For years and years I prayed before every meal something that my parents taught me. “Dear God, thank you for this day, thank your this food and thank you for everything. Amen”

Somewhere around 18 I ventured off and started to pray “original” prayers. My words flowed from the moment and usually were still focused on that one word, “thanks.”

Also somewhere in this time my dad began to use a phrase in his prayers before the meal at large family gathering. He would say something like “Lord we thank you for these blessings you provide which we often overlook and are too often taken for granted.”

I don’t know whether he heard this from someone and added it to his prayers or whether he just stated saying it and it stuck. Somehow it made it into his words and I have had the opportunity to hear him say it dozens of times over the last few years.

This is in my thoughts as I set at my computer this morning for a couple of reasons. First, I am amazed at the number of articles, blogs and posts that are already talking about Christmas. Second, I am more amazed at the lack of any discussion of Thanksgiving.

Maybe there was a simple natural progression in my dad’s thinking. He was thankful for all that we had been given as a family but as time went on he saw how we overlooked the Lord’s blessings. It is easy to do as an individual or as a family or as a country.

So today I wonder what would happen if we spent a month being thankful to God for all of his blessings before rushing into another season of want?

If I really knew you. I mean I really knew your secret thoughts and your private actions. I would bet you are not a very good person. You harbor ill feelings along with guilt and shame. You have done stuff you have never told anyone about. You have failed in an ugly fashion. You have have had thoughts that would make you blush if they were made public.

I know this about you because it is true of me as well.

I don’t deserve respect. I don’t deserve forgiveness. I don’t deserve to be treated special in any way.

And yet, God loves me in spite of myself. He cares for me in spite of my past. He gave himself for my sins even though I didn’t deserve it.

None of that is surprising and you have probably heard it before. What challenges me is not how God treats me but how I treat other people.

I don’t deserve your respect. I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I don’t deserve you to treat special in any way. Honestly, you don’t deserve these things from me.

Because I follow a God who serves, loves, gives and treats people special – I am called to the same standard of living. I am not to show others the love and respect they deserve because they have earned it by their actions. I do it because I serve a God who gives me everything I don’t deserve.

Maybe the biggest indicator of my faith in God is found in the way I treat those who don’t deserve to be treated well.

I have two unrelated images that keep connecting in my thoughts.

First is the images that I saw plastered all over Facebook about the parade in Kansas City for the Royals. If you do not live nearby or having been living completely unaware of what happened this week then let me tell you. An estimated 800,000 people went to Kansas City to celebrate the World Series victory by the baseball team the Royals. Here is one picture to capture the image:

Schools closed, people skipped work and thousands of people gathered to celebrate a group of grossly overpaid athletes who can hit a ball, catch a ball and run around bases.

The second image is from my last sermon series from Luke 15. Jesus tells three parables that build on each other. In the first two he stopped the parable to add his own commentary.

Luke 15:7 (NIV) I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Luke 15:10 (NIV) In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

In the third parable he interjects a statement by the father, who represents God, when the prodigal son comes home.

Luke 15:23 (NIV) Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.

Each story is culminated with a picture of a celebration. The picture is of a party in heaven by the angels in the presence of God.

I have been wondering all week if heaven looks a lot like Kansas City did this week. Instead of people wearing blue they were dressed in pure white. And instead of celebrating baseball they were focused on something of eternal significance.

It really makes me wonder how in tune we are with God’s agenda for this world.

Over the past two weeks I have been working on my sermon plan for 2016. One part of this process is to look back over the past year and see what I have already preached. Finally I take a big look over my entire preaching ministry (I have a record of all sermons since 1996) and see what has worked well and what has not.

Yesterday as I was looking over my lists I began to see huge patterns in my preaching. There are several topics that I have hit over and over again.

1. Making Jesus Your Savior and Lord. My greatest desire is for people to come to faith in the grace of Jesus. Then I want to see their lives transformed by that grace. My biggest question is, “What is your next step of faith?”

