing for some time. You invest so much of your time and energy in booking and production and websites, that after you release a project...your reserves are sometimes tapped.

I've been praying for direction, and all of a sudden the gates have opened up. Ideas are flowing, melodies dropping. "Surround Us" is definitely on the next project. Now....have to leave myself open to His direction in pursuing the next project. When it rains, it pours.

Malachai 3:10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

When it rains, it pours....

Update: No News Is....Good News?

And...it continues.

Still nothing from Nortel management, as if that's surprising. As in all other events, the employees that actually hold this place together will be the last to know.

What Kind Of Pizza Are You?

It was an interesting Sunday evening, to say the least. In response to some recent changes at The Pointe, I have stepped in as Interim youth leader to give us some time to identify the right person for this role moving forward.

15 kids last night, plus William of course, so it was a great restart. We had a scavenger hunt, then each of the kids made their own personal pan pizza. We cooked them during the message time, then ate pizza until we were stuffed. Had a message on putting together the "perfect" pizza, comparing the ingredients on a pizza to the "ingredients" that make up a Christian and the impact that even one small "ingredient" can have on your pizza. Spray a little motor oil on it and you ruin the whole pizza. Sin does the same thing...it makes people look at Christians very differently.

The evening was great overall. Cinda was a tremendous help in keeping things flowing. Tab Stone helped in the kitchen, as well.

It Was An Extravaganza Of A Day!

Start off with a work day (of sorts) at The Pointe. More of a "get some projects finished finally" day. John Miller (bless his heart) and I worked on a number of items on our punch list, and of course found several more, but it was a good morning of serving the church and our Lord.

William was with me from 8:00 to Noon, and he was SUCH a good boy the whole time, as if that's surprising.

Then to Home Sweet Home for the afternoon to help Cinda and Nancy with the Webkinz Extravaganza. Busy day with lots of kids....and parents....participating in games, winning prizes and candy. Two games of hot potato...or should I say hot Webkinz, and then into the beauty pageant. 20 kids brought their Webkinz decked out, and the winner was exceptional, I must say. A cowgirl hors with chaps and a hat and a guitar. Lot of work and thought in that one.

Ended up the evening with a Middle School choir concert. They all sounded great, and Eve demonstrated great technique. She's going to be a great singer. Better than her old man, if I had to guess.

And guess who else was there. Yes....the one...the only.......LUCY!

Home again, home again...update the blog...now ready for tomorrow morning at The Pointe!

No News is....Good News?

So, I'm still employed at Nortel...for now anyway. The rumors run thick. Today was supposed to be the day that an announcement was made regarding the pending buyer of the Enterprise division of Nortel, but yet another day has come and gone and nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

It's a blessing, really. I still have my job and benefits, my family is healthy. What more can a man ask for?

Well...I'll tell ya. I'm asking for some guidance and some understanding. The not knowing is the hard part. Do I have a job next week or not? If I do, for how long? Just discouraging...

But, not matter what, I cast all things into His hands and remain faithful, for He remains faithful.

Thank you, Lord.


Cinda had a good day today at Home Sweet Home. The Webkinz Extravaganza is going on right now and business was really good. Finally... A little breathing room.

Eve won an award on her field trip to the state capital today. She and her team won "2009 Youth in Government - Outstanding Bill In The House" She and her partners drew up a bill that would require that anyone convicted of a crime involving a gun could not get their permit back for 10 years. For a group of 11-year-olds, that's pretty good thinkin'. I'm very proud of my Evie Weevie.

William received his purple belt this past week in Karate. He was SO proud, and is doing very well. Got the wiggles that go along with a 6 year old, but the teachers are very positive about his progress.

"Who and What" or "What and Who"? (part 1 of 4)

At some point in our lives, we've all been asked two questions that speak to others' interest in our lives.

Who are you? What do you want to be?

For the most part, the first question is usually part of a standard, polite inquiry when an acquaintence is made. "Who are you?"

Attention span and focus typically last long enough to take in a name, which we may or may not remember 10 minutes later, and maybe a few anecdotal facts. ...Jane's daughter, Manager of this or that.... I'm sorry..who are you again?

Starting this thought process out...Is your name the primary definer of who you are?

My name is Bill. Bill Petty.

