Joy

This past weekend I got my hands on a new book by Rev. Matthew Harrison.  The book is called, “A Little Book on Joy.”  It is published by Lutheran Legacy.  ”‘So many churches, so many pastors and Christians have so little joy today,’ my friend observed. ‘These are difficult times.’”  I’ve only read the first chapter so far… but it is a great read.  You can pick up the book at www.logia.org.  It doesn’t cost that much and it will be a pleasure for you.  Are these difficult times?  Is the joy gone?  Yesterday’s gospel reading, Luke 11:14-28, showed how good the devil is at making the joy evaporate.  The finger of God had just cast out a demon.  The finger of God forgave the sins of 40+ people at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in north Houston yesterday morning.  It was a miracle.  They were all freed.  Yet someone said of Jesus that he was casting out demons by the ruler of the demons.  The joy evaporated from that scene when Beelzebul’s name was mentioned.  And yet, Jesus made sure that it wasn’t really gone.  It was the same yesterday at my church.  There was great joy because Satan was defeated and he was cast out.  The Lord of life came and visited his people.  He touched them, he fed them, and he blessed them.  They are living today, basking in the glow of the joy they received in the Cross.  Go get the book.  Read it and tell me what you think.

Running Running Running

I had every intension of running in the neighborhood tonight. It was really nice weather. All the errands and other running I did prevented me from getting home before dark. I’m gonna try again tomorrow. It is really cool to have warm weather again in Houston. The cold spell we had was getting a little too annoying. Texas is supposed to be hot, right? …well, at least warm.

BUT most enjoyable for me is warm Sundays. To see members of the church standing in the sunshine while they greet each other after service is just plain cool. (Of course, I’m thrilled with all the warm Christian love that occurs on rainy days, too… I guess it’s the warm part I love.)

Yesterday was just one of those warmed filled, wonderful days. The children were playing on the grass and the grownups were talking and catching up. Some friends and my wife and I went to Central Market for lunch and ate out side while a band played. It was nice to eat with the wind blowing and the sun shining down on us. Here’s to more warm filled Sundays in Houston and in your neck of the woods.