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Do you
think it's okay for Christians to have fun, to joke around, play riddle
games, sports, or tell jokes? If you do, why? If you don't, why not? I'd
guess it's obvious I think it's okay. In fact, I believe God wants us to
enjoy all He's created. He's given us the ability to laugh, to enjoy life
and each other. Many of us have a competitive personality. God gave that
to us too. Many people earn a good living as comics. The jokes and stories
they tell usually aren't true. God has given them their talent as well.
I'm absolutely certain it's not okay to be untruthful for the purpose of
deceit. But an untrue but a humorous joke or story for entertainment isn't
meant to be harmful or deceitful.
In some ways, this is a very deep and philosophical topic. But, I've seen
two types of people who Claim Jesus as their personal savior, Lord and
best friend. One holds a belief that there is no room for 'nonsense in a
Christian's life. And another type (I'm one of these) who believes God has
provided too many reasons to enjoy and relish most of what this life
offers, including dancing, joking, playing games and participating in
sports, singing and sharing laughter or tears. I believe God has given
each of us talents, and passion; to share ours and enjoy the talents of
others.
I'm not suggesting I'm right and others are wrong. I'm merely expressing
what I believe and trying to explain why I find it difficult to believe we
need to always be serious and piously rigid; to properly honor God. There
is always a time, and a place for seriousness, but in worshipping god, I
can't believe there is ever a time or place for being sour, dour or rigid.
When I read the Psalms, I can see that David complained, moaned, lamented
and worried in many of them. But even in most of these, he turned his
praise and worship of God into a happy celebration of appreciation, honor
and thanksgiving. Remember Psalms are songs of worship and praise. One of
my favorites is Psalm 30, especially verse 5, For his anger endureth but a
moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy
cometh in the morning.
Kevin M's dad's surgery to repair the leaking
stint in in his aortic aneurysm was successful. Pastor Kevin thanks all
for their prayers. Randy S' surgery (open-heart arterial graft) was
successful and he called a friend this morning in a great mood and
laughing. Praise God. Please continue to pray for Randy's healing,
continued end to addictions and his spiritual renewal.
Father, I will enjoy Your gifts, the earth,
laughter, games, sports and music, because You've created and given them
to us. I will listen to and tell stories and jokes meant for laughter. I
will compete to the best of my ability, because You've endowed me with a
spirit of fair play and competition. I will worship with abandon, music
and shouts of praise, because I love You. I will ask for and accept Your
forgiveness of my sins, as I forgive all other sinners. I pray Your
kingdom to come, Your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven, and
ask to be given what I need for the day. I honor You above all others.
These loved ones and cares I lift: Pastor Kevin's father, Randy S, Mike N,
Wakins family, Keith R, Anne, Gary H, Rob P, Jim B, Mary (& Larry) C's
Nephew, Jane C, Emily W, Jim V, Teresa, John B, Nikki L, Team of Kairos
#10, Barbara, Nikki L, Jim V, John B, Vickie E, Ken S, Ladies of walk 58,
Mr. & Mrs. Dewitt, Brandelyn N, Claudia T, Chrissie, Tim H -sons &
families, Bill C, Jim B, Mike S' sister Tammy, Larry M, Tom G, Cindy S'
grandfather Gerald, Johnnie W's s son David (surgery), John C, Jonah Joser,
Michelle C, Ashlie B, Pat D, Roger D, Chris F, Maggie M, Victoria, Jen,
Takin' The Streets Penny ministry, Katy H - Grace - other parents &
orphans, Gayla K, Doug & Joanne F, Bill H, Katie V, Trina, Rick B, Joe
D, Scott K, Eric K, Megan D, Karen M, Jess P, Catie M, Tom McL, Bill C,
Shawn - Heidi & kids, Jason (in Texas), Becky M, Hunter H, Mable C,
John D, Linda Z, John W, Tom C, Diane (Texas), Dave W, Denise, Sherry,
Curt H, Roy & Becky M & their families, , Genie D, Barb W, Julie S
& her family, Nancy F, Naomi's Heart Mission, Patty B, Larry M, Tami -
husband & family, Jan F, Jason & Kristie, Walter M, Evan W, Dave
H, Lori D, Rick F, Sally W, Stacey S, Barron S, Jerry F, Brenda W, Diane
F, Mary A, Susan & family, Suveld & family, Alexia, and Vladimer,
Terri & Doug R, Eldon & Deloris R, Sondra F, Stacey F, Kevin,
Scott K, Koster family, Betsye A, Judy R, Mike, Solly (for liver), Ronda
& John P, Archie S, Roger D, M Roker, Michael V, Charlie M, Gerry,
Patrice S, India U, Sharon N, Nathan R, John D, Dean S, Amber &
family, Maria - her grandmother and son, Carol B, Lisa H, Aprilla, Jack,
Tom & Marg, Tom C, Dustin, Glen, Barry, Dylan, Robin & husband,
all trying to end addiction or habit, our families for salvation and
guidance, those grieving, depressed, fighting / working for freedom and
safety from terror, neglected / abused / missing children, God's servants
and churches, those looking for work, in rehab programs, our families and
all we hold dear in our hearts. For Yours is the kingdom the power, and
the glory forever.... Amen.
I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted
me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I
cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O LORD, thou hast brought up my
soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to
the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the
remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his
favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the
morning. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. LORD, by thy
favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy
face, and I was troubled. I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I
made supplication. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the
pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? Hear, O LORD,
and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me
my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me
with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not
be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Psalm 30 1-12 KJV
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