There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak

Soon you will read in the news stories regarding a recent vote taken on ordination standards among the presbyteries of our national Presbyterian Church (USA). Like the states of the United States, our denomination’s 173 regional governmental bodies have to ratify or disapprove proposed changes to our church constitution. Based on scripture, our current standards include “Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.”

“The most important thing in life is taking the time just to be with Jesus. He’s the Vine, we’re the Branches (John 15)! Unless we have intimate, nourishing communion with Him, we’ll dry up, wither up, and crack up (and not with laughter!). Remember Mary and Martha! (Luke 10:38-42). Running around with your head cut off is a great way to be a chicken! Don’t be a frantic dizzyhead like Martha! Come and sit at Jesus’ feet… like Mary! Drink in His love, enjoy the bliss of just being with Him… everything else will fall into place. But commune with Jesus first, foremost, and centrally… Jesus loves you! But you’ve got to take the time to experience that love!”