​I tend not to read much from Christian thinkers of the 19th century, but I stumbled across a seldom referenced Anglican priest who wrote many books, most now out of print.  I have an intense interest in disciple-making and because of this I discovered Ryle's book "Holiness."
 

Beyond the typically 19th century vocabulary and style, this book is a treasure.  He asks a question that I think goes to the core of any Christian's journey.  He writes "let me ask everyone who may read these pages, are you holy?  Listen I pray you, to a question I put you to today.  Do you know anything of holiness?"
 

"I do not ask whether you attend your church regularly, whether you have been baptized, and received the Lord's Supper; whether you have the name of Christian.  I ask something more than all this: are you holy, or are you not?"
 

"I do not ask whether you apporve of holiness in others, whether you like to read the lives of holy people and to talk of holy things, and to have on your table holy books, whether you mean to be holy, and hope you will be holy some day, or are you not?"
 

"And why do I ask so straitly [sic] and press the question so strongly?  I do it because the Scripture says, 'Without holiness no man shall see the Lord."
 

Discipleship is not an optional matter for a Christian.  If we are sitting in the stands as a spectator while others do ministry for us, we are not only NOT living, we are not growing, not being faithful.  Ryle points out that being a Christian is not merely a matter of believing and feeling, but of DOING!
 

I ask that question of myself this morning... what does my "doing" reveal of my faith?  Doing won't ever save us (that is a free gift from God through grace) but faith without actions is a lifeless thing.  Why?  Because it doesn't grow us as disciples, nor does it lead us to holiness.
 

Sombering thoughts but an important challenge!

I am happy to let everyone know that we are collecting non-perishable food items and water to take to those in need. We are set up on the Grand Parkway and already have had a lot of donations. We are teaming with Katy Christian Ministries to provide this needed relief. You may have heard of this effort on KSBJ or have seen the electronic sign at Tradition Bank.
I am so happy that we've looked for a need and are meeting it. Jesus calls us to such ministry. We have said YES!
If you want to join us call the Church office and come and help. Wherever there are the lost, the least, the last and the lonely, our God calls us to respond. And that's what we are doing! BTW, it is our Youth that are leading this effort. Isn't that awesome!!!

​As I posted my previous entry, I noticed the date and was reminded of what this day means to our country.  It's hard to believe that 9/11 was seven years ago.  I watched the horrific scene unfold on television and wondered if the attacks would ever stop.  I also remember that this was the very day that Greer Volkmer, the toddler daughter of former members of my church, died.  I couldn't get out of town on that day to travel to Kansas City because I needed gas and the lines at every gas station in town were hundreds of cars long.  I remember feeling helpless on two levels.  I couldn't keep the buildings from collapsing and I couldn't do anything to keep Greer from dying.
I cried that day but in the midst of my tears, two thoughts came to mind.  First was, "how long O Lord, must we wait until you come again to set things right."  The other thought comes from the burial rite in the prayer book, "even at the foot of the grave, we make our cry, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
 

I know of people who died on that 9/11 and my prayers go to them all on this day of remembrance.  My prayer also goes to all of us at COTHA that we may be witnesses of the truth of God's love.  One day all things will be made right;  in the meantime, we will speak of God's truth and love in the midst darkness.  Alleluia!

​We've had a couple of threats this year, but this is the first one that appears to be the real deal as far as hurricanes go.  The first thing to know is, the mayor and county judge in Houston said to "hunker down," that it is safer to stay home than try to evacuate.  The second thing to know is that we should pray for all of those in the path of Ike, including our friends and neighbors, indeed ourselves.
We will have services this Sunday, no matter what.  If we don't have electricity we'll have an adventure, but it will still be church.  No matter what we face, our first response will be "Praise the Lord, for He is risen!"
 

Speaking of responses, we are putting together a Response Team here at COTHA.  This team will help deliver food and water to those who may find themselves without.  We will depend on you to let us know if there is someone in need.  If you want to serve on this team contact Sharon Cunningham at smcunn@aol.com.
 

The evidence of a broken world is seen all around us.  Because of sin, everything is broken.. from the human condition to the earth itself.  God is still God and while the devil means this for bad, God means it for good.  Let us make sure, wherever we find ourselves with the winds and rain begins, that we are God's children, disciples called to reach out to those who are least, last, lost and lonely.
 

Know that you are all in my prayers.  God's glory will be seen!
 

See you on Sunday!!

Vic is the one responsible for me being at COTHA. Actually, he had very little to do with the actual call, but he is the person who led me to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Vic went away to a youth conference many, many years ago and came back totally ablaze with passion for Jesus. I thought it odd at the time, but very compelling. After running from him for an entire summer, I sat down on the living room floor of another friend, Craig Hutchinson, and accepted Jesus into my life as Lord and Savior. I hadn't really planned on doing that, but there was something about the way they shared their faith, the way they honestly explored with me what a difference Jesus had made in their life, I felt I had to see if Jesus was really real.
Well He is, praise God! I was saved that night and my life has never been the same. I am eternally grateful for Vic and Craig and their desire to be faithful in sharing their story. Their vulnerability and honesty continues to bless me all these years later.
I talked to Vic on the phone today. I'm not sure why I called him, I just felt like I should. Vic is a pastor in the Wesleyan Church and is planting a new church in Oklahoma. I asked him to put me on the mailing list so I could pray for him. He reminded me that he always prays for me as well. I knew that. I've always known that.
I am so thankful for people like Vic in my life that continue to challenge, support and love me. I don't feel like I deserve such friendship but that feels a lot like Grace. We never deserve it, but it is always freely given.
This Sunday we launch into a new series, starting with our official "Kick-off" for the school year. The theme of both is "Mission imPOSSIBLE." It is possible to meet our mission when we continue to love one another and keep pushing ahead. I have been taught that by my good friend Vic. And I know we can do this, because Jesus is the head of the Church and He will empower us, through our love for one another, to achieve impossible things!
Invite a friend this weekend and I'll see you Sunday!