It's been too long I know

Apparently some of you read this blog. I have had a few people let me know that I better start posting again. #1 I am pleasantly surprised and #2 now I feel the onus to be more regular.
Now let me tell you, after a cleanse that is not difficult. (note: that will be the second last cleanse comment for fear of losing 6 of my 7 readers). My last comment is that I lost 11 pounds. Figuring that isn't too bad. Good experience.

I preached the last couple of weeks and it gave me a new found respect for anyone having to preach 4 times per weekend on a regular basis. Unless your name is Jon and you are my friend from College then I have no respect for you whatsoever. (that was a joke for my friend Jon from College who I don't respect - and that was supposed to be funny)

Here are some highlights:

Jan 20 - 21 Message "One"
One Love
One Message
One Step of Faith

John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This lyrics to this song were challenging to a number of people:

“I Repent”
by Derek Webb

i repent, i repent of my pursuit of america's dream
i repent, i repent of living like i deserve anything
of my house, my fence, my kids, my wife
in our suburb where we're safe and white
i am wrong and of these things i repent

i repent, i repent of parading my liberty
i repent. i repent of paying for what i get for free
and for the way i believe that i am living right
by trading sins for others that are easier to hide
i am wrong and of these things i repent

bridge
i repent judging by a law that even i can't keep
of wearing righteousness like a disguise
to see through the planks in my own eyes
i repent, i repent of trading truth for false unity

i repent, i repent of confusing peace and idolatry
by caring more of what they think than what i know of what we need
by domesticating you until you look just like me
i am wrong and of these things i repent

January 27 - 28 Message "Go"

Go _______ (your name)
Go _______ and serve
Go _______ and serve and Yo (I will be with you always)

Matt 5:13-16 (the Message)
“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you one a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – SHINE! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Scott