Words of Grace from Pastor Randy, June 24, 2011

Iknow I don't usually share what my Paster says but this is totally awsome. being a dog and god loving man I appreciated this point of view!

Seven Lessons Four Dogs Taught Me This Week About the Lord : Hello everyone....Happy Friday!  It just finished pouring rain here in Clearwater....did any of it fall over your way?  With Becky being gone all week to Tennessee with Lucas, Katelyn, Schaffer, Chris/Kim Johnson, and the high school youth group, I suggested to the Hillman's that their two dogs - Linus and Sally - could stay with me and my two dogs - Calvin (Linus' brother) and Keaggy.  Remind me to have my head examined next week. Of course, one of my ways of dealing with chaotic, bizarre, unusual or even mundane situations in life is to try to find or learn something about life, myself, and the Lord through it.  Well, watching four very energetic dogs has taught me much about the Lord.  It would really validate my decision to watch these guys if you allow me to write about it.... So, here are the XX things four dogs taught me this week about the Lord: 1. You can't do push-ups or crunches when four dogs are licking your face the entire time.   Although the Lord is always with us and is lavishing His love on us, He will let you do  your push-ups and crunches. 2. I know that I'm a pushover, and some of you will be appalled at this: But four dogs in a king size bed with me is crowded and uncomfortable, especially when they all want to lay on top of me, but you can't deny how sweet it is that they want to cuddle with me. Even though there are millions upon millions of Christians, it's never too crowded on God's bed, dinner table, play room or backyard.  Yes, the Lord loves His personal time with each of us, but He loves crowds....so, join the crowd this Sunday in God's 'big, big House" (thanks to Audio Adrenaline for the 'Big House' reference).  3. Four dogs mean twice as much clean up in the backyard - if you know what I mean! Don't even get me started on what the Lord has to daily cleanup in the lives of His children!  Thank the Lord for the sufficient and efficient blood of Jesus Christ that forgives us of all of our messes!  4.  There's a leather strap to something laying partially chewed on the kitchen floor.  I have no idea what it was connected to (maybe one of them swallowed the rest of it!), or who ate it (although I have a pretty good guess).  It's a mystery to me. There are no mysteries in the mind of the omniscient Lord God Almighty.  He is certainly mysterious and incomprehensible in His ultimate glory and nature, but nothing is hidden from Him.  That can be a comfort to the believer - and it can be a nightmare to the sinner!  5.  These four dogs jump up and bark at any noise they hear during the night.  Needless to say, I'm not sleeping as well this week! The Lord God never sleeps; He never slumbers; and He's always at the top of His game - no matter what the late night distractions may be.  6.  All four get hysterical at mealtime and not only gulp their food down without chewing it - probably because they are fearful that the others might eat their food - but they growl at each while they eat because they aren't about to share their meal with anyone! We can freely come to the Lord's Table as one of His children and share the communion meal with one another in Christ.  There's no need to gulp it, or growl at one another.  We can all eat from the same loaf (the body of Christ) and the same cup of forgiveness.  7. Not once have I entered my house without all four dogs jumping up and down in excitement to see me.  It's almost as if they worship me! Do we jump up and down (or at least are excited) to come to God's House to corporately worship the King of kings?  I know that He's excited when He sees you and I enter His House, so maybe we ought to be someone excited to not only greet and worship the Lord together, but be there in the first place! Everyone comes home late tomorrow night.  I only wish these four dogs would be willing to help me clean up this place before the family returns.  I'm sure there's also a point in that revelation - but we'll leave that for another time!  So, if you have a dog, go pat him or her on the head and tell them 'Thanks'.  'Thanks for being a faithful friend. And for teaching me about God.'  And if you have a cat....well, I don't know what you can do about that.....just love them I guess. Here's what's happening: a. Men's breakfast tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM.  Come on men!!!  