Training
Bobby's been coming to church a week now, and from what I can tell, he seems to be enjoying it. Playing with the other little ones does seem to take a lot out of him though, as I noticed Sunday morning he slept through my entire sermon.
But what do you expect from a dog?
Yes, Bobby's a dog. It's not unusual for us to have some dogs show up on Wednesday night with their owners. In fact, last night we had four in all. But Bobby has been very consistent in his attendance, and as his pastor, I wanted to commend him.
Really though, the praise should go to Ellen Fannon, as she is the one who's bringing Bobby with her to church. While he's here, Bobby learns about obedience, about how to get along with others, and experiences things he otherwise wouldn't.
Bobby's learning about life, and his caregivers are seeking to teach him while living it.
We have other little ones here whose parents haven't understood that lesson yet. At New Hope, we've always been thrilled to be a part of teaching children and youth about life, and especially about life in Christ. It's exciting to see them learn and grow.
But we only have them for a couple of hours a week. Given that, it is pretty hard for us to change the habits that form the rest of the week. Unless the parents are teaching about living the Christian life while living it, the kids will forget how to really live. That's why the Bible is so insistent on how to teach your children.
Deut. 6:4-7 (Msg)
Attention, Israel!
God, our God! God the one and only!
[5] Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
[6] Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you [7] and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.
How do you get the wisdom of God inside your children?
By living the life in front of them - everywhere you go. It's impossible to give away what you don't have yourself, so let them see you reading your Bible, and praying to God in praise of His goodness, mercy, and grace. Show them about how much God matters to you by being faithful in worship and Bible study.
Teach the children of how great God is - how loving - how wise by using the creation He has provided and through life situations you encounter. Show them God's love in the rainbow, in a flower, even in His providing us with faithful companionship through pets like Bobby. Let them see you relate to others out of Christ's love to you.
Train them in the ways of God, and His path will be easy for them to find when He calls for their life commitment to Him.
Bobby's life's work is to be a therapy dog, giving aid and comfort to people in need. He's learning how to treat people by being with them.
God's clear intent for we humans is that we learn about Him by doing the same.
Grace!
David
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Just another day
I had just finished my daily devotional time and thought I'd spend a moment checking in with the world. In today's environment, that means the internet, and for me it's navigating to Google's news page.
There's a picture of two smiling former hostages as they arrived home in Italy.
Another of Prime Minister Tony Blair of England - and he's not smiling as he fights for his political life.
One of the private spacecraft that successfully slipped the bonds of earth today out west.
And one of a baby, injured in a rocket attack on an Israeli town.
Just another day.
Hate and heartache, laughter and joy, delivered from all over the world and refreshed every few minutes.
On second thought, maybe I'm not through with my devotionals after all.
How about some good news?
Romans 3:25-26 (Msg) (emphasis mine)
God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear.
God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured.
This is not only clear, but it's now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.
So the next time you read too much of today's "news", remember this verse. While the world seems to rush to spread the news about what's going wrong, God continually is setting things right between people who believe in Jesus' sacrifice and Sonship and Himself.
Just another day of God's love reaching past our failures and drawing us into His love.
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 had just finished my daily devotional time and thought I'd spend a moment checking in with the world. In today's environment, that means the internet, and for me it's navigating to Google's news page.
There's a picture of two smiling former hostages as they arrived home in Italy.
Another of Prime Minister Tony Blair of England - and he's not smiling as he fights for his political life.
One of the private spacecraft that successfully slipped the bonds of earth today out west.
And one of a baby, injured in a rocket attack on an Israeli town.
Just another day.
Hate and heartache, laughter and joy, delivered from all over the world and refreshed every few minutes.
On second thought, maybe I'm not through with my devotionals after all.
How about some good news?
Romans 3:25-26 (Msg) (emphasis mine)
God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear.
God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured.
This is not only clear, but it's now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.
