Pastor's Thoughts
Nowhere to Hide
A friend recently shared a story from when his son was about four years old. The boy was constantly getting into the cookie jar despite repeated admonitions from both of his parents. Finally, they decided to put it up on top of the refrigerator where it was out of reach. They discovered their solution was less than perfect one day when my friend walked... [Read more]
An Unwelcomed Visitor
The Sunday before Christmas Cheryl and I arrived at church to prepare for early service. We discovered that a visitor had been there before us. All the poinsettias were knocked over. The advent wreath was torn up. Lots of ornaments were off the tree. I quickly surmised that our visitor was a four-legged one. My first guess was a squirrel. Cheryl thought... [Read more]
What Did You Expect?
Expectations can be funny. Things do not always work out the way we expect, the way we think they should. When our children were younger, we always had one special present for each of them to open at Christmas that we would save until the last thing. It came to be known as “the big present.” There was always a lot of excitement and anticipation... [Read more]
Be Thankful
Is anyone else out there confused? Is it just me, or have “the holidays” now become some kind of all inclusive package that stretches from Halloween to Christmas? It seems like they have all congealed into one big amorphous mess. People in some parts of town took down their Halloween decorations and immediately set up their Christmas lights. Perhaps... [Read more]
God’s Favorite Play
Another baseball season has come to a close. A few years ago, someone sent me an article entitled “GOD’S FAVORITE PLAY” by Phil Tuttle. His thirteen-year-old son’s baseball team traveled to a tournament and asked him to give “a biblical-but-not-too-churchy message” to the team on Sunday morning before their afternoon game. What follows... [Read more]
Go Cowboys!
My family moved to Dallas in 1966 when I was in the third grade. It did not take long for me to become a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. I remember going to see them play in the Cotton Bowl, and I have been a fan ever since, through thick and thin. Since that time I have lived in Nebraska, Missouri, Nevada, Illinois and Oklahoma, but I have remained a fan... [Read more]
Marriage God’s Way
Our youngest daughter was married this summer. Her mother and I are relieved to now have all three of our girls married, and we rejoice that they have all found loving, Christian partners with whom to share their lives. The wedding was truly a joyous occasion even though dad once again got choked up near the end of the ceremony. There were more than... [Read more]
The Hair in the Soup
It is so easy to lose the joy of worship. If you arrive at your church for worship and see something you don’t like, you can let that overshadow all the good that is there. It is like finding a hair in your soup. The soup may have been good, but the hair ruins it for you. That “hair” will be something different for each person. Maybe you... [Read more]
Love is What You Do
Something my wife and I say on a daily basis is “I love you!” It happens many times every day. Often times as we are driving somewhere, Cheryl will say, “You know what?” and I will dutifully ask “What?” She will then reply, “I love you.” Last week we were on vacation. We had spent a few days in Savannah, Georgia and were making the... [Read more]
Hot Enough for Ya?
“Hot enough for ya?” How many times have you heard that this year? By the time you read this there will have been more than twenty consecutive days of triple digit temperatures in this area. This record breaking summer has kept a lot of folks indoors as they try to escape the heat. Twenty folks from my congregation went on a mission trip... [Read more]
A Picture of God
In a preschool classroom, a little girl was working intently on a drawing. Her teacher noticed her concerted effort, so she went over to ask her what she was drawing. The little girl replied, “I’m drawing a picture of God.” The teacher smiled and responded, “That’s nice, dear. But you know, no one really knows what God looks like.” Unfazed,... [Read more]
Out of the mouths of babes…
“Out of the mouths of babes…” Many have used that phrase to mean something like “kids say the darndest things.” I’ve heard a few of those in my life. I was at a ball game with friends. Their son saw someone walk by with a soda and a hot dog. He decided he wanted that, too, so he said, “Mom, can we go to the ‘confession’ stand?”... [Read more]
You’re Covered
Real religion is a way of life, not a white cloak to be wrapped around us on the Sabbath and then cast aside into the six-day closet of unconcern. – William Arthur Ward We need to fight against the idea that being “God-fearing” one day a week makes up for the way we live the rest of the week. It is true that we have a covering that makes us... [Read more]
Take Time to Pray
Did you hear about the guy who was running late for an appointment in a crowded downtown area? He had circled the block three times and couldn’t find a parking place. So he prayed, “Lord, I know I don’t pray as often as I should, but I really need a parking place. If you could help me find a parking spot, I’ll double my giving to the church!”... [Read more]
Once Upon a Time
“Once upon a time.” How many stories have you heard that started with those words? And when you hear them, your mind tells you, “Oh, this isn’t true. It is just a nice story.” It has become the stock phrase for starting myths, fables and fairy tales. Most of the world relegates the Resurrection of Jesus into one of those categories. They... [Read more]
It is Finished
Stuart Townend is a Christian songwriter. He has the ability to craft songs that convey deep theological truths in ways that touch the heart and soul. He wrote a song in 1995 that has the feel of a hymn that has been around for centuries: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us. This is part of what he said about the experience of writing this song:... [Read more]
The Season of Lent
The season of Lent is the time in the Church Year set aside to prepare for the celebration of Easter. It is a period that focuses on repentance and somber reflection on the fact that when Jesus died, He was doing so to pay for our sins. For many, Lent is a time to “give something up.” That was the origin of the Mardi Gras celebration that culminates... [Read more]
A Time to Plant?