2. Learning Basic Bible. Every year I have preached a series about some basic bible stories or characters. I firmly believe that the Bible is sharper than any two-edged sword cutting to the very soul of a person. Do you know more about God’s word this year than you did last year?

3. Growing In Faith and Practice. While I want everyone to know their Bible, the ultimate goal is the transformation of a person into Christlikeness. I would rather you live 10 verses of scripture that you know than to know 100 verse and do 1. What do you need to do with the knowledge you have of God and his word?

4. The Church. The Church has fallen on hard times lately. People skip Church and do not make it a priority. I firmly believe that the Church is the best place for every believer. It is the place we learn, grow, serve and fellowship. In 22 years of ministry I have yet to see one person grow in their walk with God by Biblical standards outside of Church. The Church is full problems, but so is everything else on this earth. It is still a great place to develop as a believer. Is the church a vital part of your faith?

5. Sharing Your Faith. As our life is transformed by Jesus within his Church we share the good news with the people around us. Each one of us should personally care about the eternal fate of the people around us. Who is closer to the Lord because of knowing you?

These five themes have reappeared in my preaching year after year. As I look into 2016 they will be a part of my sermons once again. I guess when I feel like people have mastered these five things I will move onto something else. Right now, it looks like I should be busy for many years to come.

Here are some of the best articles I have read lately.

Marriage –

Do You Have a Really Good Man? – This is a great read for younger ladies.

7 Things You Must Know About Your Wife

This might be the key to a happy marriage

Church –

A Church Transforming Proverb – How to handle Church issues and gossip.

WHAT PASTORS WANT FROM CHURCH MEMBERS

How Churches Actually Grow – A must read for leaders who want their Church to grow.

Why a Pew Is Better Than a Podcast

5 Misconceptions About the Pastor’s Wife

General Topics –

The white man in that photo – A great read about a historical photo.

3 Prayers We Need to Stop Saying

How helicopter parents are ruining college students

Impact of Helicoptering, by someone who knows

Helicopter parents are not the only problem. Colleges coddle students, too.

Sexual Orientation Issues – A very interesting read

Last Friday night ended a journey that started when my son Hunter was just a young boy. He played in his final organized football game. It was a bittersweet night as the rain poured down and the team lost 19-14. Hunter was able to get a touchdown on the night, his fourth this season.

After the game I lied awake replaying the past years and thinking about my son’s experience with football. I wrote down several thoughts about his life and asked my wife what she thought. She told me that it is my blog and if I want to praise my son, then go ahead.

So here are some reasons why I am proud of my son and his football experience.

1. Coachable. In all of his years of football he has only had the same coach 2 years in a row. That was the past two years. Every other year his coach has changed. While he, and especially me, did not always agree with them. He always did as told.

2. Good Teammate. I have never seen him yell at a teammate. He has never been angry at the failures of his team. He has been disappointed, but usually he tried to help others get better than point out their flaws.

3. Good Sportsmanship. He has never received a penalty for a personal foul (expect for maybe one facemask penalty.) No late hits. No shoving. No taunting. No celebrating.

4. Perseverance. Hunter’s 5th grade team was a champion. Then we moved. For several years we barely won a game. He stayed with it. In four years of starting varsity he never missed a game.

5. Brotherly Love. My wife and I’s favorite part of every game is watching our children interact on the sideline. Each one of them always seeks out their brothers. They are brothers but also teammates and best friends.

6. Respect. Hunter always helps other players get up. He offers a helping hand and a kind word. I often saw him talking to the other team. I would ask later and he would say he was encouraging them or joking with them or offering advice.

7. Good Choices. Every one of his High School teams has been affected by the poor choices of some. His freshman year before the State Championship the all-star quarterback was kicked off the team for drinking. Even while he witnessed all that he never participated in it (at least not to my knowledge).

8. Blessed. In all the years as a player he had only had one injury. In 8th grade he broke his arm in the first or second practice. He did continue to practice with the team and stepped into the starting lineup in game 2. We feel very blessed by God with his safety.

