Where Are You in Community With Others?

Yesterday I preached the Sunday morning service at my church, The Journey Church.  As the associate pastor, I am afforded the opportunity to share what God is laying on my heart every couple of months or so.  I’ve now preached about 4 or 5 times, and it was just as nerve wrecking yesterday as it was the first time.  It really helps me appreciate those who share the Word each and every week.

My message was about community, and it was titled “The Five Courses of Community,” based on 1 Peter 3:8.  That passage simply reads as a charge to believers - “Finally all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” 

That passage contains 5 layers or courses (think restaurant) of what makes up an individual’s commitment to community.  Each of these courses builds upon the previous one.  Here’s what was on my heart –

1.  The first course – Soup – We are called to be united –This is where we show up and begin to meet like-minded people (Hebrews 10:23-25)
2.   The second course – Appetizer – We are called to be sympathetic and sensitive – This is where we begin to share and receive as we get to know others (Hebrews 13:16, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
3. The third course – Salad – We are called to love – This is where we begin to care for each other on a deeper level (Galatians 6:2, James 5:16)
4.  The fourth course – Entree – We are called to tenderness – This is where our love is known by others as a representation of our loving Father (Mark 12:28-31, John13:34-35)
5.  The fifth course – Dessert – We are called to remain humble – This is where we maintain community in its most basic and God-designed sense (Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 133)

I’ve said all that to ask this question – On what course are you currently dining?   Are you trying to find all of your nourishment by eating only appetizers?  I’ll admit I enjoy eating a blooming onion, but I can’t live on that as the primary meal 3 times a day, 7 days a week. Same goes for trying to be content on just one “course” of community – it’s the combination of all the courses that really satisfies. 

Is Jesus getting all of me and you?

Friday I'm In Love

This is a song that celebrates two of my favorite things - the love of my life Becky, and the weekend. I generally have this song and title as my status on Facebook on Fridays, cause it's just a fun song celebrating good times.

My wife and I met in college, the last semester of our senior year. I didn't really even know who she was, and barely talked to her in the one and only class we shared together. Which is weird - our college was a school of about 3,000 students at that time. How had our paths not crossed previously? She knew who I was - I was loud and obnoxious, with crazy hair. I kinda stood out back then. I sat next to her roommate Marlin in chapel (again and again I will reiterate that nothing happening is by chance or luck). If it were not for Marlin, we would have probably never connected. I thank God for you Marlin - being all pushy and bossing me to ask her out.

We only "dated" for 1 week while on campus, then we went our separate ways - her to Pennsylvania, and I returned to Orlando. This was back before the internet was created by Al Gore, so we spent copious amounts of time and money on long distance phone calls. And hand written letters. Oh, how many letters we wrote to each other (and still have tucked safely away). We really got to know each other through the distance - about 10 months total before she moved to Florida.

Now fast forward - it's been 14 years, 2 months and 1 week since our first official date. We've had a great deal of journeys, of most excellent times, and a few rough moments too. Along the way, she's been my best friend, my lover, my true love. I love you my Kadida- always have, always will.

And Fridays? Yeah - they are pretty sweet too. They are generally fun times, leading to a couple of days focused on relaxing, on fun, and on church. Oh, and plenty of time to spend with my bride Becky.

If you are not familiar with this song, or want to hear it again, listen here. In case you haven't picked on my theme yet, each title of my blog (other than my introduction) is a name of a song that I enjoy. For me, I can generally find a song to express whatever I am thinking or feeling. Enjoy!