The Cost of Christmas
Well, it's almost Christmas. The traffic is thicker and our patience is thinner. We're beginning to put one eye on the calendar and the other on the checkbook make sure that one doesn't get ahead of the other. That fear can begin to start - what if we don't have enough? Don't you miss those days as children when you never gave a thought to Christmas' cost?
My family was not wealthy by any means, but neither were we poor. Like many, we lived from week to week, knew our banker or loan officer well, and while we never lacked, we never prospered. Yet every Christmas that I can remember came and went leaving me filled with the belief that I had been blessed. If I wanted a "Johnny 7 One Man Army Gun" badly enough, it seemed to find its way to the tree. If a "Model Motoring by Aurora" racetrack caught my fancy, well, apparently Santa knew that too.
Even though I knew from my trips to the stores that such things had prices, I never concerned myself with the cost.
Yet there was a cost - a sacrifice for my parents - every year. As I grew older, I'd catch snippets of conversations about the bills, and their struggle to pay them. "What are we going to do?", I'd hear my Mother say with worry and fear coloring her voice. "I don't know, but they are going to have Christmas," replied my Father, somewhat more hopefully, but still unsure. And off they'd go to the Western Auto, or to Sears, or to somewhere else they could buy toys and pay on time.
Gradually I realized that my Christmas gifts cost them dearly. In time, in energy, in stress. My mother would cut corners - patch jeans, save pennies. My father would work overtime even after his regular swing shift. So somehow, every year there'd come Christmas. It came with a cost.
It always has.
A few days after the first Christmas, Joseph and Mary went to church to dedicate their son. An old man named Simeon, who had been told by God he wouldn't die until he saw Messiah was there.
Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, "This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. 35 Thus, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul." Luke 2:34-35 (NLT)
At eight days after his birth, Jesus' 14 year old Mother would just be discovering what it means to have a baby boy - a son. She'd be just like all parents with their first-born - finding themselves looking over at them in amazement, not able to believe what God had given them. Times like that are like the best of Christmas - pure joy.
But Simeon told her of the cost of Christmas too.
And on the way home, as they went past the city gates, they passed those punished for their crimes by the Roman authorities. A peculiar method Rome had picked up from a country they had conquered, and improved to make it even more cruel. It was a very effective public display found outside the city gates of most cities.
Joseph, Mary and the baby passed by, still filled with joy, under the shadow of the cross.
For God so loved... He gave... His one and only Son.
For me... for you, for whoever will believe in Him.
The cost of Christmas has never been higher, or so willingly paid.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
It Could Be Today
One of the best things to happen to me this Christmas season is that I've tried to forget everything I already knew about Christ's birth. (Yes, those of you who know me well, forgetfullness isn't much of an effort.) We have the Christmas story so dialed into our conciousness that we go on automatic, like cows headed for the barn, and never think there could be aspects of the events we don't know that would surprise us.
So I have deliberately tried to forget what I knew, and gone back to look at the story with fresh eyes.
Today, our weather here is rainy and seems to be headed toward a cold, cold weekend for Christmas. There's even a chance of snow flurries on Christmas Eve. That will make travel very difficult here in the South. But not as difficult as that of Joseph and Mary.
You see we just arrange the figures in the nativity each year knowing they are all supposed to show up at the stable. But they all got there from somewhere else. The shepherds came from nearby fields, but they had to decide whether to risk their livelihood to see what God had done. Going back the next morning to find the owner of the sheep standing over stacks of wolf-killed sheep rapidly approaching their sell-by date of expiration wouldn't have been pleasant at all. But they were willing - because God had acted!
Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem after an arduous trip from Nazareth. Going up and down over mountains and hills means that today’s distance of 100 miles might have been double or even triple for Joseph and Mary. The lack of roads meant they had to climb the hillsides along a narrow muddy path in winter. It’s not very safe for a strong carpenter like Joseph. But add a pregnant woman riding on a donkey? How careful they had to be! Joseph wasn’t a rich man. So where did they stay at night? The mother of the Son of God must have slept beside the road. Gangs of robbers on the roads made night traveling dangerous.
And there was no telling when the baby would come. The fear and frustration of not being able to find shelter each night with a baby so close must have made a stable seem much better than it ordinarily would.
