The joy of study

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When I  work on sermons, I will spend hours working on proper wording and flow.  There will be time to add illustrations and relevant personal application.  But first of all, I want to understand what was actually being said by the original biblical author.  Which also can take hours!

In a post modern world, what was intended by the original author is often considered secondary.  Current interpretation of literature is the following:  what the author wrote about is irrelevant or at most secondary — what is really important is what you get out of this, what you find and how you interpret what is written.  Your ideas do not have to concur with the original author.  As a matter of fact, you can be completely contrary to the original authors intent.

So, we can read the Apostle’s creed and interpret it to mean what we feel in our hearts – which can be totally different than the original crafters had intended.  With a clear conscience two religious people can say they agree with the Apostle’s creed and yet believe totally different things (a little rant there  on ecumenical ministerials!).

Now, I prefer to give respect to the original authors.  I’m not so caught up on my own personal feelings that I want to disregard what has been said.  If I disagree, I’ll say so.   Nicely, but . . .

Therefore, back to the first paragraph.  I think the most important part of sermon writing is not checking out psychology or sociology or demographics or marketing – although we should not disregard their discoveries.  The most important part is to understand what the biblical author, under the inspiration of God, was actually saying.  That’s hard work . . . tonight I’m working on the first letter Peter wrote!  Been at it for awhile.  And I sense I’ll be at for awhile longer!!

Playing with kids

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Over the past three weeks I’ve come to appreciate being with the younger generation.  I wish there was another term – that sounds like I’m looking down on them.

Far from it!  I appreciate their energy and strength.  They overflow with creativity.  And they have this “truth meter” that catches you every time you stretch the truth a bit.

So, tonight I head out to our AWANA club.  I work with Grades three and four kids.  We’ll try doing some memorizing, play games, drink juice and eat cookies, hear a talk on God and then head home.  I’ll be tired, but that can be a good tired.

In the midst of my father’s funeral preparations, this was one diversion that I gladly accepted.  So, as I brush my teeth and step out the door, I’m looking forward to this once again!!

If you can’t say something good . . .

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There are moments where things are less than the best. 

At those times I find myself torn between speaking negatively in self-pity, or speaking with unrealistic optimism.  The thin line in between is where empathy and sympathy grow as others hear of trials in your life, but recognize that you are not trying to create pity or live in denial but rather finding place for others to “minister” to you.

All that to say that I met today with various groups and individuals who heard of my “no good, very bad day”and prayed for me, and provided support and took some of the things that need to be done, and will do them.  Hopefully I have not verged into self-pity or painted an unrealistically optimistic picture of life.  My prayer is that we find that knife edge so that ministry can happen!  And may I also find others for whom I can be a minister!

A bit of football

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Kindersley Kobras (high school team) were playing yesterday.  I took in most of the game.  Four years ago I also attended a few games.  This is a new team, and they are in the rebuilding process.  But what a difference from four years ago.  There are more players, younger players as well as seasoned, and a feeling that they could win games.  Take a look at the team.  This is championship material!!

Kindersley Kobras Sept 18, 2009