9. Humility. Hunter might not tell you but he has started Varsity football since he was a freshman. Then his first two years in Alaska we have no record of anything he did. He just did it. Both of those years he was promised to play a tight end but because of team issues he ended up a lineman. As Monte Johnson will tell you that is the most disrespected position on the team. He was disappointed but kept playing. He was never named MVP of the team or even a team captain. While disappointed he still went out and did his best.

10. Christian Faith. Last but certainly not least. In 4 years as a starting varsity football player he missed one Sunday of Church. That time he was rained in on Kodiak Island. I know he wanted to sleep in but he didn’t. He not only attended but he ran sound, PowerPoint and lead singing.

I will admit that early Saturday morning at about 4:00 am I sat on my couch and cried. I will miss seeing big #42 on the field each week. With that said, I am extremely excited that he is planning on going to a Christian University to further his education in sports management. I am proud that he had a great run as a football player but I am more proud that his life is built on more than football.

The past week has been packed with activity. Every moment since last Tuesday has been filled with meetings, ministry, sports, Church and family. Some of these might be of interest to you.

1. Last Wednesday our youth group gathered with several adults (Ike, Tisha, Hannah, MaryEllen, Ruth Ann, Jeanie, Michelle & Becky) to fill shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We filled 65 boxes completely and they are ready to ship. Over the weekend we received more boxes. We did learn that all packaging needs to be removed from items. So we will have to adjust those boxes a little but we should end with 75-80 complete boxes to ship this weekend. Thanks to every adult and the 30 or so teens who helped. Thanks to everyone who donated.

2. Thursday I met with two of our elders. (One was in a meeting.) We meet regularly to discuss our congregation and how we can help our people. We then end with an extended prayer. Always a blessing and always takes much longer than expected.

3. Friday was the last football game of the season for our beloved Blackhawks. They lost in the playoffs 19-14 to Midway. It was my oldest son Hunter’s final football game. I am going to post more about him later in the week. I am so proud of him. He was able to score a Touchdown in his last game along with making 12 tackles. Bittersweet ending.

4. Saturday was Halloween. I spent the day with my family and then the boys scattered to various parties.
Also on Saturday I finally received my new wedding ring. Since I started metal detecting over two years ago it is hard to wear my metal ring. I threatened getting a tattoo but then I found out about rings from Qalo. They are silicone rings for outdoor use. They are basically the same material as those bracelets everyone used to wear. Michelle and I both bought matching ones. They seem to be great so far and I never ever have to take my wedding ring off again. That makes me very happy. So far I recommend them to any married person especially men.

5. Sunday was packed. First – my youngest son Gage had his 13th birthday. That is why we spent Saturday together. We did most of the celebrating early. Hard to believe all of my children are teenagers. Ugh.

6. Show Me Christian Youth Home was at Adrian Christian Church to share about their ministry during our Sunday School hour. Great to learn about them. By my count 55 people stayed to hear the presentation and then we collected $625 to support their work. Proud of all of those people who stayed and who donated. You are making a difference!

7. Also yesterday we held a Board meeting of both the elders and deacons in the afternoon. Here is the list of things you should know:
-Our children will be having the Christmas program on Sunday morning December 20th during our regular worship time. Anyone interested in helping can contact me or my wife.
-Our Christmas Candlelight program will be held on Wed. December 23rd (Christmas Eve Eve). Plan is for 7:00 pm. Mark your calendar now!
-Anyone needing financial assistance through the holidays who is from Adrian can get help through the Moulton Fund. Contact me for details.
-We are talking about hiring a staff member for our children’s ministry. A person responsible for infant through 8th grade. I would love to hear everyone’s feedback personally.
-I am looking to teach a membership class on January 31 in the evening. Let me know if you are interested.
-Congregational meeting will be February 28 after church (with a snow date of the following Sunday.)
-Thanks to those who help hand out candy at the Sight and Safety night in Adrian – especially Ike!

8. I am looking for a large (lawn size) nativity set for my next sermon series. If you have one that I could use please let me know. I need one with a couple of shepherds, wise men, Mary & Joseph, and baby Jesus. Don’t need anything else but I will use more if you have it.