I wonder if Joseph remembered a little prophecy from a man called Micah, and reassured Mary?
Micah 5:2 (The Message)
But you, Bethlehem, David's country,
the runt of the litter--
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule Israel.
He'll be no upstart, no pretender.
His family tree is ancient and distinguished.
Friends, I wish I could tell you how many times I've been about to go insane with worry, and a scrap of Scripture popped into my head, telling me exactly what I needed to hear. Calming me, reminding me of God's unchanging promises and unending love.
Maybe you think you know all you need to know about the Bible and what it says. Well, if you still struggle with fear, with worry, with living a godly life, my gut feeling would be that you know more about the words than the Author.
Try this. Pick up a version of the Scriptures you have never used before. Borrow one if you can. Go to God in prayer and ask Him to begin again with your heart as though you had never heard of His love for you. Ask Him to amaze you, to draw you inside the stories of how He worked in people's lives.
Then pray every day that He will work inside yours.
Your greatest day yet lived could be today.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
One of the best things to happen to me this Christmas season is that I've tried to forget everything I already knew about Christ's birth. (Yes, those of you who know me well, forgetfullness isn't much of an effort.) We have the Christmas story so dialed into our conciousness that we go on automatic, like cows headed for the barn, and never think there could be aspects of the events we don't know that would surprise us.
So I have deliberately tried to forget what I knew, and gone back to look at the story with fresh eyes.
Today, our weather here is rainy and seems to be headed toward a cold, cold weekend for Christmas. There's even a chance of snow flurries on Christmas Eve. That will make travel very difficult here in the South. But not as difficult as that of Joseph and Mary.
You see we just arrange the figures in the nativity each year knowing they are all supposed to show up at the stable. But they all got there from somewhere else. The shepherds came from nearby fields, but they had to decide whether to risk their livelihood to see what God had done. Going back the next morning to find the owner of the sheep standing over stacks of wolf-killed sheep rapidly approaching their sell-by date of expiration wouldn't have been pleasant at all. But they were willing - because God had acted!
Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem after an arduous trip from Nazareth. Going up and down over mountains and hills means that today’s distance of 100 miles might have been double or even triple for Joseph and Mary. The lack of roads meant they had to climb the hillsides along a narrow muddy path in winter. It’s not very safe for a strong carpenter like Joseph. But add a pregnant woman riding on a donkey? How careful they had to be! Joseph wasn’t a rich man. So where did they stay at night? The mother of the Son of God must have slept beside the road. Gangs of robbers on the roads made night traveling dangerous.
And there was no telling when the baby would come. The fear and frustration of not being able to find shelter each night with a baby so close must have made a stable seem much better than it ordinarily would.
I wonder if Joseph remembered a little prophecy from a man called Micah, and reassured Mary?
Micah 5:2 (The Message)
But you, Bethlehem, David's country,
the runt of the litter--
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule Israel.
He'll be no upstart, no pretender.
His family tree is ancient and distinguished.
Friends, I wish I could tell you how many times I've been about to go insane with worry, and a scrap of Scripture popped into my head, telling me exactly what I needed to hear. Calming me, reminding me of God's unchanging promises and unending love.
Maybe you think you know all you need to know about the Bible and what it says. Well, if you still struggle with fear, with worry, with living a godly life, my gut feeling would be that you know more about the words than the Author.
Try this. Pick up a version of the Scriptures you have never used before. Borrow one if you can. Go to God in prayer and ask Him to begin again with your heart as though you had never heard of His love for you. Ask Him to amaze you, to draw you inside the stories of how He worked in people's lives.
Then pray every day that He will work inside yours.
Your greatest day yet lived could be today.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Do You Hear It?
I will sing of the tender mercies of the LORD forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
Psalms 89:1-2 (NLT)
Last night Bunny and I attended a concert of our local High School chorus. Two of the singers were New Hope's own - Brittany Edwards and Kristin Morton, so we were eager to see the performance, which is an annual event.
The arts center, an imposing facility, was packed. Announcements were made about the night's program and both verbally and through an insert in the program, we were instructed on how to behave. We thought it a little odd to read such explicit information and laughed about how rigid they were.
