Networking, No bytes involved:

Something to Think About Networking:

One of the catchwords of our day is "networking."  Many, especially young people, but not a few gray-heads, are connected almost constantly.  They Tweet, Post, and regularly login to their social media accounts.  While the technology is something that is a product of the last few decades the concept of networking is not new.  The New Testament is full of a web of relationships.  Note how the Apostle Paul always seems to be in the center of a crowd.  Track some lesser known folk, like John Mark, Apollos, or Aquila and Priscilla, through the pages of the New Testament and you'll note a pattern of many intersections. One of the features of this networking done right is a concept that is often called fellowship.  In the Greek of the New Testament it is koinonia.  We find an example in the book of Philippians.  ". . .     you have done well to share with me in my affliction.  You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the firstpreaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.  (Php 4:14–16)  Clearly the fellowship being spoken of was not a recreational matter.  It was a vital part of getting the work of spreading the Gospel done.  The people in the little church in the town of Philippi were partners (1:5) with the Apostle in the great work. Biblical fellowship does not always involve passing money from one person to another, but it always will help those who are doing the task to do it better. It’s STTA.   I've been experiencing more of the wonder and encouragement of fellowship in my post-retirement career.  You can read more about it here.

The First Time, a second view:

Something to Think About First Times, the second time:

A bit of balance about first times. Two statements that stick in my mind: My pastor when I was growing up, who later became my Father-in-law, used to speak about folk still being "forked end down."  By that he meant they weren't dead yet. One of the hardest working people I ever knew, a business woman who was a charter member of the church I pastored, used to say, "You can't begin any sooner than right now." I put both of those together to make an "X," as in "X marks the spot."  If you are still forked end down then you still have opportunities.  You can mourn about all the chances to make a difference youmissed, or you can survey the ways you can move the needle in the right direction right now, and step up.  You'll never begin any sooner. Get busy. It’s STTA.

Don't wait too late for a first.

Something to Think About First Times:

As I stood at the registration counter, the very nice lady asked if this was the first time I had attended the convention.  I came to know the Lord in a church that was part of this fellowship.  Many men who were part of this group of churches were key in helping me over the years.  Actually the church I pastored for most of my life is a member church.  Yet my answer as a sixty-six year old retired pastor was, "Yes." There are reasons why, I think some of them are at least kind of good reasons, nevertheless, I felt a twinge of regret as I gave the answer.  By God's grace I plan to be around for a while, but I am aware that the years I have left aren't as many as those I have spent--by a good margin.  So, since I have business to attend to, let me simply share two quick thoughts. When we put something off, we make an assumption--an assumption concerning something over which we have no control.  While I have no control over time, I do have experience in watching it fly by.  Often when I put something off until tomorrow I seriously underestimate how full tomorrow will be.  We have all had the experience of being up against a deadline and having more to do than we can get done.  Don't live in that mode.  Clearly we have a deadline, we just don't know when it is.  (Hebrews 9:27)  Choose wisely.  Once we pass an opportunity or spend a moment, it is gone.  (Ephesians 5:15-17)   Don't assume that later will be soon enough for the first time.  Maybe not. It’s STTA. Read here to find out how to prepare for life and death.

Don't try to bargain with death.

Something to Think About DEATH:

I can't say that I'm a Bluegrass fan.  I enjoy some of it.  I have some friends who play and I particularly appreciate hearing them.  Especially in the Appalachian region where I live there is no disputing the impact of Mountain Music.  Ralph Stanley was one of the pioneers of the genre.  He died today, June 23, 2016 If you look up the word "haunting," you are apt to find a reference to Ralph Stanley's song "Oh Death."   Oh death, oh death    Won't you spare me over til another year Well what is this that I can't see With ice cold hands taking hold of me Well I am death none can excel I'll open the door to heaven or hell Whoa death someone would pray Could you wait to call me til another day The children pray the preacher preached Time and mercy is out of your reach I'll fix your feet til you can't walk I'll lock your jaw til you can't talk I'll close your eyes so you can't see This very hour come and go with me In death I come to take the soul Leave the body and leave it cold To drop the flesh off of the frame The earth and worms both have a claim    Oh death, oh death    Won't you spare me over til another year My mother came to my bed Place a cold towel upon my head My head is warm my feet are cold Death is a movin upon my soul Oh death how you're treatin me You close my eyes so I can't see Well you're hurtin my body you make me cold You run my life right out of my soul Oh death please consider my age Please don't take me at this stage My wealth is all at your command If you'll remove your icy hands Oh the young the rich or poor All alike to me you know No wealth no land no silver or gold Nothin satisfies me but your soul    Oh death, oh death    Won't you spare me over til another year    Won't you spare me over til another year    Won't you spare me over til another year Death can't be reasoned with.  It's not authorized to make bargains. We simply know that "each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment" (Hebrews 9:27, NLT). Pleading with death makes for powerful, plaintive music, but it is useless.  If you look at Stanley's words he knew this.  Rather than plead with death, trust the Lord of life. It’s STTA.   Read here to find out how to prepare for life and death.