Randy Wray's Blog

We had a knee slapping time last night as our band went unplugged (think acoustic guitars) for a full evening of Southern Gospel favorites.

There’s a nice collection of songs in this genre that are singularly focused on heaven (getting there, being there, and waiting for others to get there).

The band likes the songs because they require minimal rehearsal time.

Those who gather like the songs because they are fun to sing.

Which reminds me . . . . do you know why lions don’t eat clowns?

Our girl is back home from the hospital having completed her first round of treatment.

The task before us is to get some weight put back on her.

Still trying to figure out how to give her some of mine!

Our girl is experiencing some difficulties with a specific health condition.

Your prayers would be appreciated.

Kicked off a summer series last night for the Ham Lane Church in Lodi.

I was impressed by the graciousness and attentiveness of the believers.

It’s nice to have people smiling at you when you teach.

We picked up a AAA guide book for our drive to Vegas.

The book said we had to stop in Barstow and eat at a certain Mexican restaurant because it was a 50 year old legend.

By the way, 50 year old legend does not necessarily mean the food is good.

The book also said we had to make a trip to Big Momma’s Rib Shack while in Vegas.

The book said it was a relaxed atmosphere with reasonable prices and generous portions.

The book forgot to say it was a decrepid place on the wrong side of town.

We drove up to the building and everyone in the car heard an inner voice that shouted:  “keep on driving”!

As we ate barbeque at Famous Dave’s, we decided not to listen to the book anymore.

We spent the week in Las Vegas for the NCAA Softball recruiting camp and showcase tournament.

With a young team we were looking to the event as a way for our players to gain experience on a national level.

We played some really good teams (really good) and our team held their own.

As far as Las Vegas is concerned, most of what happens in Vegas definitely needs to stay in Vegas.

(A Message from Matthew 14:13-21)

God who made us, who formed us in our SHAPE, created us to make a DIFFERENCE.

Ephesians 2:10 (NCV) God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.

In the Bible, we find a story of some volunteers faced with a situation of providing food for some hungry people.

Matthew 14:13-21 (NCV) When Jesus heard what had happened to John, he left in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. But the crowds heard about it and followed him on foot from the towns.  When he arrived, he saw a great crowd waiting. He felt sorry for them and healed those who were sick.  When it was evening, his followers came to him and said, “No one lives in this place, and it is already late. Send the people away so they can go to the towns and buy food for themselves.”  But Jesus answered, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”  They said to him, “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish.”  Jesus said, “Bring the bread and the fish to me.” Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish and, looking to heaven, he thanked God for the food. Jesus divided the bread and gave it to his followers, who gave it to the people.  All the people ate and were satisfied. Then the followers filled twelve baskets with the leftover pieces of food.  There were about five thousand men there who ate, not counting women and children.

What we see in this story is a struggle (a common struggle in the task of making a difference).

• A struggle between SELF and SERVICE.

We see this in  . . . (v. 13-14) and we see this in . . . (v.15)

• A struggle between SUPPLY and SUPPLIES.

We see this in . . . (v.15-17)

• A struggle between HOARDING and HELPING.

We see this in . . . (v.18-20)

• In the struggle we see SUCCESS.

We see this in . . . (v.20-21)

I’m convinced of 2 things:

1. We are not a PERFECT church.
2. We CAN make a difference

It will happen if we PURSUE what God PLANNED for us to do.