Category: Creativity

My Top Books Read in 2025

In 2025, I read 106 books. While some of those books deserve much attention and hoopla, some deserve no mention at all. With that in mind, I’m sharing my list of those I actually recommend…

Fiction

  • The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis 
  • Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis
  • How To Stop Time by Matt Haig 
  • The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
  • The Tenant by Freida McFadden 
  • The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
  • None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
  • Son by Lois Lowry
  • My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Ministry

  • Church for Everyone: Building a Multi-Inclusive Community for Emerging Generations by Dan Kreiss and Efrem Smith
  • Insider Outsider: My Journey as a Stranger in White Evangelicalism and My Hope for Us All by Bryan Loritts
  • In Church As It Is In Heaven: Cultivating a Multiethnic Kingdom Culture by Jamaal E. Williams and Timothy Paul Jones
  • Ethnic Blends: Mixing Diversity into Your Local Church by Mark DeYmaz and Harry Li.
  • Story Shaped Worship: Following Patterns from the Bible and History by Robbie F. Castleman
  • The Color of Church: A Biblical and Practical Paradigm for Multiracial Churches by Rodney M. Woo

Spiritual

  • One Year Bible
  • Get Your Life Back by John Eldridge
  • The Hour that Changes the World: A Practical Plan for Personal Prayer by Dick Eastman
  • New Morning Mercies by David Paul Tripp

Leadership/Growth

  • Hero on a Mission: A Path to a Meaningful Life by Donald Miller
  • David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcom Gladwell
  • Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guildara
  • The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell

Biography

  • When Life Gives You Pears: the Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People by Jeannie Gaffigan

Travel

  • Five Finger Feast: Two Years in Kazakhstan by Tim Suchsland.
  • On the Hippie Trail by Rick Steves

*Image Courtesy of Tom Hermans

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Devotion, Review, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Christmas is a Time for Love Sermon Outline

This sermon outline was the third in Celebration Church’s CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED series. I hope you will find it helpful if you’re planning a Christmas sermon.

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR LOVE

John 1:1-5, 14, 3:16; 1 John 3:16, 4:9-10

  • “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it…So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:1-5, 14)
  • “No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is Himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.” (John 1:18)
  • Jesus, the unique One, full of unfailing love and faithfulness, came to earth on Christmas, to reveal to us all how much the Father loves us. 
  • “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)
  • The announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds was a message of love and hope to all people.
  • “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)
  • No matter how the world may define Christmas, it has always been, first and foremost, about Love.

Christmas Is A Time To:

REMEMBER THAT GOD LOVES US

  • “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
  • Christmas is filled with reminders of God’s generous love for humanity. 
  • For a Child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
  • “But the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord- has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’” (Luke 2:10-11)
  • Jesus’ birth, first proclaimed to humble shepherds, shows that God’s love and the gift of His Son bring hope and peace to all who believe, regardless of status or background. 
  • “Look! The virgin will conceive a Child! She will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)
  • By sending Jesus, God shows that He is not a distant deity but a loving God who wants to be involved in our lives. 
  • “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5)
  • Jesus’ birth is a beacon of unending love and hope which comes with a promise that the darkness will never overcome us. 
  • Question – When was the last time you thanked God for His love for you?

Christmas Is A Time To:

RESPOND TO GOD’S LOVE

  • “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10)
  • Our worship is a natural expression of gratitude for the amazing love that was given to us which is further seen in Jesus’ humble birth. 
  • “Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” (Philippians 2:6-7)
  • “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.” (Romans 12:1)
  • When we worship, we align our hearts with the humility of Jesus, acknowledge His sacrifice, and respond with lives that reflect His love.
  • “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” (Philippians 2:5-7)
  • “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)
  • Christmas is just the beginning of God showing how much He truly loves us.
  • “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)
  • Question: What are some ways we can show our love for God this Christmas season?

Christmas Is A Time To:

SHARE GOD’S LOVE WITH OTHERS

  • Christmas is more than just a festive season; it’s a time for us to reflect on and extend the love we received from the Lord to others.
  • “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)
  • “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)
  • At Christmas, we can follow the example of Jesus by sharing the selfless love of God to others by giving time, help, and encouragement to those around us. 
  • “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)
  • When we show love for one another, others take notice that we are fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. 
  • “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)
  • Question: What are some ways we can show our love for others this Christmas season?
by Categories: Christmas, Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Christmas is a Time for Salvation Sermon

This sermon outline was the second in Celebration Church’s CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED series. I hope you will find it helpful if you’re planning a Christmas sermon.