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens … a time to plant and a time to uproot … (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) The warmer temperatures have just about everyone in a better mood. People are getting outside to enjoy the sunshine and are ready for springtime to arrive. I’m no different. I had someone till a plot in... [Read more]
A Death in the Family
A death in the family means a trip to San Antonio for a funeral. No doubt there will be tears shed as the reality continues to set in. There will also be laughter and joy as extended family members get reacquainted and share a meal. And there will be rejoicing. Perhaps muted at first, but rejoicing nonetheless. The funeral service will be a time that... [Read more]
All You Need Is Love
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. This day dedicated to romantic love has never been a big deal to me. Whether that is good or bad, I don’t know. When I see all the heart shaped decorations and the insistent ads that tell everyone that the only sure way to show love is to buy flowers or candy or diamonds, I take it as a challenge. I am... [Read more]
Count Your Blessings
A cancelled flight on Superbowl Sunday meant I didn’t get home that night like I planned. An extra night in the Hotel in Peoria was preferred over catching a flight to Chicago and most likely spending the night in a chair at the airport. So I got a ticket for Monday morning and made it home by noon the next day. I spent Tuesday at the office... [Read more]
Worshipping Together
I write this early in the afternoon of Superbowl Sunday. Don’t really care about the game today. I’ve been snowed in most of the week in Peoria. I was here for both and Executive Committee and Board of Directors meeting for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League this week. While the EC was able to make it, the Board meeting was cancelled... [Read more]
Lick the Bowl
My last post was about sitting on the porch eating cookies with Michelle. After reading that again, I decided to make some cookies. I had not done that for a while, and it was fun. But then I did something else I had not done for even longer. Instead of just putting the bowl and the beaters from the mixer in the sink, I decided to lick on them a bit.... [Read more]
Cookies with Michelle
My wife teaches school. A coworker of hers lives in our neighborhood. This coworker has a young daughter named Michelle. They drive past our house most days and Michelle has seen me outside in the yard. I think I had only met her one time when they were out walking, but for some reason Michelle decided she liked me. One day she told her mother that... [Read more]
Was It Worth It?
Another Christmas come and gone. All the preparations and buying and wrapping and cooking and cleaning and decorating and whatever else you did in preparation for your celebration. Was it worth it? Did it pay off? Was it everything you hoped for? Did it turn out the way you expected? Hopefully your answers are positive ones. What if you asked God those... [Read more]
What Child is This?
What Child is This, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet While shepherds watch are keeping? Do those seem like silly questions? Perhaps they are to those of us who have 20/20 hindsight. We know exactly who He is. This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring... [Read more]
O Give Thanks
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 107:1) Where in the world can you find a nation which has more reason to thank almighty God than these United States? Richly blessed in ways too numerous to mention, it seems as though we are the recipients of unparalleled blessings. Are things perfect? Are we happy with... [Read more]
Faith and Politics
The old adage says something about not discussing religion or politics. Being a preacher, I do a lot of talking about the former, and you would be hard pressed to stop me from doing so. But there are many who believe that those in the church should not be involved in or even mention the latter. The sad truth is that many of the members of Christian... [Read more]
What Are You Hiding?