Once the performance began, the lights were dimmed and we looked forward to an empty stage. The choir risers were empty, and the grand piano sat alone. I watched as a boy of perhaps 7 in front of us squirmed excitedly, then as he realized no one was coming out on stage, he slumped in his seat.
High above in the balcony, each member of the chorus ringed the edges. In the darkness, they each lit individual battery operated candles. The effect was striking, and the child was turning in his seat and pointing out to his mother what he saw. The concert began, and he turned and sat facing forward.
As the concert continued through several classical pieces, the effect of the music and the darkness had different effects on people. Some seemed to really enjoy simply hearing the music without any distractions. Others found that the combination of soothing music and darkness was ideal for a nap.
Our young neighbor though, found the music.
Looking up, he saw the conductor, who stood out against the darkness as he stood behind the lecturn, illuminated for his use. His eyes lit up, and then his hands rose skyward. Tenatively at first, he tried to follow the conductors movements. And as he did, his gestures became more fluid, more delicate - he was hearing the music as if for the first time. It was glorious to watch.
Friends, I thought about you for the next few moments.
My role as pastor means that I'm involved in shaping for a congregation, and to a certain extant through my devotionals for you, an understanding of the miracle of God's "music" of love for you. My passion in that role causes me at times to anguish over how many are surrounded by that "music" and just don't hear it. Some, like my friends at the concert, simply see grace as a reason to relax and enjoy life, never giving a thought to the Giver. Others hear the "music" but never respond by sharing it with others.
But every now and then, the "music" breaks through to ears ready to hear it- breaks through to the heart.
Once it does, you are changed.
My prayer for you is always this - that you come to know just how deeply loved you are.
Yes, people can get in the way of the "music". Even in the child's case that inspired this devotional, when he pointed out to his Mom what he heard, and showed her his response, she stopped him from expressing his joy. I pray he'll try again.
Just as I pray you'll try again.
The miracle didn't stop with Christmas. Do you hear it?
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
I will sing of the tender mercies of the LORD forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
Psalms 89:1-2 (NLT)
Last night Bunny and I attended a concert of our local High School chorus. Two of the singers were New Hope's own - Brittany Edwards and Kristin Morton, so we were eager to see the performance, which is an annual event.
The arts center, an imposing facility, was packed. Announcements were made about the night's program and both verbally and through an insert in the program, we were instructed on how to behave. We thought it a little odd to read such explicit information and laughed about how rigid they were.
Once the performance began, the lights were dimmed and we looked forward to an empty stage. The choir risers were empty, and the grand piano sat alone. I watched as a boy of perhaps 7 in front of us squirmed excitedly, then as he realized no one was coming out on stage, he slumped in his seat.
High above in the balcony, each member of the chorus ringed the edges. In the darkness, they each lit individual battery operated candles. The effect was striking, and the child was turning in his seat and pointing out to his mother what he saw. The concert began, and he turned and sat facing forward.
As the concert continued through several classical pieces, the effect of the music and the darkness had different effects on people. Some seemed to really enjoy simply hearing the music without any distractions. Others found that the combination of soothing music and darkness was ideal for a nap.
Our young neighbor though, found the music.
Looking up, he saw the conductor, who stood out against the darkness as he stood behind the lecturn, illuminated for his use. His eyes lit up, and then his hands rose skyward. Tenatively at first, he tried to follow the conductors movements. And as he did, his gestures became more fluid, more delicate - he was hearing the music as if for the first time. It was glorious to watch.
Friends, I thought about you for the next few moments.
My role as pastor means that I'm involved in shaping for a congregation, and to a certain extant through my devotionals for you, an understanding of the miracle of God's "music" of love for you. My passion in that role causes me at times to anguish over how many are surrounded by that "music" and just don't hear it. Some, like my friends at the concert, simply see grace as a reason to relax and enjoy life, never giving a thought to the Giver. Others hear the "music" but never respond by sharing it with others.
But every now and then, the "music" breaks through to ears ready to hear it- breaks through to the heart.
Once it does, you are changed.
My prayer for you is always this - that you come to know just how deeply loved you are.
Yes, people can get in the way of the "music". Even in the child's case that inspired this devotional, when he pointed out to his Mom what he heard, and showed her his response, she stopped him from expressing his joy. I pray he'll try again.