So the next time you read too much of today's "news", remember this verse. While the world seems to rush to spread the news about what's going wrong, God continually is setting things right between people who believe in Jesus' sacrifice and Sonship and Himself.
Just another day of God's love reaching past our failures and drawing us into His love.
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, September 28, 2004
After The Storm
We're coming up on two weeks since Hurricane Ivan passed by, and it seems we are in a holding pattern. Due to the widespread devastation, there are more roofs damaged than roofers to repair them. And too, all the piles of limbs and leaves still line the streets. It will be weeks before all that is cleared.
It was easy to spot that damage after the storm. You could see which shingles were missing - which limbs and leaves were at your feet. But that wasn't all the damage.
After every storm, it takes a while for some of the hurts to reveal themselves.
This morning as I rolled to a stop at church, I looked over at our oak tree. Everything you could every want in a tree - it is. Beautifully shaped, huge trunk, large low branches just perfect for children's adventures. More than once a member has driven up on Wednesday night to find their pastor up a tree - rescuing a little one who went up a little too far.
At first glance after the storm, it looked fine - a few missing leaves. But today, some of the broken branches have revealed themselves with brown leaves among the green. Hidden before, though hurt, now the full extent of the damage is in plain view.
Maybe you've gone through a storm yourself recently. It wasn't your first one, and you've learned over the years what you need to do to get well. But this time, healing didn't come.
Or perhaps an event from your past, that you thought had long been dealt with - now haunts your thoughts again.
It's time then for a visit from the Master Gardener as revealed to us in John's gospel, chapter 15.
John 15:4-5 (Msg)
"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
[5] "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing.
If you are dry right now, maybe it's because your relationship with Christ has been damaged by the storms. Or perhaps an old wound, never fully healed, has been uncovered by the winds of life.
Come to Jesus.
Give your hurts to Him.
The life you want - the life full of all the things that matter - only comes through Him. When no one else can spot your hurts - He sees them and seeks to heal - if you'll come to Him.
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.
We're coming up on two weeks since Hurricane Ivan passed by, and it seems we are in a holding pattern. Due to the widespread devastation, there are more roofs damaged than roofers to repair them. And too, all the piles of limbs and leaves still line the streets. It will be weeks before all that is cleared.
It was easy to spot that damage after the storm. You could see which shingles were missing - which limbs and leaves were at your feet. But that wasn't all the damage.
After every storm, it takes a while for some of the hurts to reveal themselves.
This morning as I rolled to a stop at church, I looked over at our oak tree. Everything you could every want in a tree - it is. Beautifully shaped, huge trunk, large low branches just perfect for children's adventures. More than once a member has driven up on Wednesday night to find their pastor up a tree - rescuing a little one who went up a little too far.
At first glance after the storm, it looked fine - a few missing leaves. But today, some of the broken branches have revealed themselves with brown leaves among the green. Hidden before, though hurt, now the full extent of the damage is in plain view.
Maybe you've gone through a storm yourself recently. It wasn't your first one, and you've learned over the years what you need to do to get well. But this time, healing didn't come.
Or perhaps an event from your past, that you thought had long been dealt with - now haunts your thoughts again.
It's time then for a visit from the Master Gardener as revealed to us in John's gospel, chapter 15.
John 15:4-5 (Msg)
"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
[5] "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing.
If you are dry right now, maybe it's because your relationship with Christ has been damaged by the storms. Or perhaps an old wound, never fully healed, has been uncovered by the winds of life.
Come to Jesus.
Give your hurts to Him.
The life you want - the life full of all the things that matter - only comes through Him. When no one else can spot your hurts - He sees them and seeks to heal - if you'll come to Him.
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.
Friday, September 24, 2004
"Blue is my favorite color"
Mark 10:15 (Msg)
"Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."
While I was checking the mail this morning, a mother and her daughter walked by. I had seen them in the neighborhood, so said hello and asked how they made out in the hurricane.