A recent survey revealed that 76% of parents with teens on Facebook have “friended” their kids. 29% of teens say they would “unfriend” their parents if they could get away with it, and they are twice as likely to want to “unfriend” Mom than Dad. One young lady I saw interviewed on television said, “I don’t... [Read more]
Number Our Days
My dear wife and I both celebrated yet another birthday this summer. With the passing of time one is supposed to gain wisdom and maturity. Some question whether or not that is truly the case, often times as it applies to me. After all, I still run around and play with little children. At the end of our Vacation Bible School this year, to rejoice over... [Read more]
How Can I Keep From Singing
I attended a convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League in June under the theme “The Melody of God’s Love.” This organization is all about letting more people know about our Lord Jesus and what He has done so that everyone can have the forgiveness of sins and the certainty of eternal life. They adopted mission grants... [Read more]
Thanks, DD
DD Pappas has stepped down from her position as Children’s Minister here at Grace. We are truly grateful to her for all that she has done for our congregation, and thank God for the blessings she has been. She wants to share the following with the congregation: I would like to tell the members of Grace what a privilege it was serving on staff... [Read more]
Be Faithful
A lady at the airport struck up a conversation with me – let’s call her Laura. It started because Laura and I observed a young lady who walked past us wearing six-inch spike heels. She was trying to get somewhere in a hurry, which isn’t easy to do when you are in an airport and wearing six-inch heels. We agreed that had to be terribly... [Read more]
Take it to the Bank
My youngest daughter – Leah – is finishing up her student teaching and will soon graduate from college. (Her parents are both rejoicing!) She has been working and learning in a classroom full of second-graders. Recently she called to share with us something one of her students said. His mother asked if he thought Leah was doing a good job.... [Read more]
What Do You Know?
Think about Mary going to the tomb on Easter and what she “knew.” She knew that Jesus was dead. She knew where He was buried. She knew she had to wait until the Sabbath was over to tend to the dead body of her friend. She knew that He would be in the tomb when she got there on Sunday morning. So what went through her mind when she arrived and saw... [Read more]
If God Kept Score
If God kept score, we’d be in a tough situation. That’s a gross understatement. If God kept score, we’d all be in Hell. I include myself in that. If God kept score, I would have no chance. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared (Psalm 130:3-4) This week we... [Read more]
Conflict
This time of year can be conflicted. It is almost time for spring and “Spring Break,” and yet the weather is anything but spring-like here in North Texas. You know it is coming, but it has not yet arrived. We have to wait a bit longer. We also find ourselves in the season of Lent, which presents a different kind of conflict. We spend time reflecting... [Read more]
Snow
White stuff falling from the sky again in North Texas! What do you think about that? If memory serves, this is the fourth time this winter that we’ve had enough of that fluffy, frozen precipitation to cover my lawn with a gleaming, clean looking coat. Not enough to play in or build forts or men, but it does alter the way things appear. When I looked... [Read more]
Enemies?
I had someone get very upset with me one time because of something I said in a sermon. I spoke about some people being “enemies of God,” and this individual thought I was being uncaring and insensitive. First of all, the Bible clearly identifies some as being enemies of God. James 4:4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship... [Read more]
The Safest Place to Be
Someone recently sent me this helpful information: Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents. Do not stay home because 17% of all fatal accidents occur in the home. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because... [Read more]
A Christmas Welcome
A family was experiencing hard times one Christmas. The father was out of work and the mother had a low-paying job. But they were determined to have a happy Christmas, so that was what they did. They got out all their usual decorations and even managed to scrape together enough to purchase a few small gifts. The day after Christmas, father went job... [Read more]
He Came to Be Near You
Over one hundred years ago, a shipwrecked crew washed up on Rodrigues Island, a tiny speck of land in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Australia. They developed an illness called Java River fever. However, one of the officers determined that it was instead Yellow Fever, which was terribly feared in the southern seas. Upon being found, a French... [Read more]