Join us for this great time of food, fellowship and great teaching.  We are promptly done by 9:30 AM. b. Sunday is our blood drive - so if you signed up, make sure you come and check in with Becky in the narthex.  If you didn't sign up, but would like to give - see Becky.  She'll squeeze you in.  And don't forget to eat something for breakfast and have a good size glass of water before you get here.  Trust me - it helps! c. Parents of Prodigals will be meeting in between the two services in the Junior High room.  Any parent with a son or daughter who has drifted from the faith or who doesn't know the Lord (probably all of us ought to be in here!) come join this group for a brief but effective time of prayer for your wandering children. d.  As it is the last Sunday of the month we will be receiving a second offering for our missions.  Please consider contributing to this offering above and beyond your regular giving.  We are involved in a number of outreaches and ministries and really need your financial help. e.  My message this Sunday is called "As Opposite As Heaven Is To Hell" and will cover Acts 7:54 to Acts 8:1.  This pericope covers the story of the stoning of Stephen and his glorious vision of the Lord God.   f. This Monday night is Grace Skates at 'Super Skate' on Ulmerton Road (east of the Largo Mall, west of Starkey Road, on the north side of Ulmerton.  If I remember correctly, the building is now a lovely shade of bright - really bright - lime green.  Despite the color of the building, we have a blast skating and hanging out with one another.  It costs $5 to skate or play in the kiddie area, but doesn't cost anything to come and visit - and many do! g.  The next ladies Bible study starting date has been moved to Tuesday, July 5th.  It will still meet at 7:00 PM at Angela Willsey's home, and there is plenty of room for others to join - so come be a part of this fruitful time of study and beautiful fellowship with the ladies of the church.  Sign up at the ministry table or see Becky about the details. h. The ladies all-night PJ Palooza is coming up.  Friday, July 1st in our sanctuary, the ladies of Grace (13 and above) will gather in the sanctuary for games, dance contests, chick flicks, food, crafts, and just a general crazy and fun time.  You don't have to spend the entire night - but many do!  See Becky about the details. i.  Not to be outdone by the ladies - the men of Grace (all ages - it's up to you dad if you want to bring your young sons) are planning a 'Dog Night' the following week - Friday, July 8th at the church.  This isn't an 'allnighter' but an evening full of food, foolishness, contests, and yes, a hot dog eating exhibition!  And there will be some encouraging words shared as well!   j.  Next Sunday night - July 3rd - we are going down to the homeless shelter at Pinellas Hope to provide a meal for the residents.  Come join us for an evening of service and love.  Contact Pastor Heath for more information. k.  Phaino - a Night of Worship, Praise and Prayer - will be held in just a few weeks - Sunday evening, July 10th at 6:00 PM.  This is always a special time of worship - come join us - and bring some friends! l.  Come join us for any of our other weekly Bible studies that we have made available to you:      1. Reform Sunday morning class in the high school room at 11:00 AM.        Topic: 'Titles of Christ'.    2. Tuesday morning Church History class at 9:30 AM.  We're still in the         first/second century of the church.  Come join us!    3. Wednesday night Bible study - 'The Story': This week Pastor Heath         will share on the Book of Hosea at 7:00 PM.  Youth groups also have        their Bible study at this time.    4. Theology on Tap - after Wednesday's study over at 'Your Pizza         Shop' on 8th Avenue. And as always, you can get more information about all of the church activities on any of our social network outlets.  For more info about church stuff (by the way, our new church website will be debut soon!) check these avenues out: We have a  Words of Grace blog, as well as our church web site, where you can view the church calendar, and subscribe to Grace News.  On the website you can read or hear all of our previous Sunday messages - and this is a good way to introduce your friends to the church.  You can also keep up to date with the activities if you go to and subscribe to our Facebook and Twitter pages.  See you Sunday! Pastor Randy "In my day, we didn't have dogs or cats. All I had was Silver Beauty, my beloved paper clip."           My grandfather

http://about.me/larserarts

See the full gallery on Posterous