Sermon Audio from this Morning

The sermon this morning discusses the question, Does God throw us away if we are bad?

Click here to listen:

Sermon 6-30-19 The Four Falls of Peter

from my friend Dave

Dave is one of my good buddies.  We often exchange jokes and puns.  But he sent me this picture which speaks volumes and speaks for itself.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours

No Whiring

I stayed at this hotel in Virginia Beach a month or so ago.  It is on the beach and in an area where there are lots of people on vacation with kids.  When I was leaving the hotel, I saw this sign.

No Whiring

I wondered what it meant.  Whiring must be something that teenage kids do.  Maybe it is some sort of dangerous activity.

I kept looking at the sign and trying to figure it out.  Then I realized what the problem was.  I was the problem.  I was looking at the sign completely wrong.  It wasn't no whiring, the sign said, now hiring.

Ahhhhhhh!!!

Sometimes we look at a thing and think we get it.  We think we are right.  We think we are all over the situation.  But we are wrong. 

There is always another perspective.  Look for it.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

great sign

I was driving thru Taunton, Mass a few weeks ago and I saw this banner hanging on a lovely church.  I wanted to stop and take a picture, but the traffic was busy, I did not know the area, and I had a meeting to get to in Kingston.

I determined to get a picture of the banner on the way home.
Unfortunately, my GPS took me a different direction.

I decided to do some investigating.  With the help of Google maps I was able to locate the church that I thought was the correct one.  First Parish Church, Taunton, Mass. 

I sent an email to the church office.  I received a delightful word back from Lindi in the church office confirming that this was their banner.

Now I overstepped my bounds.  I wrote back and asked Lindi if she would send me a picture of the banner.  SHE DID!!!  I was so excited to get the picture!  Thank you Lindi, and thank you First Parish Church for the awesome message on your banner.  I love it!!!

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

more on revival...

My Pastor friend Michael Barclay sent in these comments. I wanted to share them with you...

"I remember those days of “revival” services for a week. Lots of emotional singing (which I love to sing and play drums in a contemporary setting), everyone getting worked up to a frenzy to change those sinners minds. Those emotions lasted for a few steps out the church door and then I was left wondering is this all there is? Sure, an emotionally charged experience with the Holy Spirit is welcome and good, but its the 99% of the rest of our lives where we experience God’s reviving presence by loving, accepting,and  forgiving consistently, that will fill our churches and communities with all types of people, but centered on the one purpose that truly matters — connecting others to the pure love of a loving God."

Well said my friend!

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

leadership stops the drift

I was once out on a large lake with my friend Mark on his catamaran. The wind died. We sat motionless for hours, with no wind to propel us, we drifted on the lake and cooked in the sun.

Drifting is frustrating when you know that we should be going somewhere.

Leonard Sweet, in his book Summoned to Lead writes:

“Great people are not the whole of life, but they are the condition of all the rest; if it were not for the big people, the little ones could scarcely live….In the East where the desert touches a river valley or oasis, the sand is in a continual state of drift from the wind…which is the real cause of the barrenness of such portions of the desert…But set down a rock on the sand, and see the difference its presence makes. After a few showers, to the leeward side of the rock some blades will spring up; if you have patience, you will see in time a garden. How has the boulder produced this? Simply by arresting the drift."

We have all felt at times that something took the wind out of our sails.  In such moments, a family, an organization, a church needs a rock.  Someone who can arrest the drift.  Don't wait for someone else to rise to the occasion.  You are the person that can chart a course and point the way.  Don't be afraid to lead.  A great breeze may begin with a small puff, but with continued pressure, the wind will move the boat.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

thoughts on the church

My friend Adam asked me to write a bit about the church.  How can we restore hope to people who have lost faith in the church?

Well, friends, the church needs to change.  I know this is a generalization, because there are many churches that "get it," but in general, the church needs to change.