  • “This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she (Mary) will have a Son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21)
  • The first Christmas was a pivotal moment for Salvation, fulfilling God’s promise to humanity to redeem us.
  • “But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children.” (Galatians 4:4-5)
  • Christmas is the celebration of God’s perfect timing in sending His Son into the world exactly as prophesied, so salvation could be accessible to all. 

Because Jesus Came at Christmas, We Can:

RECEIVE FORGIVENESS FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SIN

  • Every person, despite their best efforts, falls short of God’s standard.
  • “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23)
  • “For ____________ has sinned; ____________ falls short of God’s glorious standard.” (put in your own name here)
  • We are actually the source of most of our own problems. 
  • “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:3)
  • “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
  • C.S. Lewis – “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”
  • Jesus came specifically because we cannot achieve salvation on our own. 
  • “But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9)

Because Jesus Came at Christmas, We Can:

FIND FREEDOM FROM OUR HURTS, HABITS, AND HANGUPS

  • “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.” (Luke 4:18)
  • The story of Christmas is the story of freedom – Jesus was born not to simply live among us, but to liberate us from our deepest struggles. 
  • “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
  • “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • Jesus invites us to bring our hurts, our habits, and our hangups to Him, and He promises to walk alongside us as we journey through our healing and restoration.
  • Christmas is the perfect time to embrace the new life Jesus offers, letting go of the past and stepping into the freedom of His transformative love. 

Because Jesus Came at Christmas, We Can:

EXPERIENCE FULFILLMENT THROUGH CHRIST

  • “The thief’s purpose is to kill and steal and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10)
  • Helping us transform our existence into lives that are meaningful and abundant is at the core of Jesus’ mission.
  • “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (Colossians 2:9-10)
  • The birth of Christ symbolizes the fullness of God wrapped in human skin,  accessible and ready to fill every voice in our hearts. 
  • “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.” (Romans 15:3) 
  • Our trust in God allows us to embrace joy and peace, reshaping our lives with a new perspective and purpose. 

Because Jesus Came at Christmas, We Can:

LIVE FOREVER IN HEAVEN WITH THE LORD

  • “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
  • God’s immense love was manifested in the gift of His Son, born so that all who believe in Him can enjoy eternity with Him.
  • “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14:2-3)
  • Because Jesus was born, lived a perfect life, died to pay the price for our sins, and rose again, we can have an eternal future with Him in Heaven.
  • “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down…we will have a house in Heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
  • Heaven is a place where all of our stress, anxiety, fear, depression, disease, hurt, and agony is replaced by peace, patience, fulfillment, freedom, and joy forever.
  • Our assurance of Heaven should always lift our spirits, reminding us that our earthly existence is simply the beginning of an eternal journey with God. 
  • “He who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:14-17)

“Joseph, son of David… do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she (Mary) will have a Son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)

*Image Courtesy of Jack Chambers

by Categories: Christmas, Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Christmas is a Time for Celebration Sermon

This sermon outline was the first in Celebration Church’s CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED series. I hope you will find it helpful if you’re planning a Christmas sermon.

Luke 2:8-14

Angel – “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” (Luke 2:8-14 NKJV)

  • The announcement of Jesus’ birth is a cause for great joy for all people.
  • Isaac Watts – “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!”
  • Jesus’ birth wasn’t just a message of joy for the privileged or powerful but was intended for all people because God’s love and salvation is available to everyone.
  • “And she will have a Son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
  • The presence of Jesus brings a fullness of joy that is unmatched, a divine companion that transforms our lives forever.
  • “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.” (Psalm 16:11)
  • We should always celebrate the Lord and His goodness, but we should especially do so on Christmas.

Christmas is a Time To:

CELEBRATE THAT GOD LOVES US

  • God’s Love Is Demonstrated to Us Through Jesus’ Birth
  • Jesus – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, NKJV)
  • The Birth of Christ Embodies God’s Love For Us Because Through Jesus we have eternal life, everlasting hope, and life transformation.
  • “God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love-not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10)
  • Christmas is a Celebration of God’s Love for Us Through His Gift of Jesus.
  • “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)
  • Karl Barth – “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
  • Question – How does the realization that God loves you change your perspective of Christmas?