My name, in and of itself, is not sufficent to speak to who I am. It does say something about me. I am a Petty...that's strong. Bill is a man's name, so that helps portray me to a point. Male... But, after a general introduction, the next question is inevitibly...Are you related to Tom? Or...Richard? As if being me isn't sufficient. I know that's not the intent. People always look for connections, which they feel answers more of the Who Are You question.

Look further into the Who..consider the scripture as Jesus spoke to his disciples in Matthew 16:13-17. The Who Are You question has an interesting twist...

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”
15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah(annointed one), the Son of the living God.”

The answer to "they say" comes in the form of names. So.. okay, these names carried some rather hefty weight and identity, but the response is interesting considering the response to the second question of "Who do YOU say that I am?" You are the Messiah. The Son of the living God.

Powerful, though provoking..and even dangerous in these times. Responding with names could also be a preview into the second answer, as the disciples respond to the question dealing with an external audience with that which is ultimately non-defining of Christ. The response from their own understanding is much deeper and speaks specifically to who He is, which includes what he is.

We want our name to represent who we are...but that requires a connection of what we are, and that requires effort and thought and decisions. This is an ongoing topic, and the content is under development.

Conclude Part 1 of 4 for now. Stay tuned...

A Cup Of Coffee?

I'll take a cup of coffee, please.

No, I don't really care what the cup looks like. I started out with a little Chinette cup when I was a kid, and now prefer my coffee mug with the pic of my kids on it from Father's Day in 2005.

Don't worry, if it's a little dirty, I know where I can wash it clean and I don't mind the effort.

I'll take some Vanilla Caramel creamer, please, as that is my personal preference. God knows that I have different tastes than others. Some really enjoy their coffee black, while others prefer a little sugar or some honey. Some like robust, dark coffee. Others like lighter, sweeter blends. Some strong, some week. Kona for me, thanks.

And, by the way, there's nothing wrong with the way you enjoy your coffee, nor with mine. It's just different. It doesn't change the essence of the coffee itself; only my enjoyment of it. (God made the creamer, too, by the way.)

I like coffee hot, but not too hot. I will usually let my coffee sit and cool off a bit before I drink it, sometimes to the point of it being just warm. In like kind, I will sometimes read the Bible and come across a scripture that screams at my soul. "Here I am! You need me today." Sometimes I take it in immediately and enjoy the warmth as it approaches my heart. Other times, I like to let it sit so I can take in the odor and let it cool a bit so that I can really enjoy the flavor. The bitterness mixed with the sweetness, the quenching water and the energizing spirit that dwells in it. I drink it in slowly, savoring it.

Then there are the times that life and work get in the way, and my cup of coffee just sits there and gets cold. I forget to drink it....it just sits there. I have wasted a perfectly good cup of coffee that could have really done the trick as I started this morning.I usually drink 2 cups (mugs) of coffee each morning. The first is always freshly brewed, usually before it has finished brewing because I just can't wait. I take that first sip. Man, that's good! I drink a sip at a time, but by 1/2 cup, it's getting cool, so I top it off. Steam....that's a good sign.

And the smell. Even people who don't drink coffee like the smell of coffee. They walk in a room where the coffee is being brewed and breathe in deep. Ahhhhh! Coffee. But, taking a cautious sip, they turn up their nose and walk away. Too bitter. Too dark. Seems they just haven't acquired a taste. But, maybe they just haven't tried the right coffee, or perhaps they haven't had someone make a cup that hit the right mix of creamer and sugar and cinnamon and cocoa and vanilla......etc. The smell is enough to keep them coming back in the kitchen for yet another, Ahhhhh! Coffee.

Have you ever noticed that someone that really likes their coffee usuallyhas REALLY good coffee and will almost immediately ask you, "Would you like a cup of coffee? I have this great coffee. Here, let me make you a cup. Sugar? Cream?" They take into consideration that you have certain tastes and expectations that might allow you to enjoy it bit more.

Then, on the other hand, people who aren't so confident about their coffee will wave their hand in the direction of the coffee pot and say, "Yeah. We've got some coffee over there if you want to get some."

I have heard so many people say "I just can't start my day without a cup of coffee." Or, "Don't even think about taking away my coffee. I just can't function in the morning without it." But, how often do you hear someone say "I just can't start my day without spending some time with God and His Word, thanking Him for the blessings in my life and asking for help in my own an others' lives. Don't even think about taking away my morning prayer and reflection time. I just can't function without Him."?

Excuse me just a minute......

Excuse me, Sir. Would you mind topping off my cup, please?