Just as I pray you'll try again.
The miracle didn't stop with Christmas. Do you hear it?
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Holding On To Hope
All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. Luke 2:18-19 (NLT)
When you hold an infant, the incredible reality of their innocence and helplessness is obvious. If they are very young, you might be cautioned on just how to hold them, or you might be encouraged if there's a nip in the air to keep them bundled up. Every care is taken to make sure they have everything they need to not just live, but to thrive - to grow.
I love to reach out to their hands and have the baby curl their fingers around mine. Sometimes I'm amazed at just how fiercely they grasp. They hold on tight and at times you have to gently pry your finger from their grasp.
If there's a subplot to the Christmas story, it is in the heart of Mary. For the birth that brought great joy to the world came through pain for her, and at a cost. It was all so different. She had imagined having children with Joseph in her hometown someday, with the birth accompanied by soft music outside which was the custom. If it was a boy, no doubt he would follow in his father's path, becoming a carpenter - respected, but not worshipped.
And yet here she was, far from home, in a stable with animals providing the Muzak - watching shepherds praise her baby as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So she kept her thoughts close and her baby closer. Messiah? Savior? This little one?
Well, until that time He was her baby boy, and as for what might be someday, she'd leave that to the One Who gave her this miracle, and know that as long as she held Him close, she was holding on to hope.
What are you holding onto this Christmas?
Or perhaps I should ask, Who is holding on to you?
Friends, just as I've been amazed at how tightly a baby grasps my finger, there have been times when in trouble I've seen God's hand hold me and keep me secure from harm.
The Bible tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8)
So even when we no longer can hold on - He never lets go.
Remember - no matter what the world might say about you, God spent everything on His gift for you. Do as Mary did - think about that often, it'll bring you hope.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. Luke 2:18-19 (NLT)
When you hold an infant, the incredible reality of their innocence and helplessness is obvious. If they are very young, you might be cautioned on just how to hold them, or you might be encouraged if there's a nip in the air to keep them bundled up. Every care is taken to make sure they have everything they need to not just live, but to thrive - to grow.
I love to reach out to their hands and have the baby curl their fingers around mine. Sometimes I'm amazed at just how fiercely they grasp. They hold on tight and at times you have to gently pry your finger from their grasp.
If there's a subplot to the Christmas story, it is in the heart of Mary. For the birth that brought great joy to the world came through pain for her, and at a cost. It was all so different. She had imagined having children with Joseph in her hometown someday, with the birth accompanied by soft music outside which was the custom. If it was a boy, no doubt he would follow in his father's path, becoming a carpenter - respected, but not worshipped.
And yet here she was, far from home, in a stable with animals providing the Muzak - watching shepherds praise her baby as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So she kept her thoughts close and her baby closer. Messiah? Savior? This little one?
Well, until that time He was her baby boy, and as for what might be someday, she'd leave that to the One Who gave her this miracle, and know that as long as she held Him close, she was holding on to hope.
What are you holding onto this Christmas?
Or perhaps I should ask, Who is holding on to you?
Friends, just as I've been amazed at how tightly a baby grasps my finger, there have been times when in trouble I've seen God's hand hold me and keep me secure from harm.
The Bible tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8)
So even when we no longer can hold on - He never lets go.
Remember - no matter what the world might say about you, God spent everything on His gift for you. Do as Mary did - think about that often, it'll bring you hope.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Jo to the world
Walking along the hall of our local hospital, headed to visit a member in ICU, I passed several of the different departments, each of which had decorated their doors for the season. I'm not sure what season though, as it appeared every single expression took great pains not to wish anyone a Merry Christmas.
There was "Happy Holidays" - should be good all year.
Then "Season's Greetings" - only have to change that twice down here, since we only have two seasons.
But finally, I passed a door in which someone had taken silver foil and covered the front, and across the face were the words:
"JO TO THE WORLD." (I think it was missing a letter :)
My question is "Y?"
Is a way of living that emphasizes honesty, integrity, care for your fellow men and women, and selfless living so threatening that it cannot be mentioned? Sometimes I think Harry Potter had the wrong person in mind when he spoke of "He Who Must Not Be Named." It's not Voldemort's name people seem to fear, it is Jesus.