I Don’t Remember
Jack was praying to God, confessing his sins and asking to be forgiven for Jesus’ sake. As he was praying, he remembered a man named Frank who had wronged him. Frank was a member of the same church Jack attended. Jack figured that Frank would also talk to God and confess his sins, so it occurred to him to ask God a question. Jack said, “God, I... [Read more]
Being Neighborly
I read an article about the warm reception a man named Bruce received upon moving to a new neighborhood. One neighbor in particular, Gene, went out of his way to be neighborly. He even insisted on getting up at 5:00 a.m. to take Bruce to the airport for a 6:00 a.m. flight. A few days later, Gene came by and announced that he and his wife decided they... [Read more]
A Note From Pastor Mattil
The Holidays. The way they are being extended, it won’t be too long before July 4 becomes the beginning of the “Holiday Season.” It is part of the bigger, newer, better, faster, flashier everything mentality that has overtaken our society. During this time known as “The Holidays,” we invite you to take some time for quiet... [Read more]
The Sky Is Falling
Do you remember the story of Chicken Little? An acorn hits her on the head, setting off on a hysterical rant telling everyone “The sky is falling!” That phrase is used today to describe a situation where people jump to conclusions with little evidence, following mistaken notions and overreacting to the situation. I’ve thought of that often over... [Read more]
Trust the Lord
I trust in you, O LORD: I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands… Psalm 31:14-15 I have had many occasions to share those words with people, often when there is a lot of anxiety in their lives. I think our current economic situation in this country would fall into that category. The reason I like to share these words with people... [Read more]
How To Show Love
Isaiah 43:18 says Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. In Philippians Paul writes about forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead (3:13). The message seems to be, “Don’t look back. Forget the past.” Like the runner in a race is cautioned not to look over his shoulder, so we are told to keep looking forward. But... [Read more]
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
My second daughter got married last weekend. Two down, one to go! I was in the fortunate and somewhat unique position of being both the father of the bride and the officiating minister. When it was time to walk her down the aisle, I went into the room where she was getting ready. As soon as I saw her, I started to cry. I get kind of emotional. That... [Read more]
The Best Gift
Another Christmas come and gone. How was it for you? Are you glad it is all over? Or is it? For some, the parties and gift exchanges and busyness continue right up through the New Year and beyond. I know that is true in my household. With three church workers in my immediate family, our family gift exchange usually takes place several days after Christmas.... [Read more]
Are You Getting Ready
The day after Thanksgiving I had planned to sleep in. My wife and I, along with our youngest daughter and a friend she brought home for the holiday, would be heading to Ft. Worth that afternoon to help with a once-every-three-years Youth Gathering for High School students from all over Texas. A 3:00 a.m. phone call changed my plans. The phone call... [Read more]
Gratitude
A hot, freshly brewed cup of coffee while visiting with a friend… A day on the lake whether the fish are biting or not… The growth I’ve experienced through hardship and trials… A clear, bubbling mountain stream on a crisp summer morning… Living in a nation where we enjoy prosperity and freedom… A God who loves me enough to let His Son die... [Read more]
Be In The Word
This is the time of year when some folks think about the Reformation, when the Church returned her focus to the Bible as the source for our information about God and the standard that controls all our teachings about Him. We discover in the Word that fantastic message of God’s love for us in Christ that has accomplished our forgiveness and salvation.... [Read more]
Jury Duty
Last week I served on a jury. I’ll admit that I was less than thrilled to get the summons. Monday is supposed to be my day off, and it seems that I always get summoned to appear on a Monday. I was selected to serve and the trial started that same afternoon. We were released around 5 p.m. and told to return at 8:30 on Tuesday morning, which meant missing... [Read more]
Rules for Holy Living
In my personal Bible reading recently, I went through the book of Colossians. In this brief letter, Paul gives thanks for those believers in Colossae and reminds them of what Christ accomplished for them through his death and resurrection. He then goes on to describe the kind of life they should live and the kind of life they should not live, all in... [Read more]
What Do You Have Plenty Of?