The church needs to stop the judgment immediately.
The church needs to stop hiding behind false piety.
The church needs to help leaders be effective or remove them.
The church needs less doctrine and more grace.
The church needs to stop behaving in a top down manner.
The church needs to focus less on worshiping Jesus and more on following him.
The church needs to exchange smug arrogance for gracious humility.
The church needs to stop working so hard on self-preservation.
The church needs to talk less and listen more.
The church needs to welcome and include everyone.
It is time to love.  It is time for kindness.

The good news about these negative statements is that the church can do it.  One person at a time, the church can change.  We can leave our practices and habits of the past and simply wake up every day and value people.  That is what Jesus did.  It's not too late.  Love is still the answer.  May we all take up love, one person, one day, one moment at a time.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

the less I know

I was watching a movie the other day and one character said to another, "the older I get, the less I know."

I resemble this.  Although I am not old, I am older than I was.  As the weeks and months go by, I find that I remember less and forget more.  Lists used to be optional, now they are mandatory.

I have also lost part of my incentive to take on and change the world.  When I was young, I had a lot of tools in my toolbox and I could not wait to launch them on the church world.  I was a voracious reader.  These days, my tools look like they belong to an old carpenter and I am not reading much.

What I am doing is living one day at a time.  No pressure, no worries.  While part of me feels disengaged from what were my life dreams, I am enjoying life in ways that I never have before.

Yes the older I get the less I know.  But the older I get the more relaxed I am in and with life.  That is a good thing.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

revival

The other day I was listening to a talk show on the radio and music from a Christian station bled over. A song was playing, the lyrics were, "Oh God we pray for revival."

It got me to thinking about how in my younger days, well meaning youth leaders would get us all worked up to pray for revival. Revival to us then, and to many still today looks like this...
- the churches are filled to overflowing
- everyone is raising their hands and singing emotionally
- we all agree on everything and are on the same page
- do one has doubts, no one has questions
- pastors and churches are revered again
- America is restored to a "Christian" country.

Today when I think about revival, I don't think of full churches or lots of emotional singing. I don't think of everyone agreeing on social issues.

What I do think of is an attitude of the heart in Christians, where pastors and churches don't feel the need to be revered again. Humility reigns in the church and in church leaders. In a real revival, we won't all agree, but we will stop arguing about little things that don't matter.

In a real revival people's hearts are turned to others in love. Full churches, filled with emotional singing is nothing without love.

Jesus said, "A new commandment I give you, love one another." When did we start thinking that Christianity was about anything else?

Oh God we pray for a revival where people will simply find and live a life of love.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

prayer

My friend Lori sent this in...

Just over 2 years ago, my brother in law David went to his heavenly home after a battle with ALS. David wrote this prayer and it was read by his son at his funeral. It was so striking that I asked for a copy. I was going to read it for our Cancer Connection Sunday. I thought you might appreciate it.

PRAYER FROM DAVID R....

Lord, wherever you call me, let me walk in service to you.

If I lose my legs, let my hands do your will.

If I lose my hands, let my tongue speak your words.

If I lose my tongue, let my smile spread your joy.

If I lose my smile, let my eyes shine with your presence.

And when I close my eyes, let my soul hold on to your love forever.


I thought it too beautiful not to share.
Love and blessings,
Lori

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.

Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

at the root of it all

Never trust an atom.... they make up everything.

That is a joke, but at the root of all matter are atoms.

What is at the root of Christianity?  Is it our opinion on the second coming?  Is it our doctrine of communion?  Is it our opinion on capital punishment?  Baptism?  Preferred styles of worship?

Ridiculous.

I suggest to you that the root of all Christianity, the molecular base of it all is love.
So now lets chase that a little bit. 

What is the root of love?  What is the atomic molecular root of love?  I suggest to you that it is kindness. 

If we have not love, we have nothing.
If we have not kindness, we have not love.

What if we measured every thought, every action, every everything, by kindness.
Kindness is likely the base root, molecular level of love.

Send kindness every day, in every way that you can.
Kindness is the root of everything.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

I wanted to be him

When I was a kid, there was a kid in my class that I wanted to be.  He had a cool name.  He had cool parents.  He was a great baseball player.  He was good looking.  He was popular.

