This summer is a memorable one for us. It began in May with Andrew graduating from high school. Right on the heels of this big event, I was given six weeks of paid time off from the church. It was the longest time I’ve had off in my professional life. We began by driving to Florida on Memorial Day weekend, spending some time at the beach with my brother, sister, mother, and their families. From there, we went to my brother’s house. He lives in Orlando, providing more days for us to be in the Florida sun. We made the three-day drive back home to Kansas. Once back, Gabe and Lauren had surgeries, which took some care from us for about ten days. Meg and I got away for a weekend. I got a weekend away with Andrew and prepared for reentry.

There are many people to thank for that time off. On the church front, leadership allowed me to cover a lot for myself while out. The pulpit supply happened thanks to friends. On vacation itself, my family provided meals, my brother provided his home, and God cared for us each step of the way. Meg’s mom cared for the kids while Meg and I got away. Meg held down the fort so Andrew and I could connect. So, I have a full heart.

The time away gave me time. Obviously, I was able to get time with family. But I also had time to process some hurts and dig into some hurts that I just pushed aside and ignored in the name of the busyness of the moment. I was able to process those.

I’m back, refreshed, and grateful for so many people and blessings I’ve experienced.

My 12/12/21 sermon at Crestview was on Advent Love from John 3:16. While this verse is super familiar to many people, I thought it gets at the heart of God related to what’s happening at Advent. As we think about the coming of Jesus, the Word becoming flesh, we marvel at how this was an act of love for God to give us Himself. I hope this sermon encourages you. And, check out the church’s Facebook to see highlights from our exceptional children’s program. Thanks so much to Mandy for all she did to organize this. Have a great week.

Like I mentioned in July, I’m trying to do a better job this year of keeping track of books I’ve completed reading.  As usual, there are some books/things, I’m always working in like the Bible (praying through the Psalms of the Day and doing lots of reading in  Ecclesiastes in different translations), Sonship, as well as Crestview’s Leadership Pipeline material.

Some titles I worked through in August:

…that you might live.  Today, consider the amazing grace and mercy of Jesus.  He bore your sins in His body on the tree, that you might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Don’t be paralyzed by your past or the “what ifs.”  You’ve been set free to really live because of Jesus.  So, step out today.  And, live!

I enjoyed an amazing Sunday getting to hear Luke preach in Crestview’s Life Together series. Specifically, he preached a sermon entitled The Problems in Life Together.  Most of the literature about church family life doesn’t take a lot of time on the problems that happen when we engage in life together, but the problems are real.  They will come your way if you dig into life together.  I hope this sermon encourages you (and it is filled with lots of Gospel hope).

Was privileged to enjoy my friend Luke filling the pulpit for me on Sunday, 6/18.  He preached in our church’s Galatians series out of Galatians 3:1-9.  The sermon was entitled Faith Beats Law.  The big idea was unpacking two conclusive arguments for why faith beats law-keeping as a way to find salvation.  It was a refreshing sermon and delivered with Luke’s wit and zeal.  I hope you take advantage of the free audio and enjoy.

This coming Sunday, at Crestview, we will get back into our study of John’s Gospel and join Jesus back in the Upper Room.  He will speak to encourage His followers for the work He has for them in this world.  It might be that you’re disillusioned, fearful, or even wondering how Jesus can help you live the life to which He’s called you.  Join us as we look at John 16:1-15.  Hope has a name: Jesus.

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Today in our corporate worship, Mandy Swisher blessed us with O Holy Night, done with different lyrics than we know. Some commented on where I found them, so here’s the links and the lyrics themselves.

Bob Kauflin’s List of Songs for Christmas 2010 pointed me to…

Kevin Hartnett’s version of O Holy Night:

Verse One (Placide Cappeau, trans. John S. Dwight)

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Verse Two (Kevin Hartnett)

Humbly He lay, Creator come as creature,
Born on the floor of a hay-scattered stall.
True Son of God, yet bearing human feature,
He entered earth to reverse Adam’s fall.
In towering grace, He laid aside His glory,
And in our place, was sacrificed for sin.
Fall on your knees! O hear the gospel story!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Verse Three (Kevin Hartnett)

Come then to Him Who lies within the manger,
With joyful shepherds, proclaim Him as Lord.
Let not the Promised Son remain a stranger;
In reverent worship, make Christ your Adored.
Eternal life is theirs who will receive Him;
With grace and peace, their lives He will adorn.
Fall on your knees! Receive the Gift of heaven!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

verses two and three copyright (c) 2007 Kevin Hartnett.

As you read them, don’t you see how it makes the song so much more Gospelicious?