Things I Think I Think
The answer to this question might be “0”, but, did any of you read Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback column from Sports Illustrated years ago? It’s ok if you didn’t. I don’t think he writes it any longer, but that could be wrong. I used to like reading it…I thought his football insights were pretty interesting, and he’d have some funny anecdotes and stories along the way. If you don’t know who Peter King is, or care at all about football commentary – that’s ok. You don’t need to.
One of the things I liked about that column though, was he had a section of quick thoughts that were like half-formed, not-quite-full-thought-out-thoughts…and he’d call them things “I think I think.”
So in that spirit, here’s some quick things I think I think…
I think the book of James is woefully under-appreciated, under-lived by the church, and under-read by me personally. If you’re reading our bible reading plan with us this year, you know we’re on chapter 3 of James today. It’s just so dang challenging. James really takes his big bro’s (Jesus) warnings seriously – that those who hear his words and act on them are the ones that get it right. James comes right out with it: faith without works is dead; even demons believe in God – so what?!? – get to work living the kind of life God made you for; real religion is not about belief – it’s about caring for the most vulnerable around us. I think we need to take James more seriously. I think we, the church, need to live it more seriously. I think I need to read James more seriously. Seriously.
I think the gazebo services have been great so far, and I’m so looking forward to the next two weeks of them. I think, as I said last week, you’re doing an amazing job serving God in and through those services.
I think Rebecca delivered a great sermon on Sunday. If you missed it, don’t miss it. I think we’re blessed to have her.
I think I’m bummed summer is ending. I think. I mean, Amanda, my wife, starts back as school/work today – which is a bummer for us, but is such a blessing for her students and colleagues. I’m bummed our Sandbox hangout got tropical stormed out in August. I’m bummed because our beach days are limited. I mean, I think I’m bummed summer is ending, but maybe not…because at the same time, I look forward to fall, to football restarting, to cold weather, and…
I think I’m really excited for a new ‘church-year’ to begin. I’m excited to focus on Jesus in a new and deeper way this year. I’m excited for you – and I – to grow to know and love and follow him more together. I’m excited for Central Youth to relaunch and grow from the summer momentum. I’m excited for our women’s Tuesday morning bible study to get going again in September (9th!). I’m excited for a new vision / season of “Step Groups” to launch in the fall (more to come on that!). I’m excited to welcome new folks into our community.
I think you are a gift to me, and to one another. It’s a gift getting to know you more, to walk with you through good times and bad, to explore faith, scripture, and tough questions with you, to serve our God alongside you, to grow because of you. It’s a gift that you also give to one another.
I think this church is being a light on the Bayshore. We could – and should – always be better, always look at how we need to repent and change, and always know we have a lot of room to grow. But still, I think God is using us for his Kingdom come, and I have big hopes and dreams for what God will continue to do in us and through us.
I think Dr. Brandon Cho, the new pastor at Beacon United Methodist down the street, is a great guy and pastor. I had lunch with him last week, thoroughly enjoyed it, and really look forward to learning from him and working with him and Beacon for the Kingdom of God.
I think the AACC Food Pantry is awesome, and is doing awesome work. The people who go there are some amazing folks, and the volunteers who run it and serve there truly demonstrate what ‘real greatness’ is all about (Mark 9…this Sunday!). God is working in that place.
I think God’s mercy (which triumphs over judgment – James 2:13) is really comforting.
I think some of you won’t care about these next thoughts…and that’s ok…here we go anyway:
I think Jaxson Dart is the goods (and hope and pray!).
I think the Yankees are toast.
I think U2 (who I don’t really listen to) has some of the most amazing songs.
I think Atlantic Highlands needs a sushi place downtown…and a place for cheap tacos.
I think that’s it for now. I think.