I recently came across a story about some friends hunting in northern Canada. One was an Engineer. One was a Psychologist. And one was a Theologian. As they were hunting, a bad winter storm came up and they found a little isolated cabin. No one answered when they knocked, and the door was unlocked, so they went in. It was nothing fancy – just two... [Read more]
Oxymorons
Oxymorons: Words that people put together that really shouldn’t be put together. Oxymorons are words that contradict each other, yet used in the same breath, right next to each other. For example, when you try something on in a store, you might say, “It’s a little big.” We do this all the time: freezer burn Jumbo Shrimp Live Recording Same difference Tight... [Read more]
A Different Kind of Funeral
A few years back, I got a call from Bob, the husband of a former member who had died. His son-in-law had now died and he asked if I would conduct a graveside service for him. I agreed to do so, and met him at the cemetery the next day. It was a small private cemetery out near the community of Locust. When I arrived, it was just me and Bob. I asked him... [Read more]
Vacation Bible School
I’ve seen the signs all over Sherman and Denison. Some have brightly colored streamers to attract even more attention. Banners in church yards and Ads in the newspaper promise fun and activities and games and music. It is the time of year that churches are holding Vacation Bible School! When I see the signs and activity, I am always taken back.... [Read more]
Apnea
I suffer from an affliction known as Sleep Apnea. Many of you know what that means. If a person stops breathing, that is known as “APNEA.” If a person has periods during sleep when he or she stops breathing, it is known as Sleep Apnea. The body is deprived of oxygen, so you wake up repeatedly during the night. The end result is that you... [Read more]
Dealing With Tragedy
It breaks your heart when you hear the news. A sudden spike in the number of people being killed in automobile accidents in this area. A teenager dying on the lake. Another child despairing to the point of suicide. An accidental shooting in which a young man kills his best friend. An apparently unintentional prescription drug overdose resulting in death.... [Read more]
Ignorance is…?
“Did you hear Uncle Bill passed away?” “No, I didn’t know!” “Frank is in the hospital with cancer.” “I didn’t know he was ill!” “Why didn’t you clean up your room before the company came over?” “I didn’t know I was supposed to!” “I didn’t know” is used in many situations, but most often that phrase is an admission... [Read more]
What a Ride!
What a Ride! I heard about a 4-year-old at a wedding ceremony. He was fussin’ and fidgetin’ and just about to explode. A family member thought perhaps she could calm him down if she gave him something to play with. She reached in her purse and handed him the first thing she could find – her rosary. It was the kind that had a crucifix... [Read more]
Keep Your Fork
There was a woman who had been diagnosed with cancer and was told she only had three months to live. Her doctor advised her to start making preparations to die. She contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like... [Read more]
Forget The Past
Isaiah 43:18 says Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. In Philippians Paul writes about forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead (3:13). The message seems to be, “Don’t look back. Forget the past.” Like the runner in a race is cautioned not to look over his shoulder, so we are told to keep looking forward. But... [Read more]
It’s Not the End of the World
First I watched as the Dallas Mavericks had a phenomenal year, only to be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. And now the Cowboys come off a spectacular season and continue their playoff losing streak that is over a decade long. Both of those were big disappointments for me. I remember commiserating with someone shortly after the Giants had... [Read more]
Approach God With Confidence
Happy New Year! I’m sure many of you are ready to put “the holidays” behind you, but not me. Not yet. I think there is something refreshing about hearing and saying “Happy New Year”, even a week or so into the year! Those words give you the feeling that you can start over or begin something new! That is the idea behind New Year’s Resolutions.... [Read more]
Give Thanks
“O, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever” is the way many of us learned to return thanks after a good meal. Based on a common refrain in the book of Psalms (106, 107, 118, 136), that was the after meal prayer used in my home as I was growing up and my wife and I still use that prayer regularly in our home today. Giving... [Read more]
Do You Care?
A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. The mouse wondered what treasure or food might be inside. He was horrified when he saw the contents: a mousetrap! He ran out to the farmyard and proclaimed the warning: “There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!” The chicken clucked... [Read more]
Strong and Courageous
I receive dozens of stories each week in my email. I don’t know how many of them are real or true, but some of them have great life applications. The following is one such story. Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth’s rite of passage? His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required... [Read more]
What Would You Do?
I have a daughter that lives in Tucson. Recently, a friend of hers booked a flight from Dallas to Tucson to go see her. She was traveling with two children, one three years old, the other three months old. Her husband had just returned to Iraq after a brief furlough, so she needed to get away and be around a friend. Because of the airline she chose,... [Read more]
Men and Women of God
Sunday evening I was able to attend the fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration of some former members who now live in the Frisco area. As part of the celebration, there was a worship service at which the couple renewed their vows. It was wonderful to hear different people offer tributes and memories and testimonies about this couple. Their sons offered... [Read more]
Jesus Saves
The hard drive on my computer crashed last week. This little adventure in my life reminded me of a story I heard a while back. Jesus and Satan were having an ongoing argument about who was better at using a computer. They had been going at it for days, and God the Father was tired of hearing all the bickering. Finally, the Father said, “We’re... [Read more]