Years later, his mom asked me to go visit him.  He was strung out on drugs.  He died before he was 30.

Looking back on all of that, I am glad that I wasn't him.  What a sad ending to a life.

Reflecting on this story I guess I would say to myself and anyone else who wishes they were like someone else:  just be you.  Be the best you that you can be.  Sure there are parts of you that seem to be less than someone else, but there are parts of you that are awesome.  Accept the gift that you are.  Become comfortable in your skin. 

I don't think that we can love others if we do not cherish the gift that God has made us.

You are good.  You are great!  You are awesome.  Be filled with love and joy.  Go share it!

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Absorbing Pain Part 2

Not all pain is to be absorbed.  You don't have to be a doormat.  You don't have to let that person talk to you that way.  You don't have to suffer with their anger.

Sometimes it is ok, sometimes it is Christian to stand up for one's self.  You have a right to protect yourself from abusive behavior.

Having said that, let us be sure not to deliver pain to others, even if they have delivered pain to us.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....


Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours

Absorbing Pain Part One

As a general rule we humans are better at delivering pain than not delivering pain. We just don't like pain.

Regarding forgiveness, Tim Keller wrote: There is another way to act, however. You can forgive. Forgiveness means refusing to make them pay for what they did. However, to refrain from lashing out at someone when you want to do so with all your being is agony. It is a form of suffering You are absorbing the debt, taking the cost of it completely on yourself instead of taking it out on the other person. It hurts terribly. Many people would say it feels like a kind of death. Yes, but it is a death that leads to resurrection instead of the life long living death of bitterness and cynicism. You are not giving it any fuel and so the resentment burns lower and lower.

Parker Palmer wrote: The cross says, “The pain stops here.” The way of the cross is a way of absorbing pain, not passing it on, a way that transforms pain from destructive impulse into creative power. When Jesus accepted the cross, his death opened up a channel for the redeeming power of love.

Absorbing pain is a skill that most all of us need to work on.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....


Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours

Don't behave like this God

Over the years I have changed how I see God.  But many people still believe in an angry vindictive God.  Many preachers still preach an angry vindictive God.  Sure there are scriptures to support such a view, but there are also scriptures to support the picture of a loving God.

Here is the guts of what some believe and teach about the angry vindictive God:
1.  God has been done wrong.  He holds a grudge.  He keeps a record of wrongs.
2.  God must be satisfied.  It is impossible that he should absorb pain, instead he demands to be made whole.
3.  God is going to kill us for our sin.  But instead he kills, tortures and slaughters Jesus.  God is a murderer.
4.  After the killing of Jesus, our angry vindictive God is happy again.

Here is the point of this blog post.  If you believe in the God as described above, you believe in a god that we are not supposed to follow.  Here is what I mean.

In this life we are not supposed to focus on how we have been done wrong.  We are not to hold a grudge.  We are not to be vindictive.  1 Corinthians 13 tells us to not keep a record of wrongs.  We are not to demand to be satisfied.  If we follow Jesus, we will learn to absorb pain, not deliver it.  We are not to kill.  Thou shall not kill.  We don't believe in torture or murder.  We need to seek happiness whether life has gone our way or not.

Think about how you believe in God.  We cannot duplicate the behaviors of the angry, vindictive God, in fact if we did we would be in jail.  I want to follow a God that I can actually emulate.

Maybe it is time to believe in a God that is truly Godly.  A God of love and grace.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours 

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours 

First Watch Todd

Todd works at the First Watch on 40 highway in Independence.  He has been a staple there, a fixture there for a number of years.

I don't know if Todd goes to church.  I don't know that he and I have ever talked about God.  But I do know this, Todd does the work of Jesus.

Todd does more than take orders and bring food.  Todd touches you.  He shakes your hand, he put his hand on your shoulder.  He gives hugs.  He looks you in the eye.  He calls you by name.  He asks how you are doing.  He cares and you can sense that.