The mom then explained...
about the loss of power,
the loss of everything they had in the freezer,
the loss of income since her business was closed for a few days,
and the loss of shingles from their roof.
Then she said:
"We went and got tarps from FEMA to cover the damage until the roofers get around to us. They don't look too good, that blue really sticks out on a gray roof."
Her daughter looked up and me and smiling said, "blue is my favorite color."
Sometimes children teach their parents, if we'll listen.
Think about it.
The mom was telling me about things that had happened, lamenting really, about losses that had occurred. She was working in the past, from what was wrong.
Her little girl, like all children, was living in the now. And that folks, is where we have to live too.
We've been given today - because today is all we can handle. So find a reason to praise God in the midst of wherever you find yourself.
"Blue is my favorite color."
Mine too.
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.
Mark 10:15 (Msg)
"Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."
While I was checking the mail this morning, a mother and her daughter walked by. I had seen them in the neighborhood, so said hello and asked how they made out in the hurricane.
The mom then explained...
about the loss of power,
the loss of everything they had in the freezer,
the loss of income since her business was closed for a few days,
and the loss of shingles from their roof.
Then she said:
"We went and got tarps from FEMA to cover the damage until the roofers get around to us. They don't look too good, that blue really sticks out on a gray roof."
Her daughter looked up and me and smiling said, "blue is my favorite color."
Sometimes children teach their parents, if we'll listen.
Think about it.
The mom was telling me about things that had happened, lamenting really, about losses that had occurred. She was working in the past, from what was wrong.
Her little girl, like all children, was living in the now. And that folks, is where we have to live too.
We've been given today - because today is all we can handle. So find a reason to praise God in the midst of wherever you find yourself.
"Blue is my favorite color."
Mine too.
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, September 21, 2004
Starting Over
Sitting here today, my first day back after Ivan ravaged the Gulf coast, I can look out and see trees stripped of their foliage, and some of their fellows lying broken around them.
Looking past them, I can see homes missing considerable amounts of shingles.
And on a brilliantly beautiful afternoon, the air that normally would be filled with the sounds of children at play across the street at Valparaiso Elementary is quiet. They are absent today, many of their families still coping with a loss of power, damage to their homes, spoilage of food and a loss of income from being laid off, as businesses struggle to recover as well.
It's like the whole area is having to learn how to start over.
I'm no stranger to that process. Over fifty years ago, my father and mother anticipated the delivery of two babies. Yet when the twins were born, (my older brothers Michael and Mitchell) due to complications from my Mother carrying them too long, they both died within a week of their birth.
Devastated doesn't begin to describe what my parents experienced.
My mother is in heaven now, but while she lived she very seldom ever talked about it. Oh, she might mention "the twins", but briefly, and quickly move on. It was a deep, lasting hurt that never really went away.
So many people never recover from such a wound. Marriages, even whole lives, just wither and die.
But not when you find the will to start over.
My Mother told me she found that will in Jesus Christ.
One day we were talking, and I brought up the loss of my brothers. She reached over and opened up her Bible and read me this.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
She told me she took God at His Word and started over.
I cannot imagine how much courage it took for her to do that. But whatever amount it took, her God supplied it.
How do I know?
Because 51 years ago today, in the afternoon, my mother's third child, also a boy, was born.
She named him David Anthony Wilson. (My middle name is the same as my brother that I will meet someday in heaven.)
Friends, I don't know what you are facing today. But I know this - the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and yes, the God of Lodie Marie Bowden Wilson (and her sons) is big enough, strong enough, and cares enough to help you start over.
When you do, that's when you understand how deep God's love really is. Start over.
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
Sitting here today, my first day back after Ivan ravaged the Gulf coast, I can look out and see trees stripped of their foliage, and some of their fellows lying broken around them.
Looking past them, I can see homes missing considerable amounts of shingles.
