Birthdays, blessings and brethren

So yeah, today is my birthday. 47 years I've inhabited this orb. God has been good to me. I hate to admit it but sometimes I have to be reminded of that important fact.

I felt a little aged this morning as the first things I reached for upon achieving consciousness were my glasses and my crutches, but then I got a call from my mother who I am very blessed to still have with me and who, along with my father, is in very good health. Thank you Lord!

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I get to preach the message at church this evening, but I know the mission report from the Teen Mission Trip will go long and I won't have that much time, but hey I get to preach and everyone loves a short sermon!

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Have you been watching the Olympics? I think there is a new malady affecting many of us. We stay up late cheering for Michael Phelps and the rest of the Americans and by the time the competitions are over it's very late, but we are all keyed up from the thrill and we don't sleep well or very long and morning comes way too early! Now I know why the Olympics only happen every 4 years!

But isn't it amazing to look at the different people, the nationalities, the ethnicities? People from different countries look different (for the most part). One of the questions I will ask tonight in my sermon is "What does a Christian look like?"

As one blessed to have been able to travel to some interesting places, I have seen Mexican and Mayan Christians singing about Jesus at the top of their lungs. I have seen Romanian believers love one another with a love that could only come from Christ. I have wonderful friends who share some wonderful Christian friendships with African, Russian, Chinese, Mongolian and many other "types" of believers. But aren't we are all united in Christ?

Along that line, what does real worship sound like? What is appropriate dress for church? Isn't it true that most of what happens on Sunday morning is cultural? I'm not saying that's wrong or bad, but just that we need to be aware and not allow ourselves to become judgmental.

God is God alone, but His children are different and special and He loves each one of them just like and just as much as He loves you and me. So how do you suppose He wants us to treat our brothers and sisters? Even if they are different!

Thank you Father for being a big God, not only global and able to love everyone in a way they can understand and find comfort in, but exceeding abundantly more than we ask or think. If you can love us in spite of our obvious flaws and downfalls, how can we not love one another. Love through me Father when I don't have the capacity in myself. Let me be a vessel through which Your love can flow.

Until next time...