It seems to happen often. In my opinion it is the opposite of what should happen. I understand the arguments on why it does happen and why it shouldn’t happen. But this discussion is actually part of my musings, so let’s get on with the musings …

-Last week I was sharing about the awesome time in worship we experienced at my 10:30 church the previous Sunday. That was not the case yesterday. It wasn’t a bad day, it was just kind of flat. I felt like there was a wall up as I was preaching yesterday. My wife felt something similar during the music. It so counterintuitive to me. I always expect that the week after a great time of worship that the next week the service would be as powerful if not even more powerful. Instead it often seems the next week falls flat. I don’t know if it is everyone sitting back waiting for something to happen or if it is simply the up and down nature of people.

-My 9:00 church had a good service and the prayer time and sermon went well with very good engagement by people and a few who responded to the message.

-I loved the awesome message in all of our music yesterday. My wife did an awesome job on the song “Break Every Chain” leading into the sermon about being set free.

-Even with things falling a bit flat at the 10:30 church there were still a couple of people who responded to being set free. Fortunately God is not dependent on my emotions.

-Attendance was good, not great, but good in both churches.

-We had a very good time in the Sunday evening small groups. A lot of good sharing and discussion. Praying for those who attended to apply what was studied throughout the week.

-We had a great time with the church boards of both churches and their spouses on Saturday evening. We met with a couple that I have been interviewing about the possibility of joining us as a part-time Assistant Pastor. It was a good time of sharing and we are praying about the next steps.

-I read a blog post that Thom Rainer posted about some statements people make that cause pastors to cringe. I didn’t agree with quite a bit of the post. Sometimes we pastors get upset about some silly things. I include myself in this group. Come on, let’s not be so thin skinned. I get it if someone threatens us with our job, or criticizes our spouse or kids, but after that let people have their say. Respond if appropriate and then go on and do what you are called to do. We are not the only group who gets criticized. Have you ever attended a sporting event and listened to the criticism directed at coaches, umpires, referees and the athletes? We should not be above criticism, but we also should be able to respond in a reasonable manner as well. Enough of my rant.

-My sermon next Sunday is on Vision and sharing some of what I am convinced God is leading us into in this next season of ministry. I am always excited to share about vision and somewhat fearful as I discover some of the ways in which God desires to stretch us in this season of our ministry.

-Wow, I am having trouble focusing this morning. Could be I need a little more sleep. Maybe I need to go fishing. Maybe it is just Monday, whatever the reason it has prompted me to not get these musings done until after noon this week.

Here’s hoping you are able to focus on what is important this week and that you take some time to appreciate all that God is doing in your life.

Dennis