Sociologist and preacher Tony Campolo tells about the primarily African-American church he attends in Philadelphia that celebrates student recognition day once a year. After a few students had spoken one year, the pastor stood and said, "Young people, you may not think you're going to die, but you are. One of these days, they'll throw some dirt on your face and go back to the church and eat potato salad!" How's that for a sermon opener???

Scripture: Leviticus 19:9-10 - "When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and resident alien; I am the Lord your God."

Observation: God instructs the workers to build margins into the harvest. They are not to try to harvest every last bit of a field or a vineyard. Although God encourages hard work and productivity, He does not encourage hoarding and selfishness. He is not, however, suggesting sloth or wastefulness. Instead, God is expressing concern for the poor, the dispossessed, the alien. The margins of the field reminded both the farmer and the community that some of our labor should be for the sake of others. It also reminded all that God is concerned with the poor and dispossessed. These margins in the work of the farmers were vivid reminders of the priorities of God. Productivity is not the ultimate aim; people, relationships and obedience to God come first.

Good to the last drop was used as a catchy slogan for a coffee company not so long ago.  I got to thinking about coffee in conjunction with the recent sermon series Pastor Max has been preaching.  When he suggested we review our day using the fruit of the Spirit as our standard of comparison, a coffee filter came to mind.   As we analyze our day pouring our actions and words through the filter of the Holy Spirit, all the unholy particles or grounds get caught  while words or actions that were full of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control fall as pure water into the carafe below.  Of course our goal is to find fewer and fewer grounds in the filter until it is all good to the last drop.

Here is a recipe that goes well with coffee or tea and is a favorite in many households ( including Pastor Max's) for special occasions. I was introduced to this recipe by a family group member when we lived in Titusville, Florida.  It's called Monkey Bread. Click below to print the recipe.