RUSSJONES.US

That song came on the radio the other day, and within a few moments, we were all singing along. Now I remember this classic cartoon along with Frosty the Snowman and claymation classic Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  I also remember the Ron Howard movie that cast Jim Carrey as The Grinch.  I remember when Christmas was simple and decorations were not sold at Wal-Mart until the day after Thanksgiving. But over the years Christmas has been ratcheted up to a level that even I wouldn't try to understand. - The largest floating Christmas tree measures 278 ft 10 in. in height - The record for the most lights lit simultaneously on a Christmas tree is 150,000. - The most expensively decked Christmas tree was decorated with 83 pieces of jewelry which had a total value of $16 million. - The largest Christmas stocking measured 106 ft 9 in long and 49 ft 1 in wide, heel to toe. - The largest Christmas star ornament measures 103 ft 8 in tall. Source: www.telegraph.co.uk The celebrat

The title writes itself, doesn’t it? If you haven’t heard the Today show host of the last 20 years, was fired this morning for sexual harassment.  Now I’ve steered clear of this subject for the last few weeks. Not because I disagree with what has been happening.  There is no situation where sexual harassment is acceptable.  But it has been difficult to determine which accusations were false and which ones were real. However, I do believe that this particular situation is valid. Why does someone throw away a career?   Why would someone think that they have the right to behave this way?  Why? You and I live in a world where others down and down is up. Right is wrong and wrong is right.  The lines between reality and fantasy are blurred.   Without a strong moral compass anyone is capable of doing anything. Proverbs 11:3. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Now I am the first to say that no one is perfect.   The purpose

I spoke to someone this morning who vacationed, "up north" for Thanksgiving. They are natives of Florida, so I asked, "How was the weather?" COLD!!! They were so glad to be back in warm south Florida. (For those of you who are wondering, it's a beautiful 79 degrees right now.) Now for those of you who love your snow and cold, GOD BLESS YOU! Not me. I use to live in the land of frozen tundra. (Basically, any point north of Orlando.) I can tell you that I would turn blue around September and thawed out around May. I just can't do it. In my years in South Florida, I have seen snow flurries a couple of times. One year, it really snowed. People were calling me on the phone to tell me. So I went outside. Sure enough, big flakes were falling out of the sky. The problem was, it's wasn't snow. A controlled burn at Lake Okeechobee had got out of control. They wanted to burn a couple thousand acres. They ended up burning around 10,000. All that ash was fa

I am posting late this evening.  It's been a long day. Edmund Sears (1810-1876) was ordained a Unitarian minister in 1839. His inspiration for writing, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear wasn't about to the birth of Christ, but the condition of the country as the Civil War approached. Quoting the angels song from Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (KJV) Sears hymn became one of the earliest social gospel hymns in America.  I think about our culture today.  Words like, bullying, hate, anger, rage, injustice, and violence fill our news.  Whatever happened to hope, life and joy!  The great lie is that we can live on our most powerful emotions.  That they can sustain us through our daily lives.   But the most powerful emotion we have isn't hating or anger.  It's love.  1 Peter 4:8  Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.   Anger capitalizes on our sins.  Hatred exposes our si

The AV computer would not work this morning.  First, the video went.  Then the audio disappeared.  But the good news was the video was back.  We discovered that the TV in the fellowship hall was broken.  We tried to get another TV to work, but to no avail.  Service started late. We sang singing Joy to the World acapella.  Then the computer audio and video returned.  (Thank you, Eric, for coming to our rescue.)  It was just one of "those" mornings. Neh. 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This morning (Sunday) I pointed out that there are a lot of things that you can draw strength from.  Anger, bitterness, discontentment, lust, greed, and hate.  (That's the short list.)    Joy is Biblical.  Angels rejoice when someone commits their life to Christ.  Many of Jesus' parables s

Deck the halls was today at FFWC!  Christmas trees and wreaths are everywhere.  There is nothing we can do about it.  Dec 25th is one month away. Luke 1: 30 - 33 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” The first person who knew about Christmas (before it was called Christmas) was Mary.  She got 9 months notice.  Those 9 months were a bit rocky.  Her story just wasn't believable.  Therefore, people would have labeled her a cheater, a harlot and worse.   Christmas, for Mary, was about submitting to God's will and obeying Him.  Her willingness to give was what made Christmas a reality.  But that heart o