And yet what are they really rejecting?
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!
Luke 2:9-10 (NLT)
Friends, it is good news. No longer does anyone have to live in fear.
Unless you choose to.
Praying that this time of year is more to you than just a season, a holiday, or debt.
I pray you find JOY!
Grace!
David
www.newhopevalp.org
Walking along the hall of our local hospital, headed to visit a member in ICU, I passed several of the different departments, each of which had decorated their doors for the season. I'm not sure what season though, as it appeared every single expression took great pains not to wish anyone a Merry Christmas.
There was "Happy Holidays" - should be good all year.
Then "Season's Greetings" - only have to change that twice down here, since we only have two seasons.
But finally, I passed a door in which someone had taken silver foil and covered the front, and across the face were the words:
"JO TO THE WORLD." (I think it was missing a letter :)
My question is "Y?"
Is a way of living that emphasizes honesty, integrity, care for your fellow men and women, and selfless living so threatening that it cannot be mentioned? Sometimes I think Harry Potter had the wrong person in mind when he spoke of "He Who Must Not Be Named." It's not Voldemort's name people seem to fear, it is Jesus.
And yet what are they really rejecting?
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!
Luke 2:9-10 (NLT)
Friends, it is good news. No longer does anyone have to live in fear.
Unless you choose to.
Praying that this time of year is more to you than just a season, a holiday, or debt.
I pray you find JOY!
Grace!
David
www.newhopevalp.org
Thursday, December 02, 2004
So, You're a Preacher...
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers--Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew--fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen. 19Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" 20And they left their nets at once and went with him. Matthew 4:21-23
There are times when I have to laugh about the position God has placed me into. Here's a guy who was after the American Dream - had a great job with one of the best companies on earth, great family, new car, new house.. etc. We had just finished a year within which we had reached a level of income we had never seen before. Our friends at church were great, the church was growing, and we were a part of it. Word within the church was I was a shoo in for deacon.
Then God went and made me a preacher.
Which leaves me wide open for questions like the title of this devotional, and several others.
Such as, why?
If it was in pursuit of accomplishment - well I'll have you know I had already achieved great success.
For example, were you aware that I had sold the first full page color Pepto Bismol ad in the known world? Ha! Didn't think so.
Or that I had sold 23 trucks full of Folgers coffee, marking the single biggest purchase on record for that brand? No? Well, now you know.
When the gentleman asked me why this weekend, I didn't share those with him. Instead, I told him I was called.
A calling from God is more than a conversation, it's a hunger, a passion, a consuming fire. When the 17th century scientist Pascal died in 1662, his friend found a scrap of paper in his coat. An excerpt from Pascal's journal of 8 years before was written on it. "From about half past ten in the evening until about half past twelve FIRE..."
We don't know what happened to Pascal that night. Nothing physical changed about him. But the passion for God was ignited in him in a way it never had been before. His life changed. His desires changed. His goals changed. What mattered to him before - what had great significance to him and to the world - no longer mattered. It had been burned away by fire.
"They left their nets at once and followed Him."
Friends, if you want to know Truth - truth that will grab you by heart, mind and soul, truth that will become your desire, your rock-solid foundation, your reason for living each day, that will let you rest easy in the knowledge that your efforts have not been in vain, that your life does matter - then listen to the call of Jesus. Come and follow ...
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers--Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew--fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen. 19Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" 20And they left their nets at once and went with him. Matthew 4:21-23
There are times when I have to laugh about the position God has placed me into. Here's a guy who was after the American Dream - had a great job with one of the best companies on earth, great family, new car, new house.. etc. We had just finished a year within which we had reached a level of income we had never seen before. Our friends at church were great, the church was growing, and we were a part of it. Word within the church was I was a shoo in for deacon.
Then God went and made me a preacher.
Which leaves me wide open for questions like the title of this devotional, and several others.
Such as, why?
If it was in pursuit of accomplishment - well I'll have you know I had already achieved great success.
For example, were you aware that I had sold the first full page color Pepto Bismol ad in the known world? Ha! Didn't think so.