And on a brilliantly beautiful afternoon, the air that normally would be filled with the sounds of children at play across the street at Valparaiso Elementary is quiet. They are absent today, many of their families still coping with a loss of power, damage to their homes, spoilage of food and a loss of income from being laid off, as businesses struggle to recover as well.
It's like the whole area is having to learn how to start over.
I'm no stranger to that process. Over fifty years ago, my father and mother anticipated the delivery of two babies. Yet when the twins were born, (my older brothers Michael and Mitchell) due to complications from my Mother carrying them too long, they both died within a week of their birth.
Devastated doesn't begin to describe what my parents experienced.
My mother is in heaven now, but while she lived she very seldom ever talked about it. Oh, she might mention "the twins", but briefly, and quickly move on. It was a deep, lasting hurt that never really went away.
So many people never recover from such a wound. Marriages, even whole lives, just wither and die.
But not when you find the will to start over.
My Mother told me she found that will in Jesus Christ.
One day we were talking, and I brought up the loss of my brothers. She reached over and opened up her Bible and read me this.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
She told me she took God at His Word and started over.
I cannot imagine how much courage it took for her to do that. But whatever amount it took, her God supplied it.
How do I know?
Because 51 years ago today, in the afternoon, my mother's third child, also a boy, was born.
She named him David Anthony Wilson. (My middle name is the same as my brother that I will meet someday in heaven.)
Friends, I don't know what you are facing today. But I know this - the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and yes, the God of Lodie Marie Bowden Wilson (and her sons) is big enough, strong enough, and cares enough to help you start over.
When you do, that's when you understand how deep God's love really is. Start over.
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
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Picking Up the Pieces
1 John 4:12 (Msg)
No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!
Back in the office this evening checking on the buildings. As I walked around the place on the map called New Hope Baptist, I picked up shingle after shingle. The roof didn't really fare too well under the 100+ mph winds.
But the church did just fine.
After talking to almost every family both before and after Ivan came through, I've not heard of any injuries except for one broken ankle, suffered by Susie Finlayson, characteristically for her, suffered while trying to help someone else.
During the storm, people were calling offering to share homes, power, food, hot water, whatever anyone needed. After, people were calling just to check on one another.
Yes, the buildings may have suffered, but the church is doing just fine, even becoming more complete in Christ's love.
Please keep praying for those affected throughout the South by Ivan.
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.
1 John 4:12 (Msg)
No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!
Back in the office this evening checking on the buildings. As I walked around the place on the map called New Hope Baptist, I picked up shingle after shingle. The roof didn't really fare too well under the 100+ mph winds.
But the church did just fine.
After talking to almost every family both before and after Ivan came through, I've not heard of any injuries except for one broken ankle, suffered by Susie Finlayson, characteristically for her, suffered while trying to help someone else.
During the storm, people were calling offering to share homes, power, food, hot water, whatever anyone needed. After, people were calling just to check on one another.
Yes, the buildings may have suffered, but the church is doing just fine, even becoming more complete in Christ's love.
Please keep praying for those affected throughout the South by Ivan.
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, September 16, 2004
There's power, and then there's POWER
We are still experiencing pretty gusty winds of I'd guess 50 mph, but it's nothing like it was last night, when the power of Hurricane Ivan came and took our electricity but left our house.
I've seen tropical storms before, but a hurricane - that's a whole different kind of power.
With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. 2 A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2 (MSG)
There's power than can kill the body, but no power that can touch the soul of one who has given their life to Jesus Christ.
Look to that power as you deal with the storms of life.
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.
We are still experiencing pretty gusty winds of I'd guess 50 mph, but it's nothing like it was last night, when the power of Hurricane Ivan came and took our electricity but left our house.
I've seen tropical storms before, but a hurricane - that's a whole different kind of power.
With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. 2 A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2 (MSG)
There's power than can kill the body, but no power that can touch the soul of one who has given their life to Jesus Christ.
Look to that power as you deal with the storms of life.
