Sunday afternoon reflections
I didn't reflect last Sunday so this will include two weeks worth. Just some random thoughts.
Last Week
*After preaching both services I felt that the emphasis on sin has been too strong over the last few weeks. So I determined to lighten the mood this week. I did. Sort of.
*We had a lot of people both in the morning and blew up in the evening. We had a record. A little over 50 people. That's too many for this venue, but we can't move. Don't know what to do.
*Last week after leaving the Christians Guest House in the evening I ran into an elephant in the street out front. It was stealing food from people eating at the food stall. Note to self: if an elephant tries to steal your dinner, give it up!
Today
*Lots of empty seats in the morning. Holiday weekend for some of the schools. It never ceases to amaze me how often some people vacate the city. I wonder if I would do that if I were not a pastor.
*One of my church members was seen all over TV this weekend escorting Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie around Mae Sot. She was in church... without Brad and Angelina. I'm told they flew to Mae Sot on their private jet. I know they have privacy issues, but that just seems wrong. I'm glad they do it though. Perhaps people will notice.
*I'm going to that same camp next Monday, but not by private jet. I played golf last Monday with someone who could afford his own private jet. But he thinks it's a waste of money. He's not as famous as Brad and Angelina.
*I ate too much for lunch. Now I'm sleepy and feeling fat. So I went to the gym. I'm still feeling sleepy and fat, only now I also have tired legs.
*I saw something weird at the gym. They've been advertising the latest fitness craze, Pole Dancing. The class was going on while I was working out. The gym I go to on Sunday is a block from the Christian Guest House where we worship on Sunday nights. It's also right across the street from the most famous red light district in Bangkok. Something weird about upperclass ladies learning pole dancing for exercise across the street from the red light district where poor women are exploited doing the same thing.
*I didn't actually see any of the class. You'd have to be sort of a perv to walk up and peer into the room. There were guys doing it though. Women seemed curious too. I restricted my voyeurism to watching those who were watching. There was a small group of us.
*When I do my Sunday afternoon reflections I sit and type in the lobby of the Guest House. I am often ashamed at the behavior of the guests. The Thais working here see the worst of the missionary community. It's not everyone, but its enough.
*I probably overshared in this morning's sermon. I have faith that God will use my vulnerability to help others.
*I'm thinking more and more about posting my sermons regularly. My issue is that my preaching is very personal. Do I really want to put myself out there? My other issue is that it might make SOME people feel better when they miss worship. I don't want to give anyone that excuse. I think it's THAT important.
*We have a guest guitarist/songleader tonight. I hope he's as good as the person who recommended him said. I really worship in the evenings. Less pressure. Service is less complicated.
*We are going to Cha'am tomorrow. The house is being sprayed for mosquitos. We'll stay two nights and rush back for Wednesday commitments. If I weren't a pastor we'd stay longer.
That's all for now. Gotto go get in the right mindset to preach. The sermon today packs a big punch. It's not as dark as the last few weeks, but it's there. Maybe I'll post it tomorrow before we leave.
Last Week
*After preaching both services I felt that the emphasis on sin has been too strong over the last few weeks. So I determined to lighten the mood this week. I did. Sort of.
*We had a lot of people both in the morning and blew up in the evening. We had a record. A little over 50 people. That's too many for this venue, but we can't move. Don't know what to do.
*Last week after leaving the Christians Guest House in the evening I ran into an elephant in the street out front. It was stealing food from people eating at the food stall. Note to self: if an elephant tries to steal your dinner, give it up!
Today
*Lots of empty seats in the morning. Holiday weekend for some of the schools. It never ceases to amaze me how often some people vacate the city. I wonder if I would do that if I were not a pastor.
*One of my church members was seen all over TV this weekend escorting Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie around Mae Sot. She was in church... without Brad and Angelina. I'm told they flew to Mae Sot on their private jet. I know they have privacy issues, but that just seems wrong. I'm glad they do it though. Perhaps people will notice.
*I'm going to that same camp next Monday, but not by private jet. I played golf last Monday with someone who could afford his own private jet. But he thinks it's a waste of money. He's not as famous as Brad and Angelina.
*I ate too much for lunch. Now I'm sleepy and feeling fat. So I went to the gym. I'm still feeling sleepy and fat, only now I also have tired legs.
*I saw something weird at the gym. They've been advertising the latest fitness craze, Pole Dancing. The class was going on while I was working out. The gym I go to on Sunday is a block from the Christian Guest House where we worship on Sunday nights. It's also right across the street from the most famous red light district in Bangkok. Something weird about upperclass ladies learning pole dancing for exercise across the street from the red light district where poor women are exploited doing the same thing.
*I didn't actually see any of the class. You'd have to be sort of a perv to walk up and peer into the room. There were guys doing it though. Women seemed curious too. I restricted my voyeurism to watching those who were watching. There was a small group of us.
*When I do my Sunday afternoon reflections I sit and type in the lobby of the Guest House. I am often ashamed at the behavior of the guests. The Thais working here see the worst of the missionary community. It's not everyone, but its enough.
*I probably overshared in this morning's sermon. I have faith that God will use my vulnerability to help others.
*I'm thinking more and more about posting my sermons regularly. My issue is that my preaching is very personal. Do I really want to put myself out there? My other issue is that it might make SOME people feel better when they miss worship. I don't want to give anyone that excuse. I think it's THAT important.
*We have a guest guitarist/songleader tonight. I hope he's as good as the person who recommended him said. I really worship in the evenings. Less pressure. Service is less complicated.
*We are going to Cha'am tomorrow. The house is being sprayed for mosquitos. We'll stay two nights and rush back for Wednesday commitments. If I weren't a pastor we'd stay longer.
That's all for now. Gotto go get in the right mindset to preach. The sermon today packs a big punch. It's not as dark as the last few weeks, but it's there. Maybe I'll post it tomorrow before we leave.