It was the dark ages.  The year was 700 something AD.  Civilization was failing.  War, disease and chaos dominated the day.  But somewhere there was a monk.  A monk who wrote a song that expressed the Old Testament prophecies that a Messiah, the Christ would come and be the Savior of the world.  Most people could not read. Therefore, they would have to listen.  What better way to teach theology than through song. Now fast forward to the 19th century.  An Anglican priest named John Mason Neale was reading through an ancient book of hymns and ran across this song.  Of course, it was written in Latin.  But he easily translated it into English.  The music came from a 15th-century convent of nuns in Portugal.    It wasn't long that his song caught on and made it all the way around the world. You probably don't know that there are 7 verses to this song.  (Yes, that's long.) But each verse is rich with truth. Verse 3 O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan

The term Black Friday was coined by the Philadelphia Police Department to describe the shopping day after Thanksgiving. This was due to so many traffic accidents, pedestrian and auto congestion, and incidents of violence. Retailers hated the term. Naturally, because it was reminiscent of Black Monday, Black Tuesday, and Black Thursday. These are days when the stock market took massive plunges.  Eventually, though, retailers embraced what they couldn't change. So instead of black representing the dark side of shopping. It now represents the black ink retailers enjoy because of increased holiday sales. What can you learn from this? Genesis 41:39-42  39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egy

1 Thessalonians 5:18  Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. On this Thanksgiving Eve, we prepare for a day or even a weekend of thankfulness.  Anyhow, that's what we are supposed to be doing.   Too many times the holidays are all about busyness and making people happy.   So, let's get this out of the way.  Nowhere in the Bible does it say that you are supposed to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas.  So why do we do it?  Some people, a long time ago, thought it best stop and give thanks to God for all that He has done for us.  Or in other words, worship Him.   How do you do this?  #1 - Recognize that God is your source for everything!   #2 - Admit that God owns everything!  #3 - Conclude that you should thank Him for what He has provided.  Need a reason why to be thankful?  Let's try this.   - If you make $75,000 a year, you rank in the top 0.11% richest people in the world. - If you make $30,

I really struggled with this one.  At first, I was going to write one, then I wasn't.  But something changed my mind. In the 60's Charles Manson led a cult of followers who he led to commit a series of nine murders. He was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for the deaths of seven people. This was the time of free love and peace.  A generation of young people was rising up against the Vietnam War.  Drugs such as acid and marijuana were becoming prevalent.  A wave of humanism and atheism was sweeping across America.  Then it all came to an end as the symbols of peace were found to be making war instead.  Mason became a symbol of madness, violence and the ghastly.  The nation looked at "hippies" as a blight.  Their message of free love and peace fell on deaf ears.   I know that the Bible says, "Do not judge."  Believe me, I am not.  But in all of my research, I cannot find anyone saying that Charles repented of his sin

Birthdays can be a beautiful thing.  Really!   Today is my wife's birthday.  She received one of her favorite lunches today.  She also received a gift from Anneka and me.  She has been receiving all sorts of birthday wishes online too.   Proverbs 9:11  For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. So what is the one thing about her that I love?  Let's be clear, there are A LOT of things I love about her, but this one impresses me.   She never quits.  Her tenacity to find a solution and see something through amazes me. - When her health took a turn for the worse, she found a way out that added years to her life. - When the doctors said she couldn't have children, she never gave up. - When money is an issue, she finds a way to earn it. - She will help you, guide you and share your life experience with you. Why am I pointing this out to you?  Because you need tenacity too.  Without it, you will never achieve your dreams.

I heard someone say recently, "Hang your hat on every little win you achieve and before you know it, you will accomplish your dreams." - Had an excellent service at church today.  6 people dedicated their lives to Christ. - Got to dedicated a teenager who is being adopted by his grandmother.  A first for me. - Sent a carload of food to a local fire station.  We appreciate our firemen and first responders. - Watched great teams work together to do great things.  (Hats off to the kitchen team.) - Enjoyed a wonderful holiday meal to kick off the season!  (Whoever made the cheesy cornbread, WOW!) - It was a great way to kick off the holidays! I have conversations with people all the time.  Not that I am pigeonholing anyone, but I do notice a trend among some. #1 - Some people are eternally optimistic.  Even when they feel down, they quickly rebound. #2 - Some people are eternally pessimistic.  They see the worst in everything - all the time. #3 - Some people are et