Or that I had sold 23 trucks full of Folgers coffee, marking the single biggest purchase on record for that brand? No? Well, now you know.
When the gentleman asked me why this weekend, I didn't share those with him. Instead, I told him I was called.
A calling from God is more than a conversation, it's a hunger, a passion, a consuming fire. When the 17th century scientist Pascal died in 1662, his friend found a scrap of paper in his coat. An excerpt from Pascal's journal of 8 years before was written on it. "From about half past ten in the evening until about half past twelve FIRE..."
We don't know what happened to Pascal that night. Nothing physical changed about him. But the passion for God was ignited in him in a way it never had been before. His life changed. His desires changed. His goals changed. What mattered to him before - what had great significance to him and to the world - no longer mattered. It had been burned away by fire.
"They left their nets at once and followed Him."
Friends, if you want to know Truth - truth that will grab you by heart, mind and soul, truth that will become your desire, your rock-solid foundation, your reason for living each day, that will let you rest easy in the knowledge that your efforts have not been in vain, that your life does matter - then listen to the call of Jesus. Come and follow ...
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Gatherings
They had come from all over to witness, to celebrate - love. Some on the groom's side, some on the bride's side - but now they were all on one side -for love. It wasn't the size of the crowd that impressed, since you can draw a crowd by any number of means, No, it was their purpose - to celebrate and to lend their support by their presence to this grand leap into the future.
People of all ages, types, races and relationships came into the old church's chapel. Some looked at home there, seeming to have spent a lot of time in sacred spaces. They entered with eyes fixed on the stunning stained glass rendition of Jesus the good shepherd. Coming forward, they found their places in pews older than many of them. Welcomed home, they leafed through the Bibles and hymnals as if they had found a family heirloom.
Others were clearly uncomfortable, like people in someone else's home. Their eyes darted around the sanctuary seeming to not find the peace others received, but a restlessness. They wouldn't linger long after, even though the One for whom the building existed would have certainly loved their company. After all, He created places like that just to bring His people together with Him. To learn, to laugh, and to love - together with Him.
My part was to tie the bow over the knot. To remind the friends, the family, and the couple themselves just who wrote love first, and best, and most often. To give credit to the author of love. To call all who inhabited that space for those few minutes to the sudden realization that God was among us - and available to all.
To build a bridge.
And so I turned down a familiar pathway and read to them the way of love.
1If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing.
3If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
4Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
5Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
6Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
7Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. (1 Cor 13, MSG)
Every time I am part of a wedding, I remember that my Savior's first miracle was at one. And I pray that somehow, as people gather to celebrate love - a love limited by a lifetime - that Love beyond all limits will find them.
Whenever two or more are gathered...
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
They had come from all over to witness, to celebrate - love. Some on the groom's side, some on the bride's side - but now they were all on one side -for love. It wasn't the size of the crowd that impressed, since you can draw a crowd by any number of means, No, it was their purpose - to celebrate and to lend their support by their presence to this grand leap into the future.
People of all ages, types, races and relationships came into the old church's chapel. Some looked at home there, seeming to have spent a lot of time in sacred spaces. They entered with eyes fixed on the stunning stained glass rendition of Jesus the good shepherd. Coming forward, they found their places in pews older than many of them. Welcomed home, they leafed through the Bibles and hymnals as if they had found a family heirloom.
Others were clearly uncomfortable, like people in someone else's home. Their eyes darted around the sanctuary seeming to not find the peace others received, but a restlessness. They wouldn't linger long after, even though the One for whom the building existed would have certainly loved their company. After all, He created places like that just to bring His people together with Him. To learn, to laugh, and to love - together with Him.
My part was to tie the bow over the knot. To remind the friends, the family, and the couple themselves just who wrote love first, and best, and most often. To give credit to the author of love. To call all who inhabited that space for those few minutes to the sudden realization that God was among us - and available to all.
To build a bridge.
And so I turned down a familiar pathway and read to them the way of love.
1If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing.
3If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
4Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
5Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
6Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
7Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. (1 Cor 13, MSG)
Every time I am part of a wedding, I remember that my Savior's first miracle was at one. And I pray that somehow, as people gather to celebrate love - a love limited by a lifetime - that Love beyond all limits will find them.
Whenever two or more are gathered...
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
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