9. Last night was also bittersweet. Packers lost. Royals won! I have never watched baseball or cared about the Royals but my congregation is quickly swaying me. Maybe someone should get me a T-shirt for Christmas to bring me in as a fan completely:-). I consider my size a medium but manufacturers call it XXL!

10. Hard to work after a 12 inning game last night. Glad I stayed up for the 12th inning though. A real classic. [Pastorally speaking – I feel a little bad for Daniel Murphy of the Mets – He was a total hero turned total goat.] Even though I am tired I am at work and trying to get a lot done. This week we have our normal RUSH hour for Youth Group on Wed. night. Then next Sunday we will have sermon #2 in “How to Be Rich” from 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

I have a lot more ideas to post this week in full blog length but this will clear my head for now. I would love to hear all of your responses and ideas for the future. Thanks to Adrian Christian Church for letting me be your preacher.

A simple thought for a Friday –

This past year we have baptized 10 new believers at Adrian Christian Church. I believe that fact is worth celebrating over and over. Interestingly enough all of our new converts have been people under the age of 18. They are young people with their full lives ahead of them. It makes me do a little personal reflection as I was 8 when I accepted Jesus as my Savior and was baptized.

This reflection has me thinking about all of the experiences I have seen as a Christian and as a pastor. I really wish I could set down with anyone wanting to be a Christian or with anyone who is new to the faith and tell them a few things. Here is what I really want you to know:

1. A life of faith is full of hard choices. To stay true to God you will sometimes have to stop doing something that feels good in the moment. You will have to choose your family over money and fun. You will have to sever relationships and form new ones. You will have to tell people hard truth. Usually if the choice is easy, it is not from God.

2. You will never know where God is taking you. Just keep doing the right thing that is right in front of you. God will lead you in directions you never imaged to do things you never dreamed. One day you will look back in wonder at the journey of your life.

3. Many of your friends will quit the faith. This will be one of the most painful things you experience on your journey with God. Cherish those people who stay committed to their faith for a lifetime.

4. Evil will attack you. This will come in many forms. Bad things will happen. People will hurt you. Your body will give out. People you love will die. Your emotions will be scarred deeply. It happens to everyone. That does not mean that God does not love you.

5. There are days you will want to give up on God. Every Christian I know has struggled with doubts. There will be times you want to take the easy road. Days will come when your faith will feel weak in the light of the hard choices you have to make and the evil that is attacking you. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.

6. Become deeply connected to a local church congregation. Yes, every group of believers has their problems, but the good far outweighs the bad. These people will serve you, care for you, pray for you, teach you, push you and make you into a better person for God. Do not give up on them.

7. There will be times when you are utterly surprised. God will show up. People will do the right thing. Generosity will abound. I have often been shocked at the unpredictability of Christian and the God they serve. I still cannot believe some of the events in my life and I saw it all first hand.

8. Thank God every day for all the good things in your life. It is easy to focus on the negative, which is why so many people do it. Everyday thank God in your prayers. Every day tell someone how you are glad God brought them into your life. Fight hard against bitterness and the negative emotions that come naturally. Be grateful and as your life progresses you will develop into a sweet spirit instead of a bitter old person.

9. Let go of grudges and guilt. Forgive others and accept God’s forgiveness. Do this daily, weekly and yearly. It will help you in every way. Do your best to make things right and then let it go. Don’t live as a hostage to your past.

10. Never forget that eternal life is our goal. In the Gospel of John numerous people hear a message from Jesus and begin to quit following him. Peter says, “Lord, to whom shall we go. You have the words of eternal life.” The Christian life will have huge high moments and some very deep low times but we endure those for the reward of life eternal. You will one day attend a funeral and wonder “Where are they now?” Live in such a way that no one has to wonder that about you.

I would love to explain all of these to our young believers but I know one more thing about youth. They will have no clue until they have experienced it themselves. I only hope that one tiny little piece of information lodges in their brain and it helps them in their life of faith.