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Sunday at FFWC.  I have to say, everyone is ready for a change of pace.  After Hurricane Irma, the Las Vegas and Texas shootings and (fill in the blank with whatever has been occupying your mind here).  We are ready for a change of pace.  So let's start at the beginning. Psalm 100:4  Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! #1 - Enter this Christmas season by giving thanks for all the things that God has done for you.  So many of us want to focus on what makes us bitter.  Change your focus and discover what can make you better - then give God thanks for it.  #2 - Praise God all during this season.  Remember, you are celebrating the birth of Christ, our Lord.  Because of His life and sacrifice, you have hope.  Jesus isn't in a manger anymore.  He is in heaven interceding on your behalf.  #3 - Worship Him with all your heart.  As you go through this time of year, it is easy to forget

During a conversation today someone quipped.  "I love to talk to you, you make me laugh.  I needed to laugh today."  To be honest, I do not get up in the morning thinking, "How am I going to be funny today."  Most stuff just comes to me. Pro 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. The culture you and I live in today lives in fear.  Fear of active shooters, fear of offending, fear of living and so much more.  With all that fear in our hearts, it's hard to smile or laugh.  You and I need to laugh.  We need to laugh a lot and often.  So with that said, here we go.   Years ago, at another church I was pastoring, I asked for people to come forward to be prayed for.  A young lady came forward, and as I leaned in to hear her request, she leaned in to speak to me.  BONK!  Our heads collided and it hurt.  She grabbed my shoulder to steady herself as I was steading myself.  Both of us were seeing stars.  In respect to tho

Rick Warren, the pastor of the famous Saddleback Church, said, "You can structure for control, or you can structure for growth, but you can't do both."  That is so true.  Let me share with you a few principles. #1 - Structure is your plan for your future.  If you have a healthy diet, you structure what and when you eat.  If you are on a weight loss program, you structure your exercise and diet.  If you want your kids to be smart, you structure their education. - The reason why you struggle with your money, your marriage, your career and so on is that you don't know how to structure them. #2 - You can be in control.  If you want to keep your life on the safe and secure path, then work very hard to keep everything the same.  Don't change anything.  Just do what you have always done and you will get what you have always got. - The problem here is simple.  Everything changes.  You've got to change with it. I really don't want to admit the following

What is a sacred cow?  It is something that is loved so deeply that it will be protected and defended.  Sometimes to the death.  It can be a tradition, an object or even a belief.  The problem is, change happens and if the cow doesn't change it can become steak. Zig Ziglar often told the story of the time he won a country ham in a sales contest. When he got home, he handed the ham to his wife, who mmediately cut the end off the ham and placed it in a pan. Zig asked, "Why did you cut the end off my prized ham?" "Well, that’s how you bake them," she replied. "That’s how my mama cooked a ham." When Zig asked why she said, "I’m not sure, let’s call Mama and ask." So they called Mama, and she said. "Well, my mama always did it that way," So they called Granny. "Granny, why do you always cut the end off the ham? "Well," Granny responded, "I don’t know why you two did it, but my pan was too short!" “Examine ev

The phone rings at the church.  I pick it up.  A lady at the other end tells me her name and that she lives locally. For the next few minutes, she politely tells me that we are wasting our church sign.  That it would be more appropriate to put inspiring or encouraging statements rather than the witty remarks.  She also informs me that she isn't the only one who thinks this, that there are others who agree with her. Some of you who don't live in the area might be thinking right now, what did they put on the sign?  Here are a couple of examples. Now Serving Pumpkin Spice Communion.  Just Kidding.   A local pastor busted out laughing at that one.  A missionary in the area also told me that he loved that sign. When the local river was overcome by algae causing all sorts of problems we posted.  Even Jesus Wouldn't Walk On Our River.   Local politicians and environmentalists came to take a picture of that sign and post it on social media. I politely told my caller that

It poured this weekend.  When I got to work this morning, it looked like the aftermath of Noah's flood.  We are supposed to be in the dry season.  We are anything but dry. So, over the weekend, a friend of mine told me a story about how someone asked them the word for "a lot of wind."  Obviously, English wasn't their first language.  So my friend said you can say either, "windy" or "breezy".  Windy made sense to this person, but breezy!?!  They had never heard of such a word. This caused another conversation among some of my friends.  Is there a difference between, "windy" and, "breezy"?  Some said yes (citing that, "windy" is stronger than, "breezy") while others didn't seem to think that there was that much of a difference. So all weekend I've been going around asking people, while outside, "Is it windy or breezy"?  As you might guess, I got a lot of strange looks.  But the common