My friend Donna eats breakfast out with friends once a week.  They always sit in Todd's section.  He has learned the ladies names and asks about them when one of them is missing.  They have all exchanged phone numbers just in case any of the ladies ever need his help.

First Watch is usually busy.  Part of that is because of Todd.   Our churches need more Todds.  The world needs more Todds.

Do you and I care about others?  Can the others tell?

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours 

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours 

old

From time to time [like my Delorean] from time to time I write about being old.  Several of you, many of you write in to say, to insist that I am not old.

I was talking to my friends the other day at annual conference and I realized that I have misspoken.

I don't mean that I am old.  What I mean is "man this life is going by quickly!"

And it is going by quickly.  We are not promised tomorrow.  So let's seize the day.  Let's make the most of our opportunities!!!

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours 

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours 

Nocturnal Fear

I hate to share this with you.  I don’t want anyone else to experience this.  But I have a couple of fears.  Nighttime fears.

So here is the story.

At our home in Florida we have a cat door.  No cats anymore, but a cat door so that they could go out onto the deck.  We also have full lite French doors.  They have glass from top to bottom.

Here is the fear.

True story, a python came in thru the cat door and ate a guys dog.

True story an alligator broke thru a full length window and entered a woman's kitchen.

It can happen.

And so, sometimes at night I worry that there is a python on the deck.  I am going to wake up with this big snake head sniffing me and getting ready to pounce.

Or the other possibility, I wake up to a crashing sound.  I step out to look and a gator is in the

kitchen.  He looks at me and he thinks that I look like lunch.  He starts to chase me.

And I pray to God to sleep.

These fears may sound funny, but not if you live in Florida.  I think that I am going to put up a metal kick plate across the French doors.  I think that I am going to board up the cat door.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours 

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours 

What I taught my kids

Sometimes I want to kick myself for what I taught my kids.  I did the best that I could.  I did what I thought was right.  But sometimes I wish I had done differently.  I will certainly do so for my grandchildren [that is if my kids ever get to work and provide me one or two or fifteen.]

Specifically, one thing that I wish I had done differently was to teach them about God and salvation.  What I taught my kids was this:  We are sinners, God is mad, God must be satisfied, so God killed Jesus to cover our sins.  If you believe this, then now you are in and everything is ok.

What this really sounds like is this…. God is vindictive.  God is pouting.  God demands a sacrifice.  God demands retribution.  [If this is your God, we have created a god that sounds very human and not so Godly.]

Here is what I wish I had taught my children, and what I intend to pass on to my grandchildren, [if I ever get any.]  “God loves you.  You are ok.  You are good.  God loves you just the way that you are.  You can give your life to him with joy.  God is love.  Follow the love.  Let your life be filled with love.

And to you my blog reader, let go of the God that is mad at you.  Embrace the God who made the world and loves you.  If our focus is on sin and retribution, we will always live in fear, a bit behind the eight ball.  But if we focus on God’s love, oh what joy can fill our hearts.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.

Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours 

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours 

Nothing to say

The other day Pastor Tim confirmed that I am on to preach on June 30 at Ft. Pierce First UMC. Last night I dreamed that I was sitting in the congregation and it was time for the sermon. Greg stood up and said, “Jeff are you coming to deliver the message?” Oh, yes, I thought, I am supposed to do that.

I got up to the front. I picked up the Bible. I had no idea what to say.
Here it is, time for the sermon, and I had no idea what to say. I felt so silly, so foolish.

Then I woke up. Just a dream. Thank God.

This is a real fear for preachers though. What if I don’t know what to say? What if what I have to say is not helpful? What if the people that I hope to inspire are repelled instead by my words?

Please tell your preacher that you appreciate his or her work on sermons. There is nothing more frightening than having to get up every Sunday and say something, something inspirational. It is a huge pressure.

In the front of my Bible there is a prayer, “Lord fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff and stop me when I’ve said enough.”

