We are fallen people living in a fallen world.   Although we are created in our Maker's image, through original and personal sin, that perfect image has been fractured and broken.   God offers restoration through Jesus, yet we continue to stand in need of restoration and redemption.  This is the meaning of "total depravity" as mentioned by theologians - - that every area and portion of our human life is affected by sin.   Not, however, that there is no good within us, for the image of God is still present within us by God's amazing grace and gifting.   But every aspect, every category of our life and living is scarred and negatively affected by sin.    So, too, in our interpersonal relationships, even (possibly especially) with those whom we care for and love the most, our fickle and imperfect love shows through.   Our love is limited at best; perverted at worst.

The account is related about a group of American explorers who went to Africa, where they hired indiginous folk to be their guides.   The first day they rushed through the jungle.   And on the second day they were up at dawn, ready to push forward.   And likewise on the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth days.

As we approach Thanksgiving I encourage us all to take some intentional time to count our blessings and give thanks to God.  In the words of an old gospel song, "Count your blessings name them one by one.  Count your blessings see what God has done. .....".   What a great idea!   I suggest you take a pen or a keypad and list the many blessings in your life.   You will be astonished by the results.    Go ahead, carve out a block of time and start listing the long list of blessings, name them one by one.      You may choose to start listing the blessings randomly.   Others may choose a more guided approach.   If so, below is a suggested partial list of categories.  

It is always a blessing to be around a person who has the gift of encouragement.    Persons who have this God-given gift walk into a room and the mood brightens up.    They have the unique ability to speak life-giving words!   The words of affirmation they share can keep you going for days.    

The writer of the Book of Hebrews (chapter 11) lists a litany of those who faithfully followed God - Abraham and Sarah; Moses, David, Rahab, etc.      And, then, chapter 12 begins with these awesome words relaying a glorious truth:  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a large crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress.   And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.   We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish."

This afternoon our youth will be leaving for Traveler's Rest, SC to take a trip to the Fall Extreme Conference.  I have been praying for this event for some time because this is the first time that we have ever gone on this particular trip before.  You never know what you are going to get when you go on any youth retreat, much less one that you have never done before.

This Sunday at ORUMC we wrap up a series entitled "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations" by looking at EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY.    In the Bible we are told about the poor widow who donated two pennies to the offering at the Temple.    Just two cents!   How could this be an account of extravagant generosity?     Jesus tells us that because this poor woman gave from her heart - the right motive, which Jesus could see, and because she gave sacrificially (actually she gave all the money she had) she had given more extravagantly than the wealthy around her that day who had  probably given hundreds of dollars!

We continue the series "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations" this weekend with our topic this week being "Risk-Taking Mission and Service."   Congregations and individual Christians that are vibrant and healthy engage not only in "in-reach" but also outreach in Jesus' name.      Like the Dead Sea - that only receives water and has no channel of outflow - churches and Christians spiritually die without engagning in outreach and service for Christ's sake. 

My college roommate and I share thoughts on a blog called Same Shoes.  Much of what I put on this blog can also be seen there as well. www.sameshoes.wordpress.com