Which Paul speaks with more authority - the one we study or the octopus who's been picking the World Cup winners in Germany?  It's amusing to me that so much attention seems to be paid to an eight-legged guy on a roll.  Wonder what will happen if he misses Sunday's champ (he's picked Spain) - or, maybe I know!

I'm glad the word the Apostle Paul gives us lasts longer than the popularity of a vuvuzela and carries more authority than a guess.

Erin and I will be taking a few days for prayer, study, and rest together during these last two July weeks.  As you know, she loves to read and study as much as I do and the summer days in the mountains are wonderful for it.  We set aside something regularly to be able to get away, so that I can be ready for the schedule of the year and we can be refreshed in His presence and that of each other.

I'm so glad to report here that our church-wide gathering last Wednesday went so well.  Despite the rainstorm, God's people of all ages gathered and shared around His table.  As we hoped, we were able to make His business the business of prayer during the evening.

I believe every member of our church who can be present on July 7 should be. 

After all, when God's people seek Him wholly and call upon Him, He has promised to respond.  As He does respond, we can be assured of knowing Him and His Spirit among us in a more glorious way than before.

Interesting article in the Wall Street Journal from Peggy Noonan today (July 2) on the original form of the Declaration of Independence and the process it went through before emerging in the form we love today.

As I started the Bucket List (Things you want to do before you kick the bucket) last week, I gave an opportunity for responses and received many.  Some of my favorites include the obvious ones of getting taller (hope I break 5'7"!), thinner, smarter, etc. They're bunched in with less common ones like "I'd like to tell the truth more" and "dye my hair blue" and "find a new type of animal".

The Summer Sermon Series, "What's On Your Bucket List?" sparked a few questions recently.  The first time I heard the phrase it was associated with a hit movie from a few months ago of the same name.

Should be a great day Sunday as we honor our grads and do a bit of worship "their style".

We'll be experimenting with texting and tweeting during the sermon Sunday.  That should be enough to raise an eyebrow or two!  I think it will not only be fun, it will also increase the chances of listening going on.  (Interesting that sound and video now has to be enhanced by text to be "heard"!

Why (and how) would anyone want to "interpret" the Bible?

Short answer - because not being sure about "what God really said" has been at the heart of problems of all sorts since the Garden of Eden! (see Genesis 3:1)

Longer response - You can interpret exactly what God wants you to know and put it into practice.  You don"t need a priest or imam to help you "correctly translate" God's word to you (sorry, Islam, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, et. al).  You can absolutely understand and apply God's will for your life.

Many of you have commented that you would like the points from last week's message stated again, so here are the points and their texts.  We'll return to "getting down the road together" in God's Way through His word after Mother's Day this week, but here goes:

What to Look For When You Study the Bible

1.  Look for What God says (not just for what you want Him to say) - 2 Tim. 3:16

2.  Look for Lessons Learned - Eccl. 12:13-14 and John 8:47

3.  Look for Universal Truths Told in Unforgettable Ways - Luke 15:11ff