I don’t know what the sermon will be on June 30 [I’ve been thinking about Peter] I don’t know what it will be about, but with God’s help I hope to have something ready.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours 

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours 

relevant and normal

That preacher is weird!!!

When I was in seminary, my favorite professor, Bob Tuttle used to talk about the importance of being relevant and normal.  Kids and pets are the utmost test.  When you go to visit someone, if their kids like you, if their pets like you, then you are probably going to win that family to the church.  If the kids aren't drawn to you, if the pets shy away, then this family is going over to the Presbyterians.

Relevant and normal isn't just for preachers.  Anyone that seeks to reach others, anyone who seeks to make lasting contacts and healthy relationships, needs to think about relevant and normal.

Relevant and normal means that we talk about the things that people talk about.  We never talk over them.  We let them in.  We let them see our cracks, our warts, our brokenness.  We look them in the eye, we draw close.  We seek to walk the path of this life with them, side by side.

Who are you walking with in this life?

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours 

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours 

making the simple beautiful

A friend told me the other day that the blog helps her to see the simple things of life as beautiful.

That made me happy.

So often we focus on the big news, the loud news, and the painful news.  When all around us are seemingly small but amazing things.

A budding flower.  Baby peacocks.  The voice of a friend.  A smile and a nod.  A hug.  The ability to see.  To think.  To learn.  To forgive.  All seemingly small things but when we look and really see them, oh how beautiful they are.

Help the small things to become big and beautiful in your life.
People will want to hang around with you.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours 

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours 

first thought

I woke up the other day and the first thought on my mind was this:

"Thank you."
God thank you for waking me up.
Thank you for the gift of this day.

I felt fortunate that this was my first thought of the day.  It is a good one.  May we all wake to the thought of "Thank you" in our hearts.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours 

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20092520a17768#eotours 

trips

If you read this blog, you know that I have been leading trips for a number of years.

I am going to take a moment in this blog post to announce upcoming trips for 2020.

This is our ship the Amalyra

First it is not too late to sign up for the Paris/Normandy River Cruise this October 2019
Here is the link to that trip:

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Sunrise on the Sea of Galilee

In January of 2020, providing enough people sign up, I will be leading another journey to the Holy Land.  These are always fantastic opportunities to experience the lands of Jesus.
Here is the link to the Holy Land trip...

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/HL20A-2.pdf

Blarney Castle

Ireland.  Although a bunch of us went to Ireland in the fall of 2018, there is a group from Florida that really want to go.  I loved the Ireland trip, this itinerary is much the same, but includes some new sites as well.  Here is the link to that trip.

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Library at Ephesus

I am also looking at a Mediterranean Bible Lands cruise in October.  I am going to need a room mate.  Any takers?

Lands of the Bible Cruise
Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and the Holy Land
October 24-November 6, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pf20102420r#.XPTXXYhKhPY



Let me know if you have any questions.
Have a wonderful day!

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

mourning a loss

A friend wrote in about morning a loss.

I think that as we grow older, we collect more losses.  Losing friends and loved ones.  Changes in our appearance.  Limited abilities.  Random changes.  Things are out of our control.

There are losses to mourn.

I think it is important to give yourself time and space to mourn.  Experts say the big ones can take a couple of years. 

In my experience, there are two worst times of grieving that I can put my finger on.  One took 18 months to move thru, the second took 30 months.  The worst thing about both of these grief experiences for me is that they were a surprise, I did not see them coming.

Anyway to my friend who is grieving, I hug you from afar.  And to all who grieve, give yourself some time and space.  It is normal to hurt.

Remember that the grief is a sign of how much we loved.  Loved that time, that sport, that job, that person.  Remember the good.  Savor the good.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/HL20A-2.pdf

controlling negative thoughts

My friend Donna wrote to me and said,  "I think it’s important to limit the private, negative conversations we have inside our heads. Listen to the words used to describe our thoughts and feelings. Be aware that these conversations can have a huge impact on not only the way we feel but also eventually on what we do."

