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December 27, 2024 – 2 Days After My Head Exploded – Where’s the Tylenol?

“When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise.” Hebrews 6:13-15

Yoda says “A Christmas of Merry, have you will.” Yes, a Christian’s strength comes from the Spirit, which is exactly what this Cranky Reverend preaches every Sunday. But following another Christmas shopping season, Cranky Reverend saw firsthand how much anger, and fear, and aggression is consuming our friends and neighbors. Perhaps this is why Yoda has such a worried look on his face. CR is sure he is not struggling with “the Force”.

“A Very Yoda Christmas”

Christ, the skies, whose glory fills
true the light, it only Light,
Righteousness of sun, it rise!
Give it Triumph shades of night:
High on Top, Dayspring, be near;
Daystar, in my heart appear

 Cranky Reverend says you must learn to be confident in your faith, as Abraham was confident in the promise made by G-d. As such, faith in the salvation that comes through the cross of Jesus gives us the same confidence – which Jesus did on our behalf. Jesus is like us, being fully human. He stepped into our shoes and lived like we do. He knows what it feels like to be human (and alien, like Yoda). And He knows us – each one of us. Even though He is not on the earth anymore, Jesus still remembers, and has compassion when we are weak and need help. In terms that Yoda would understand, Jesus is “the Force” that sustains us, and gives us power through the Holy Spirit.

Cranky Reverend says have the force like Yoda – the confidence in Jesus Christ, who has done it all for you. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, you will have the “force” you need to be a powerful witness for Jesus.

Pastor Dave

December 26, 2024 — 1 Day After My Head Exploded – Where’s the Tylenol?

“For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.” James 3:7-9

Bigfoot is Cranky Reverend’s favorite Cryptid. He is the king of mythical creatures. Perhaps there is a creature out there this Cranky Reverend has never taken a picture of – yet. Perhaps one day we will see space ships from another planet land on the lawn of the White House and welcome us into the age of Aquarius. And when that door opens, if the creatures from Mars look like Bigfoot won’t we be just a little flummoxed – and tongue-tied.

G-d has given us all something that can let people know they are loved, can comfort, can provide support – and it can also crush a spirit, and cause long-lasting damage to psyches….and it isn’t “Bigfoot”. That thing is the tongue. Sometimes we lash out at others without even thinking what our words might be doing to their mood, their confidence, or their spirit. We thoughtlessly criticize others, forgetting — at least for the moment — that those people who bear the brunt of our words are made in G-d’s image, and are just as valuable to G-d as we are. Remember, Christ died for them, too. The writer of James says: “…but no one can tame the tongue–a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.”

G-d takes our words very seriously, and so should we. This Cranky Reverend even follows some of the contents and messages posted by pastors on a denominational FaceBook page – and their comments can be just awful. G-d intends that our words be used to build up the Body of Christ, to restore us when needed, and to help us become the best that G-d has planned for us. Even pastors don’t understand that concept at times – especially when we should be trying to build-up one another, support one another and try to wade through murky waters together.

CR asks you to think about the words that you have said in the last 24 hours. How many of those words have been used to edify others? How many have probably hurt others? Pray to G-d that your words help, not hurt others.

Pastor Dave