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An old-timer ran a feed store, but he just didn’t seem to be able to make money at it. The store’s income kept falling until he feared he would have to close the doors for good. In desperation, he decided to pursue a “wild idea” that he came up with late one night. He invested $50, a great deal of money in those days, in one thousand baby chicks.

Now, his neighbors were quick to scoff. After all, this poor guy couldn’t make it selling feed---how in this world could he make it selling chickens? To further amazement, however, the old-timer didn’t even try to sell the chicks. He took a completely different strategy. During the months of February and March he ran an “Easter Special,” in which every customer received ten free chicks.

When word of this spread, the man’s neighbors thought he had gone completely mad. His feed business was failing and he was giving things away? By Easter, however, he was riding high. In fact, his overall business had tripled. Each of his customers who had received the free chicks were coming back again and again, it seems, to buy a lot more feed to nourish their growing brood!

You know, I have discovered that life is an echo. What you send out---you get back. What you give---you get. II Corinthians 9:6 says it beautifully, "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

In this Thanksgiving season, don’t be afraid of giving---embrace it. It, after all, is the first step to receiving.

Many people ask how they might attain knowledge of God. The knowledge of God is not so much knowledge about God but a personal fellowship with God. More than securing information about God, the people are called to know God as one friend knows another in close trust and loving relationship. And forgiveness is basic in this relationship. God not only comes through judgment, pulling down the idols and destroying the pride of people, but now he also graciously forgives them. It is good to know that when we are vulnerable to God he enters us as gracious reality.

Sunday, October 02, 2011, is World Communion Sunday in mainline Protestant churches around the world, and so it is in Houston First United Methodist Church. It is an invitation for all to come and partake of Holy Communion in remembrance of all God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Many people avoid this day of worship believing themselves to be unworthy to receive the bread and the cup.

When Jesus was on earth He did not ask those who came to him, "Are you worthy to come?" He was glad that they came, and with his whole heart He wanted to help them. In the Lord's Supper is the representation of Christ in all the graciousness of his person. Such as went to him then, can come to him now. For all who come humbly and sincerely, seeking help and light and guidance, there is the same loving welcome as Jesus Christ gave when He was on earth. (9/26/11)

My own life experiences convince me that the people in this life who most effectively give proof of faithfulness to God and love of others do it simply and quietly. They’re the teachers who struggle week after week with a class of squirming kids in order to implant some seeds of faith; men and women who give their time to lead youth groups; people who willingly accept the burden of caring for bedridden parents or relatives; pastors who shun the race for honors or public acclaim and devote their lives to humble congregations. This is what James calls “pure religion and undefiled.” Of such is the kingdom of heaven. (9/12/11)

In the Gospel of St. Matthew, chapter 6:9-13, Jesus spends time teaching the art of prayer, in other words, how we should pray. In our humanistic ways we tend to pray for what we want. Such is the case of two little boys during the Great depression who prayed aloud; "Dear God, give us each a jack-knife for Christmas." Wanting to spare their children from disappointment, the parents took from their thin purse enough for the knives. Christmas morning came and the knives were there; no donor was named. The boys gleefully raced to their room and confided in each other, "We didn't pray big enough. We should've asked for bicycles."

Those gifted in prayer are often asked for a model. Jesus was no exception. In the use of proverbs, stories, and real-life situations, the disciples were given prayer basics. Although Luke, as well as Matthew record the "prayer perfect" it is easier to use Matthew. Why? Because the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes are so aptly a part of the "prayer lesson." Too easily this prayer can be repeated. It is meant to be prayed. Praying it may mean additions; seldom subtractions. Using it as a model, programs the mind to "prayer in all seasons for any and all reasons." (9/6/11)

What is your attitude when you come to church? Is it an attitude of praise and joy? Or, is it an attitude of criticism and cynicism? Your attitude when you come to church does make a difference in terms of what you get out of church. If you come with a critical heart, you will leave a critically unhappy person. If you attend church with the praise and joy in your heart, you will leave with a heart filled with compounded dividends of God's blessings.

Have you ever wondered why people are so unhappy in the church and why so many people end up being irregular in their participation?

Folks, your attitude will determine your altitude. You will only go as high as your attitude will take you in terms of Christian growth and enjoying the Christian life. The Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:1 that we are to "set our hearts on the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God." When you focus on the holy things of God, your attitude will be right. As a result, you will grow and get so much more out of the Christian experience.

If you are frustrated, unhappy, and not enjoying life in Christ through His church, it might be time to have a "check-up from the neck-up" in the attitude arena. Remember, you will only go as high as it will take you.

But it will take you a long way if it is the attitude of Christ. (8/30/11)