Her comments reminded me of 2 Corinthians 10:5 where Paul wrote, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ"

And I focus on the phrase, bringing into captivity every thought. We can control our thoughts. We can control what we think about. We don't have to let our brains run wild.

It is a tremendous gift that we can only think of one thing at a time. Next time your mind gets stuck on that old wound, or your worries, think of something else. Think of kittens. Count sheep.  Think of a friend that loves you.  I have on many occasions over the years, when my brain was stuck in a bad place, gone to a movie to get my mind in a different place.

Negative thoughts will come. Don't get stuck there. Don't let them roost.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to kick out the negative thoughts so that you can see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/HL20A-2.pdf

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

not alone

I received a nice compliment at church on Sunday from a friend who said, "I like to read your blog, it makes me feel that I am not the only one."

I have had such thoughts many times.  Am I the only one that thinks like this?  Am I the only one that feels this way?

Then I read some author and they are saying, what I have been thinking, or they put into words something that I was having trouble articulating.

Anyway, we are all in this together.  We all at one time or another struggle with thoughts, struggle with feelings and look for a way to make sense of life.

The fact that we are together on this journey of life and discovery brings me much comfort.  It is ok to think what you are thinking.  It is ok to feel what you are feeling.  I am not alone.  You are not alone.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/HL20A-2.pdf

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

Prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola

"Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will.  All that I am and all that I possess You have given me:  I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will.  Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more."    St. Ignatius of Loyola

I think of this prayer from time to time.  It grounds me, it centers me.  Let's read it again, slowly...

"Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will.  All that I am and all that I possess You have given me:  I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will.  Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more." 

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/HL20A-2.pdf

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

control

It is not always going to go my way.
But I want it to go my way!

I am not always in charge.
But I want to be in charge!

I may be in charge, but it still is not going my way!

Oh woe is me, for life is not lining up to suit me.

- - - - -

Sometimes my friends, we have to fall into life and enjoy it for what it is.  We can't change everything to our  liking.  Right or wrong, there are things that are going to be a part of our lives that don't meet our expectations.

We may prefer something different, but we need to focus on what faces us in reality.  There is a lot of good around us.  3 things are not the way I want them to be,  97 things are amazing.

Don't focus on the 3, focus on the 97.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/HL20A-2.pdf

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/ir20a.pdf

sermon from May 26 Memorial Day - how will you be remembered?

here is the link to a sermon that I gave at White City UMC in Ft Pierce on Sunday May 26th

click here to listen to the sermon

adjusting to life

On making adjustments in life.

Sometimes things change. Sometimes we don’t like the particular change.

I remember running down a fly ball from left field when I was 28 years old, no one thought I could get there but I did. Now I’m 62 years old and I will never play the outfield again.

I remember being able to go sit at my parents table and feel at home. They’re both gone now and I will never be able to do that again.

I remember leading churches- usually in positive ways. Now it appears that those days are over for me.

Changes come and adjustments need to be made. We can be angry that we can’t fix a thing. We can be frustrated that we can’t fix a thing.  We can spend the rest of our lives being miserable because we’re divorced or we lost that job, or something is not as we would wish.

We can sulk, we can be mad, or we can get up in the morning and ask God, what is the good? God please help me find it.

We can take our broken knees our broken plans our broken dreams and make life good for someone again.  This is done one step at a time, one moment at a time. And friends when you think about life,  that’s all we were ever asked to do.  One person, one moment, one step at a time.

Adjusting is not easy, but there is good here too.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/HL20A-2.pdf

ego

There is something that is messing up my life and it is me.  Me, my ego, I am the problem.  So are you to you.

If we could just learn to separate ourselves from our ego for a bit.  If we could just set aside for a bit "what we want," oh, what might arise in its place?

Set all of the me aside.  What rises to the top?

I believe that inside most of us is a goodness and a joy. When we get our ego, our self out of the way, a joy and a peace can float to the top.

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8:35

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com

- - - - - - - -

I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020 $2998 from New York
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/HL20A-2.pdf