I just recently finished going through the book of Leviticus as part of my annual “Read Through the Bible” regimen.  This Old Testament book focuses on the law and lays out some pretty strict regulations concerning the Sabbath day…among other things.  As I read these I thought how thankful I am to be living on this side of the cross.  His grace is indeed amazing and brings a fullness to our life that is so liberating.  I am grateful that while we can learn from the law, we do not live under it.  The laws regarding the Sabbath stand as a reminder that there needs to be a time set aside weekly to stop, worship, and ponder the wonders of our Lord.   However, Sundays are not exactly a day of rest for me.  Typically my wagon is pretty loaded, but this week is different.  Due to Disciple Now and our Family Movie Night, my preaching responsibilities are all covered, so Kathy and I are enjoying an extended weekend at the farm for a little R & R.  I will see you back here on Wednesday and we’ll resume our study in Matthew next Sunday.  Have a blessed day.

For years now I have been opposed to “fund raising” by the church. I felt that we should support our own ministries and not ask those outside the church to support us. I realize that fund raising is often necessary for many nonprofit organizations such as schools.   My kids did it and I am sure my grandkids will be selling stuff at some point and “BoBo” will have to shell out some cash.  It’s just the way things work.  However, my big concern has always been whether or not this is the wisest way to raise money for church endeavors?   Over the years my stance has softened somewhat as I have seen the strain put on families who are struggling to send kids to church camps and other extra activities that can at times be quite costly.  So we have done a few things in the past that I would label as sort of fund raising in nature.   My unwritten rule on these has always been that they must be done “in house” and “in good taste.”  For example, the dinner theater that the teenagers did several years ago helped finance one of their trips. Also, when the youth have done their big yard sales, you provided the stuff to sell. Therefore, you are in essence the ones funding the projects.   From time to time we will continue to ask you to consider supporting these “ministry boost” efforts (formerly known as fund raisers).  One such event will take place on Sunday, February 19 in conjunction with our Family Movie Night.  The students are hosting a meal prior to the movie along with popcorn and drinks to help defray the cost of their two camp opportunities this summer.  The movie is free, the meal is $5, the popcorn $1, and canned drinks will sell for 75 cents.   I don’t know if you been to the movies lately, but that is a BARGAIN. Come have some fun and help support our kids.

They say you can’t teach an old dog a new trick, but I say if the dog is willing, anything is possible.  Let me illustrate my point by telling you that a couple of weeks ago this “old dog” learned a new trick concerning my weekly exercise routine.  As I shared in a recent article, over the past few years I’ve become a regular at the fitness center.  My routine involves some light weight lifting followed by an aerobic workout.  Time is always of the essence, so I try to get in and out as fast as possible.  This means that from the moment I walk through the door I go at full throttle (no surprise there). However, I have learned recently from my daughter that in the area of muscle toning, the slower you lift your weights the better.  It is not about speed, but steadfastness.  Since I respect Jami’s insight and want to maximize my gym time, I decided to follow her advice.  The first sign that she knew what she was talking about came when I felt this incredible strain on my muscles as I slowly worked the weight machines.  I had been on the same machines before, but now with a slower pace, I really felt my muscles tightening up.  Old habits are hard to break, but I am learning that fast is not necessarily good.  Likewise, I think this lesson has some genuine spiritual implications. Perhaps today you are rushing through your church experience or your quiet time. Like me at the gym, you are missing the full benefits of these experiences.  Changing your pace always involves a little more time and in my case, a little more pain, but the end results can be profound.  Today we might want to ponder the words of the psalmist.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Slowing down and shaping up,