I know when Thanksgiving happens.  I know that it is the same time every year.  I know that the Sunday before we have a big service and afterwards enjoy Thanksgiving dinner together.  I know all of this.  So why did it suddenly occur to me yesterday that Thanksgiving is only 12 days away? Psalm 144:4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. The Bible says it again and again and again.  Time Flys.  We think we have all the time in the world and then we don't.  We say things like, what happened?  How did I get so old?  When did they grow up?   Time is precious and we need to spend it wisely.  We've got to get some sleep.  We've got to go to work.  Do we really want to reach the end of our life and say, "I wish I hadn't worked so hard."  Or "I wish I had spent more time with my kids."  Invest time like you invest money.  Put it somewhere it will bring back a return of joy, life and happiness.  PRAY  Dear Jesus, let me spe

I can't do it.  I've been trying to get into the "Christmas spirit" for the last week, and all I can muster up is a Bah Humbug. But that isn't a bad thing. There is the Christmas spirit that seems more like being possessed by a demonic elf who is bent on blowing up your life with tinsel, Christmas cookies, and credit card debt.  This spirit makes the power company happy with all the Christmas lights you put on your house and your neighbors angry because everyone in a 50-mile radius wants to drive by every night. There is the Christmas spirit whose only goal is to cast the demonic elf out of everyone and everything.  They say things like "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" and "Having a Christmas tree is evil."  They mean well but just come off being mean and uncaring. There is the Christmas spirit, oh sorry, holiday festive, cheerful person who wants to eliminate the Christ out of Christmas.  They are offended at the religious overto

Ever siphoned gas out of the car for the lawn mower and get a mouth full of gasoline? Ever seen anyone put kerosene on an abscessed tooth? Ever clean your brown carpet and accidentally used the bleach bottle instead of stain remover? Ever sniffed an unmarked plastic bottle only to discover it was full of muriatic acid? We've all made bad decisions that we had to pay for or fix.  What do you do? AKA - How to fix stupid. Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Ok - I might be taking a little license here, but follow along.   - If you don't admit that you are doing something stupid - you are doomed to repeat yourself.  This goes for sin too.  But notice what Solomon says here.  You will not prosper.  There it is!  It's in the Bible.  Stupid is expensive.  - Solomon didn't say that if you stop doing stupid you will get rich.  He said you will obtain mercy.  The last t

Rags to riches stories always intrigue us - as long as we are not the one in rags. There are moments of deep despair we are tempted to give up and lose hope.  When we think that life, family, friends, and even God have given up on us. Psalm 31:24  Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! We've heard the stories how Andrew Carnegie, Oprah Winfrey, Sam Walton, Rocky Balboa, and others came back from unbelievable odds to become household names.  Then we think, when will it be my turn?   You can find hope now! Instead of trying to go from rags to riches why not go from rags to hope.  Hope is free.  You can have it every day of your life.  It isn't some kind of elusive mystery that requires the skills of a CSI to discover.  It's right in front of you.  It's all around you.  Where, you ask?  Everywhere!   You and I live in a cynical world that is filled with racism, hate, violence and the such.  Jesus said that life would

There are times that I have to stop, sit down and slowly drink a cup of coffee.  Today is one of those days.  Is the fast pace of your life about to make you scream? Psalm 13 1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?  How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? When Betty and I were engaged, we went to this new kind of class for people who were getting married.  It was called, wait for it, premarital counseling.  This kind and successfully married couple teaching the course were quite patient and articulate.  But one thing they said has really stuck with me through the years.  Every time we get offended, if we don't deal with it, we put it in a gunny sack down deep in our heart.   Eventually, the gunny sack will burst, and everything will come spilling out at once.  Follow along.  Have you ever been around someone who just, "l

I went to see Thor Ragnarok this weekend - twice.  I never do that.  But the movie was just that good. Now I have to admit that I am a Sci-Fi geek.  I love Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr. Who, X-Men, Marvel, DC, Stargate, etc. etc. etc.  No, I don't dress up like Darth Vader or "geek out" every time something happens in whatever universe.  But since I was a kid I have always loved the power of imagination. What if superheroes were real?  What if there were people who did good?  Sought justice?  Corrected oppression?  Bring justice to the orphan and intercede on behalf of women who are struggling to make it on their own? Oh, there is! Isaiah 1:17   Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. It's you! That's right - you're a superhero.  No, you may not travel in outer space.  You probably will not get a comic with your name on it or a movie about your character.  But that doesn't