Christmas is a Time To:

CELEBRATE THAT GOD IS WITH US

  • “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)
  • When we understand that Jesus, who is Immanuel, is God dwelling with humanity, it transforms the meaning of Christmas from a historical event to a living reality. 
  • “So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:14)
  • God is not distant from us but is always with us, even in the darkest times and most challenging situations.
  • “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2)
  • Jesus – “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
  • Just as He promises to be with us through deep waters, His presence provides hope and strength during life’s struggles. 
  • Question – “How does the promise of “God being with you” change your perspective of Christmas?

Christmas is a Time To:

CELEBRATE THAT GOD IS FOR US

  • God has great plans for our lives and they are always good.
  • “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
  • “This is what the Lord says: ‘You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.” (Jeremiah 29:10b)
  • God’s presence means we have His support, guidance, and love no matter what challenges we may be facing.
  • “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
  • Even in trying times, we can live in the confidence and peace that comes from knowing that the Creator of the Universe is on our side. 
  • Question – How does knowing that God is for you change your perspective on Christmas?
  • “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (Psalm 118:6)

Because God loves us, we are wanted.

Because God is with us, we are never abandoned.

Because God is for us, our future is secured.

* Image courtesy of Tomos Tokos

•• Summary quote courtesy of Dr. Page Brooks catching

by Categories: Christmas, Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Good Friday

The Crucifixion

Scripture – The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They dressed Him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on His head. Then they saluted Him and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they struck Him on the head with a reed stick, spit on Him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him again. Then they led Him away to be crucified. 

And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). Then the soldiers nailed Him to the cross. They divided His clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece. It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified Him… At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have You abandoned Me?”  Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed His last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. When the Roman officer who stood facing Him saw how He had died, He exclaimed, “This Man truly was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:16-20, 22, 24-25, 33, 37-39)

Today is Good Friday. Over the years, this day has been called Holy Friday, Mourning Friday, High Friday, Silent Friday, and even Sorrowful Friday. The Danish are known to call it Long Friday, which is a suitable name for the day when Jesus spent multiple hours undergoing a mockery of a trial, merciless beatings, crucifixion, and death. 

At the time, crucifixion was the type of execution reserved for serious criminals and slaves. Jesus, the Son of God, was flogged with a lead-tipped whip and forced to carry the very cross He would die upon. Upon His head was a crown of thorns meant to humiliate Him further while inflicting further pain. On the hill where He would die, the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross and lifted Him up between two thieves. For six hours, Jesus bled and struggled to breathe as the crowds mocked Him. Halfway through His agony, sometime around noon, the sky grew dark. Before He died, Jesus cried out, “Father, in Your hands I commend My Spirit,” and then, He died. 

Yes, it was certainly a long Friday. The Holy Son of God had been lifted up high on the cross so all could see His death. His followers mourned, and His mother was obviously sorrowful. Even though the crowd was loud, there were certainly times of silence, for many, there was nothing more to say. What’s so good about this Friday when Jesus suffered for hours and finally died on a cross? 

Everything. The price was paid. Redemption had been won. 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your sacrifice that paid the price for my sins. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Follow-up Activity: Read Mark 15 on your own or with your family and then write a prayer to the Lord, thanking Him for the price He paid for our salvation.

*Image Courtesy of Ismael Paramo

**This devotion is a part of RENEWED, a Holy Week Devotional by Celebration Church available for free download at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library.

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Devotion, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Maundy Thursday

Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

Scripture – He (Jesus) got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him… After washing their feet, He put on His robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you… So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John 13:4-5, 12-15, 34)

Maundy Thursday. It’s a strange name for the day when the disciples had their last evening with Jesus – the day before He was arrested, beaten, and crucified. The word “maundy” comes from the Latin word “command” or “mandate.” It was on this day that Jesus commanded His disciples not to fight with Him to the death but to love one another as He had loved them. His command would lead them to a whole new way of living filled with love, unity, and forgiveness. 

