Author: Ron Baker

Tomorrow I’ll lead the devotional time in our local ministerial meeting.

We are moving towards spending more time in prayer and sharing.  The idea is to be open to others in our weaknesses as well as strengths.

The anchor for my discussion will be found in the book “Philippians”.  The fourth chapter of this book has a statement that “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  Most people that have reviewed this verse point out the fact that we can stand with Jesus alone. 

For some over the centuries this has meant extremes — being a hermit, not being open others, or perhaps worse — isolating yourself from everyone.  I was pleasantly surprised in my rereading of this chapter that the opposite is true. 

Paul, the author, talks about how the Philippians have been of help to him — when they heard what was happening in his life.  After explaining that God could take care of him, he states that it is good that the Philippians did care for him.

When we take our own preconceived notions into reading the Bible we rob this book of power.  And we rob others of ministry.  And we rob ourselves! 

I popped into the house for supper.  After talk about family and funerals (my Aunt Clara Mae died — funeral on Saturday at 2:00 in Delisle) Jill just couldn’t hold it in.

“I saw Oprah today.  Carly Simon was on.  She sang, “You’re so vain.”  Her two kids sang with her — somewhat bluegrass.  She was married to James Taylor — he sang “fire and rain” and “Carolina in my mind.”.  He’s still alive.  I checked out his website.  Heard some great Christmas music on his site.”

Well, that’s it.  No dishes tonight. 

Off to the computer.  Sounds great.  Listen to it here.

I hear that you can tell how old you are by the watch you wear — or don’t wear.

If you are over thirty, you wear a watch.  If you are under thirty you use your cell phone.

So, what time is it?  Where did you look?

As our church service ended today, we called everyone to the front of the building.  After clearing off the platform, we arranged ourselves — 87 of us — into a coherent whole.  Everyone’s face was there!

Why?

We have partnered with missionaries in Japan.  They work with two churches.  As a part of being more personally involved with each other, we will exchange our picture.  Some are planning on visiting Asia in the next while and will stop in Japan to just say “Hi.”  Others are working on setting up a short-term missions trip to Japan.  We are also hoping to get the pastor from the one church to come visit us.

With all of these thoughts, the easiest thing is to get the group together when we are all there!  The invitation was given to end the service by coming forward instead of heading out the back door.  The children joined us and soon the platform was full.

Where are the pictures?  Still in the cameras of the photographers.  In keeping with sharing the work of ministry, three people took pictures.  We will gather the digital pictures this coming week.  The plan is to forward them to Japan within the week. 

Amazing what email and the digital camera can do to bring us closer together!