As information begins to trickle out, we are starting to see a picture of what led up to this event. The shooter was court-martialed form the military for assault his wife and child. He had recently threatened in-laws using text messaging.  He had previously been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty in east-central Colorado. Court records indicate someone was granted a protection order against him in 2015. But his in-laws were not at church last Sunday. The pastor and his wife weren't there either.  Why did he pick that church?  Who was looking for?  Why on that day? - We don't know.  We may never know.   What I did notice is this.  26 people dead, 20 injured in a church of 50 people.   This isn't a blog about gun control.  That discussion is for a different time and place.   This blog is about what churches and people face every day.   I started preaching when I was 16 years old.  I went to Bible College at age 17, married at 20 and gra

It's Sunday.  As a Pastor, I meet people in need every day.  But Sunday can seem like Needy-R-Us.  I have met people today who have cancer.  Others who are having family problems.  Others who are struggling financially.  The struggle for them is real.   But something about today really stood out to me.   I met people who have a need, but they don't want help.  They choose to do it on their own.  I do hope things work out for them - but you and I know - it's a lot harder that way.  I met people today who wanted to do something about a particular need.  My daughter performed at Dance for Food here in Stuart.  The food donated goes to help needy people.   I worked at the Soup Kitchen over at Emmanual Lutheran Church.  Along with our youth group and church team.  People there who needed a meal because they can't get one on their own.  My heart broke as a father, who for whatever reason, needed our services today.  He brought along his 4 daughters all unde

No not me, I wish - but no. But a friend of mine called the other day to tell me that he is finally going to retire. He's 83. Psalm 27:14   I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth.  Stay with God!  Take heart. Don’t quit.  I’ll say it again: Stay with God.  ( MSG) Is there something that you would do until the day you die?  Something so great and so important that you would never, ever give it up?  I would bet that your job isn't on that list nor is balancing your check book (even though both are important).   God gives your life purpose.  He gives you a reason for living.  I think that's fair.  After all, He created you for a reason.   When you allow His purpose for your existence to permeate your life and soul it will be your calling for the rest of your life.  But how do you know what it is?  #1 - What do you do that gives your strength?  There are certain things I do that leave me exhausted.  I have to do them, but I know that

Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Pumpkin Spice pizza. (Are you kidding me?) Pumpkin Spice cookies, cake, and syrup. Pumpkin Spice cheerios (No, no, no, no, no) Pumpkin Spice potato chips (Really!  NO!) Pumpkin Spice Oreos (That was bound to happen) Pumpkin Spice milk.  (What for the Oreos?) Pumpkin Spice Fettuccini (I don't even know how to serve that) AND! Pumpkin Spice Moonshine. (Nope!) Now before you decide to string me up as a heretic, please understand.  If you like Pumpkin Spice - that's ok.  Even I have nothing against the flavor of Pumpkin Spice. I'm using Pumpkin Spice as a metaphor for things that you can get carried away with.  I'll even include addictions and bad habits.  I recently received a phone call from a friend of mine asking how he could help a 13-year-old break a porn habit.  I recently helped someone understand that going to AA isn't a bad thing, but a necessary thing for them.  (No they have never tried Pumpkin Spice Moonshine.) 1 Cor 6:12

All of a sudden you are going along and BOOM!  You get a phone call - a letter in the mail - a email that changes everything. Yesterday I got a phone call - Anneka twisted her ankle.  Don't worry she is going to be ok.  But for a dancer that will scare the daylights out of you. I got a jury summons.  That usually isn't a big deal but it is on a very, very important week. Ecclesiastes 9:12 For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them. Trouble will come whether you like it or not.  Now I can hear someone saying, "But I thought that if I followed Jesus He would solve all my problems"!  Nope, Jesus never said that.  He did promise to never leave us through the trials that we would have to go through.  So let's look at a few things.  #1 - If you are in trouble remember that you are not alone.  Jesus

You've been warned. Christmas candy is already out at our local grocery store. Wal-Mart has their Christmas decorations out. A black Friday ad just popped up on the internet. But I just unloaded the last of the Halloween candy before I ate it! Brace yourself - Christmas music is coming!  Isaiah 9:6   For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. I have nothing against Christmas.  But each year I have to sit down and think about what Christmas is going to mean for me and my family.  Here are few things that you might want to think about right now before it's too late.   #1 - How much are you going to spend on gifts.  Set a budget and don't break the bank.   #2 - Of the family traditions that you are going to observe ask yourself, why?  Connect a tradition to a memory and share it with your family.  Or create