Prior to speaking these words, Jesus knelt down to wash His disciples’ feet, a model of love for the disciples that they were not expecting. For the sandal-wearing disciples, foot washing was a common practice, but washing the dirt from another person’s feet was something else altogether. It was a task reserved for the lowest-ranking servants. In a household without slaves, everyone was expected to wash their own feet. And yet, Jesus willingly dropped to His knees to wash the feet of His disciples, who were probably shocked and even embarrassed by Jesus’ act of humility and service.    

The love Jesus wanted His disciples to have for one another was radical. That is why He felt the need to command them to love each other. In fact, Jesus said this type of love would be the sign that a person was truly His disciple. More than being known for its correct theology, great music, phenomenal preaching, or online platform, the church should be known as a community where love is felt by everyone.   

Prayer: Lord, on this Maundy Thursday, help us embody the love You showed in service and sacrifice. As we grow closer to You, help us grow closer to one another, all the while with kindness and compassion in our hearts. Guide us to follow Your example, and may our love reflect Your own across this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Followup Activity: In your journal or on a piece of paper, make a list of 3-5 people you find difficult to love. Then, beside each name, write a simple way you could show them love today. From your list, choose one person to whom you can show kindness today. If you are leading your family through this devotion, guide each family member to complete the same exercise.

*Photo courtesy of Agustin Fernandez

**This devotion is a part of RENEWED, a Holy Week Devotional from Celebration Church in New Orleans. This 8-Day Devotional is available for free download at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Devotion, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

“Jingle Bell Joy” Kid’s Christmas Object Lesson

Props Needed: Hand held jingle bells

(Gather kids around you, dialogue with them about what they want for Christmas, then move into the children’s sermon).

What kinds of sounds do you hear at Christmas? 

(listen for answers – they might say Christmas music, singing, shopping, traffic, etc…) 

I have one more sound for you to hear. 

(Pull your jingle bells out from a bag and ring it loudly)

These are jingle bells. What does it make you think of when you hear them ring? 

(Let one or two of the children answer) 

Some people think of the song, “Jingle bells.” Other people think of horses pulling sleighs through the snow. Other people think of Santa’s reindeer. All of these things are happy sounds for many people. 

Do you know what makes the sound of a jingle bell? There’s a small ball on the inside of this jingle bell and hits against the sides of the metal bell causing the sound. 

And what causes the bell to make the sound? (when it’s shaken).

So the sound is caused by something on the outside (the shaking) but it’s made by something on the inside (the ball). 

Even at a happy time like Christmas, life can sometimes shake us up. This happens when someone is mean to us or if we don’t get something we really want. Sometimes it might happen if we have to move from a house we really like or if we lose someone who is really close to us. 

One group of people who were shaken in the Bible were the shepherds. They were out in the fields in the middle of the night when an angel appeared to them and really scared them a lot. They were probably shaking with fear. But the Bible says that “the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people!’” (Luke 2:10)

What was the good news they were talking about? 

(Wait for a couple of answers) 

That’s right, the angel was talking about Jesus being born. That’s the best news anyone could ever hear because the Bible says Jesus “would save His people from their sins.” That’s a good reason for us to have joy, isn’t it?

Even now, when our lives are shaken, we may feel bad and quiet, but if we know Jesus, we can still ring with joy because Jesus lives inside us! 

Let me pray with you before you go back to your seats… 

(Depending on the kids, you may choose to have them pray with you or have one of them pray. After praying, send them back to their seats.)

by Categories: Christmas, Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

“Like”

Are you ever confused by the texting “like” function?

I am.  

Sometimes it means the text is “liked” but often it is just an acknowledgement of what has been sent. 

A few months ago, I texted “I think I have Covid” to a friend (or former friend). He clicked like. 

😑 I guess I should be glad he didn’t click “love” which is a thing now.

I guess someone “loves” a text if they either truly “love” it, really “like” it, “like” it more than a regular “like,” or are overly emotional in general about acknowledging text messages.

Both “like” and “love” functions do quickly express emotions. However, if we’re all honest here, sometimes a “like” is just a short, curt answer meaning, “Ok, thanks, now shut up?”

“Likes” seem to have become a thing on social media. Society, even pastors and church leaders, seem bound by the approval generated by “likes.” On Facebook, the “like” is a thumbs up, on Instagram and TikTok, it’s a heart. Maybe it should be called “Insecuritygram.” 

