[demonstrate etch-a-sketch...] When you think of Haggai, think etch-a-sketch and God shaking up your life… one of the key phrases in the book is the little phrase, “Give careful thought…”  five times the prophet of God says in this little book, “give careful thought”  (Hag 1:5, 7, 2:15, 18, 18).  Life does not just happen, the Lord wants your mind to be engaged, your desires, what you do.  Give careful thought… Are you really on the right track?  NO?  Are your actions reflecting what you truly believe?

Today: Priorities.  Examine your priorities. What’s most important.  Give careful thought… a couple going on vacation, standing in line waiting to check their bags at the airline counter.  The husband said to the wife, "I wish we had brought the piano."  The wife said, "Why? We've got sixteen bags already!"  The husband said, "Yes, I know-- but the tickets are on the piano!"      

Last week two words were used to describe salvation: salvation is simple and available. Today, the emphasis is on AVAILABLE.  God has made salvation AVAILABLE to all.  Available.  Back in 1995-96, when my father was dying of leukemia, a number of people in the community said if you need help with your children, I am available.  One of the those very kind folks was Don and Shirley Nielsen.  To be available.  Several times we called on them because things came up.  Available.  What a great word.  If you are looking at an old model car, you need to know if parts are available.  Dating sights are full of people saying, “I am available.”  Rooms at hotels, seats on a plane, tickets to the big game, a seat in the restaurant… In the world of opportunity, we set the course of our lives according to what is available.  This week I spent a day with Andy A. working on a project.  For 10-12 years he moved furniture, and in that time took on as many jobs as possible in order to get enough work, “I am available.”  He told me about the hazards of moving furniture.  One time he was going about his business; an elderly gentleman with memory issues accused him of stealing the furniture, “what are you doing young whippersnapper, taking my furniture?” and before Andy could say much of anything, the not so gentle man smacked him in the jaw!   Being available may come with a price, but Andy’s philosophy, if you are going to find work, you have to make yourself available…

It’s time to come home… it’s time to come home to God.  I remember the first time I went home (to the house next door) after I was in the University of Washington, I don’t remember who I was riding with, but we came home the back way, late at night, on the Siper Rd, past Nielsen’s home, turned the corner on the Hopewell and as we came up to the Goodwin, the moon was blocked by the row of trees, and for the first time the darkness struck me…. Living in a city where it is NEVER dark, always streetlights… something about the peace of home, the normalcy of a place to belong, the comfort…It’s time to come home to God… the world is searching, confused, lonely.  Roman’s 10 is about salvation; the need to return to God, like coming home to that which is most comforting…a place of belonging! The scripture today two words come to mind that describe salvation: simple and available.  Watch a one minute video: a boy, his dog and a puddle.  Simple and available.  It will make you smile.  Like salvation….as simple/available as stomping through a puddle...  (VIDEO)

When I was growing up in Sumas, Mr. Phinney, the pastor of the AG Church, was a big man with a booming voice. He lived in the church owned parsonage of what is now Ernie White’s house across from Bob’s.  The kids of the neighborhood played a lot outside, including Arthur Phinney, the son of Mr. Phinney ~ we always within a three block radius of our homes.  When it was time for lunch, or time to come home, Mr. Phinney would go outside on his front porch and in his big booming voice yell out: A-R-T-H-U-R.  No matter what Arthur was doing with us, playing flag football, climbing a tree, counting bottle caps, riding bikes, as soon as his father’s voice hit the airwaves, Arthur was off like a shot as fast as he could go headed home… if you lived in the neighborhood at that time, you remember….