Sermon Recap-- No...Really!

Last Saturday, while on vacation in Savannah, GA we decided to take a diversion out to Tybee Island Lighthouse. It was about a 30 minute drive or so away from the historic area of Savannah, and we had walked all over that area and was looking for something to do. In no time at all, we were staring up at an old historic lighthouse. Sarah asked me, "You want to go on a tour of it?" I quickly said, "Why not." Upon entering the lower level, I began looking for an elevator. Sadly, there was none to be found. 178 spiralling steps awaited us, as we wound our way to the top. Every 20 steps or so, brought us to a nice window, and I always made sure that Douglas looked out at the lovely view. Truth of the matter is...I was stalling for strength. We made it to the top and then Douglas and I went out and snapped a few pictures. Sarah was a little timid of the height, but it was a good experience. We made our way back down and I was proud of my achievement. 178 steps x 2 = a lot of steps and I thought that I deserved to sign the book of lighthouse climbing accomplishment. My ego was deflated as I saw the following inscription, "Melba Jones 82 year old quadruple bypass survivor." So much for my grand achievement!! No....really, that is the truth.

The next day I felt as though someone had hit me in my thighs with a baseball bat. I wanted to call up Melba Jones and ask if I could borrow some Ben-Gay, but I was afraid that she didn't even need it after her victorious climb. I thought back to the years, not too long ago, when I would play basketball for hours, and be quite good at it. I was a little sad at the lack of shape of my body.


(A dear lady in the second row said, "See Richard, you should come and join our exercise class!) Of course, the whole place erupted!


Not only did this looking back at the way I used to be make me bummed out a bit, but it also reminded me of a craft that we did in Sunday school. Now, I am not too crafty..so please forgive me.




This is one of those little crafts that remind us of those things in which we are thankful. This Thanksgiving, I decided to look at the 5 or so things that "fill out my turkey." Mine are pretty basic things. I am thankful for Football. I know, it is silly, but it brings me a lot of joy. I watch a lot of it, probably too much. Yesterday afternoon, Douglas sat down beside me while I was engrossed in a game. "Daddy likes to watch football--but Douglas likes to watch movies." I have a feeling that he will get the bug pretty soon. We all have amusements that bring us joy. These are neat gifts--little diversions that help us get by. Food is my second feather on my turkey. I really do not think that I need to say a whole lot more here. Family and Friends are on the next feather--wow, family can be difficult at times. Just this morning, I asked someone how their trip home went. The reply, "about three days too long." I think the trip home for them was only four days. You know the funny thing, we get on our families nerves too. It works both ways. But what would life be like without out family and friends. Although a lot of life is filled with frustration, we can also recall the times when we were encouraged and helped by people that really cared about us...deeply. Fun is something else that I am thankful for. (Addressed to the lady on row two that busted me earlier) I am so glad that we laugh here. Many preachers see the sermon as their time to "speak truth", but I see it as our time to share truth. I just love the fact that this is your time too, and that we can laugh and appreciate each other! The last feather on my turkey is Freedom. We live in a country that allows us to practice our faith openly. We can worship and sing and preach and testify and wear Christian T shirts and have bumper stickers on our cars and....you get the picture. I am thankful to live in the USA and realize that many have sacrificed to give me that freedom.


Guess What? My turkey is colorful and somewhat creative. The words even alliterate--some preachers love to have alliteration in each sermon. But really, my turkey is worthless. The things that we are thankful for are all nothing compared to the cross of Christ. All we are, and ever will be is because of His love for us. The relentless, pursuing love of Christ--now that is something to be thankful for!


In the scripture reading for today, we are able to read together. I will read the first part and each of you can follow by saying, "His faithful love endures forever." Notice how God moves throughout history...faithfully.



Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.



2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever.



3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever.


4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.



5 Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.



13 Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.



14 He led Israel safely through, His faithful love endures forever.



15 but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.



16 Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness.His faithful love endures forever.


23 He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.



26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.



So...for the Turkey (us) to be complete, we need to remember, His faithful love endures...forever.



Communion followed and is there a better place to focus on God's faithful love for His people?