My love language is “Words of Affirmation.” I admit that I smile when I see my posts being “liked,” especially by lots of people. I love seeing hearts and thumbs up emojis. Just like the rest of the world, I post and then check my posts to see how many people “like” what I’ve said. On the outside, I’m nodding my approval of their approval of my words. On the inside, I’m screaming, “They like me, they really, really like me!”

What we often don’t realize is that chasing after “likes” can be so devastating to our own self worth. We don’t realize that we’re setting ourselves up to be disappointed. 

Louie Giglio writes, “If we live for people’s approval, we will die by their rejection.” 

I think he’s right. If it would have been a social media post or text, I would have liked it. 

👍❤️

*Image courtesy of Jackson Sophat

by Categories: Creativity, Humorous, Response, Review, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Night of Worship Outline based on Ephesians 3:14-21

Opening Worship Set and Prayer

  • Song
  • Song
  • Prayer – Inviting the presence of the Holy Spirit to lead us as we worship together 

Empowering Section (When we pray, God empowers us through His Holy Spirit)

  • Song – Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here  
  • Scripture and Sharing – “When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit.” (Ephesians 3:14-16)
  • Prayer – Asking God to continue empowering us through His Holy Spirit

Understanding Section (When we pray, God gives us glimpses of His infinite love)

  • Song – How He Loves, Reckless Love, Goodness of God
  • Scripture – “Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.” (Ephesians 3:17-18)
  • Prayer – Asking God to help us understand His love for us and for the world.

Experiencing Section (When we pray, we experience the love of Jesus and the power of God in our lives)

  • Song – Same God
    • Scripture – “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God”. (Ephesians 3:19)
  • Prayer – Asking God to allow us to experience His love and power.

Accomplishing Section (When we pray, God allows us to see Him accomplish more than we can ever imagine)

  • Song – I Speak Jesus
  • Scripture – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
  • Prayer – Asking God to continue to accomplish more than we can ask or think in our lives, our families, our church, and our country. 

Closing – Encourage the people to keep on praying because God can do miracles. 

Upbeat Closing Song

*Photo courtesy of Ben White

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Devotion, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , Leave a comment

55 and up

So, I recently turned 55, the legal speed limit in many areas. 

To celebrate, I decided to buy two new pairs of Levi’s, the jeans of my youth. However, my high school Levi’s were 501’s with the button fly. At my current age, that sounded dangerous somehow. So since I’m 55, I searched for Levi’s 550’s. Doing so seemed easier than researching the meanings of the jean numbers.

Buying “new” jeans at my age means a visit to my favorite thrift store which gives an even further discount to customers 55 and up (hence, my favorite). To my surprise, the first pair of jeans on the rack were Levi’s 550’s in my size. I know what you’re thinking. How could the jeans be “new” if I purchased them from a thrift store? I’m cheap, ok? Shut up.

However, there was only one pair of 550’s at the thrift store, so I went to a department store in search of a bargain. To protect the store’s identity, let’s call them J.C. Dollar’s. 

Once inside, I headed straight for the 80% off racks. I knew exactly how to find them because I’m old. You might be familiar with the discount racks at J.C.’s – they give a “discounted” price on long sleeve flannel shirts and woolen coats to customers in southern Louisiana in June. However, I also found a pair of Levi’s 550’s on the rack identical to my thrift store find. I say “Identical” meaning they were both blue. 

After trying them on, I walked to the counter with my 80% off discounted jeans. The clerk scanned my jeans and said, “With tax, that will be $32.57.” 

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said as if I should be apologizing. “But those were on the 80% off rack.”

“Yes,” she replied, “Those jeans were originally $85.”

“$85?!” I gasped. “That’s a lot for jeans!”

“Yes, Sir,” she smirked as if I had just offered to pay with S & H green stamps. “Jeans have gone up in price, uh, recently.” 

“Wait a minute,” I said. “If these jeans are 80% off of $85, wouldn’t they be $17 before tax?”

“Sir,” she replied with a look that said shut up and pay, “Those jeans were on the wrong rack. They are discounted but not a full 80%. Now, there’s a line, so tell me, do you still want them?”

“Yes,” I answered in the voice of someone who has a stack of AARP invitation letters next to his chair, “But it’s entirely unheard of!”

Anyway, I’m headed back to the thrift store next week. Here’s to being 55 and up.

*Photo courtesy of Ashkan Forouzani

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Humorous, Response, Review, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , Leave a comment