Growing up a preacher’s kid, I’ve learned to entertain myself during lengthy sermons or pastoral meetings. Hymns and church bulletins are the answer to the “doldrums.” When we would sing the hymn In the Garden, one of my best friends would lean toward me and whisper, “Who is Andy?” The lyrics being, “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own…”

Our funniest was “Come, come the Saints, no toilet paper…” instead of, “Come, come ye saints, No toil nor labor fear.”  And always worth a chuckle from “Away in a Manger,” the cattle are blowing the baby awake.

Bulletins prompt comical thoughts as well:

“Tonight;s healing service has been cancelled. The Pastor is sick with the flu.”

“In the absence of our pastor, we will have the rare experience of hearing a good sermon by visiting Pastor George….”

“Angela and David request your presents at their wedding.”

“This evenings Bible study is entitled, “What is Hell?” Come early and hear our choir practice.”

“Tonights study, “Fasting and Prayer” will be followed by a Pot Luck Dinner. Bring your favorite food!”

Sometimes, our messages are misunderstood and usually we are responsible. We carelessly quote scripture and say things God did not say. We turn His laws to justify our actions or make Him fit into our updated cultural standards. What harm we do to the Kingdom of God when we are not thorough in our messages!

Luke 6:46-49 reads, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

Jesus did not “dumb-down” His messages; on the contrary, He expected His disciples to think and meditate on what His words were saying and how His messages applied to their lives. He expects no less from us.

Search the scriptures. Study His word. Understand its meaning so that you do not turn others from God’s door.

“The Church Ushers will eat late comers. Our doors are always open!”