Across more than 40 years of preaching, I always struggled with the question of the Thanksgiving sermon–especially which Sunday to consider “Thanksgiving Sunday” It may seem obvious to think of the Sunday after Thanksgiving (concluding the Thanksgiving weekend) as “Thanksgiving Sunday”, but at least two problems arise. First, attendance is often lower due to holiday …
Author Archives: bro.bobyoung
It’s Sunday Again: The Lord’s Day (?)
It’s Sunday. Even though the number of regular churchgoers in our nation has dwindled drastically, millions of people in the US will attend church somewhere today. (If the surveys are correct, reflecting an attendance of only 15-25% of the population nationwide, 50-75 million people in the US will attend church today.) When the church attendance …
“Missioning”
Today has already been a busy and productive day–lots of birthday greetings sent, prayers for special people in my life, meditation and reflection, an online “chat” with a brother who lives in Central America, a review of upcoming activities…. In one of the birthday greetings, I used the word “missioning” to describe my activities for …
What is the Christian life about?
It is about God. It is about recognizing God for who he is, both in his creative power and his nature (character). It is about seeing God as he reveals himself to us. It is about respect for God based on who he is–his nature and character. It is about Jesus. It is about understanding …
Reflections on the Lord’s Day
It’s Sunday again–no preaching nor teaching obligation today. Early this morning the breeze on the back patio feels cooler than normal–a welcome harbinger of summer’s almost end. Another Lord’s Day–this must make over 3000. I suspect that I have preached on at least 2000 of them. The opportunity to arise and celebrate God’s presence and …
A Shelter in the Time of Storm
We were challenged to think yesterday about the amazing, confident harbor of God’s amazing grace, even when we face seemingly insurmountable odds. Jesus DOES know all about our troubles, and there is indeed no one like him–no not one! What a privilege to walk with him as he walks with us. Thanks, Stan, for super …
It’s Sunday Again–Bonus
The local church has designated today a “Bonus Sunday.” The schedule is altered with a fellowship meal at noon, an early afternoon period of worship, and a congregational meeting to follow, after which the scheduled church activities for the day will be concluded. In addition to the altered schedule, the congregation is encouraged to give …
Today will be another day of blessings from God
On some days the blessings are more obvious than on others. Some days are wonderful and positive and we have easily see that we are having a “blessed day.” On other days the blessings are almost invisible. Sometimes this occurs when we do not have time or take time to notice. But sometimes the difficulties …
Continue reading “Today will be another day of blessings from God”
This Is My Father’s World
I am constantly amazed by the beauty of God’s creation….colors, variety, adaptation. We experience extreme heat, we enjoy cool mornings. Nature protects itself when conditions are not favorable and restores itself at the right times. My grass is brown in the winter–now it is brown in the summer. Our title today is also the title …
It’s Sunday Again: God Thoughts
What makes Sunday different? For the Hebrews, it was a significant slow-down (stoppage) of activities. Our secular society has long ago moved away from any observable slow-down of activity. The stores are just as full, the highways are even fuller, and the lakes are packed. We hurry away from church, anxious to get to the …