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, September 15, 2004
Keepers and Leavers
Ivan bears down on the Gulf coast as I write this, and we're still here. But literally millions of people have evacuated the area, hoping to find places of safety.The stories coming out tell of some people in panic mode, not being able to take everything with them and having to make tough choices. I've seen vehicles leaving that looked a little like they were moving away for good, with furniture and appliances piled high in the back of the vehicle. Animal welfare shelters are full with animals that have given their owners uncompomising devotion and unconditional love. But when push came to shove.. their owners decided they weren't worth keeping or were too much trouble to take.
What do you take and what do you leave?
Do you grab the TV?
What about the PC?
Maybe the pictures?
What about those golf clubs, the jet ski or atv?
People that have been through a few of these storms talk about how they realized what really mattered to them. Jesus gave us insight into what those choices say about those that make them.
34 Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be. Luke 12:34 (NLT)
The choices you make at times like this really offer a window into your heart.
Maybe this is the time to take a look at just what your "valuables" are.
And the only way to do that is to begin with your relationship with God. Is it something you can take or leave? Or is it the one relationship that every single value comes out of and is evaluated by?
Take time today to remind yourself of what really matters.
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.
Ivan bears down on the Gulf coast as I write this, and we're still here. But literally millions of people have evacuated the area, hoping to find places of safety.The stories coming out tell of some people in panic mode, not being able to take everything with them and having to make tough choices. I've seen vehicles leaving that looked a little like they were moving away for good, with furniture and appliances piled high in the back of the vehicle. Animal welfare shelters are full with animals that have given their owners uncompomising devotion and unconditional love. But when push came to shove.. their owners decided they weren't worth keeping or were too much trouble to take.
What do you take and what do you leave?
Do you grab the TV?
What about the PC?
Maybe the pictures?
What about those golf clubs, the jet ski or atv?
People that have been through a few of these storms talk about how they realized what really mattered to them. Jesus gave us insight into what those choices say about those that make them.
34 Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be. Luke 12:34 (NLT)
The choices you make at times like this really offer a window into your heart.
Maybe this is the time to take a look at just what your "valuables" are.
And the only way to do that is to begin with your relationship with God. Is it something you can take or leave? Or is it the one relationship that every single value comes out of and is evaluated by?
Take time today to remind yourself of what really matters.
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.
Storm Warnings
Here on the Gulf Coast, we are under the gun for Hurricane Ivan. As it approached today, the people in our area reacted in different ways. Some took it very seriously, boarding up windows, buying large quantities of bottled water, and making sure their vehicles were full of gasoline. Others didn't really seem to do anything, And then there were those who I saw headed to the beach with surfboards resting on the roof of their car.
I'm sure every one of them knows of the hurricane. After all, the TV, radio, and every other media outlet was blaring the latest predictions of intensity and landfall. Watching what Ivan had done in Jamaica, the Caymans, and Cuba gave everyone a glimpse of the seriousness of the storm.
They were warned.
As a pastor, I see a lot of storms.
When people decide to live life outside God's will, they place themselves in real danger. Many if not all know better. They've been in Bible Study, heard hundreds of sermons. But all of those don't seem to affect their daily lives. Jesus acknowledged the problem and the results.
24 "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit— but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
26 "But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. 27 When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."
Matt 7:24-27 (MSG)
Friends, Bible trivia is a game. Bible study and prayerful application of what you learn to your daily life - that's real. Don't be fooled into thinking the storms won't come - they will. Take time each day to open your Bible and pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you to higher ground.
Build your life on the Rock of God's Word.
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.
Here on the Gulf Coast, we are under the gun for Hurricane Ivan. As it approached today, the people in our area reacted in different ways. Some took it very seriously, boarding up windows, buying large quantities of bottled water, and making sure their vehicles were full of gasoline. Others didn't really seem to do anything, And then there were those who I saw headed to the beach with surfboards resting on the roof of their car.
I'm sure every one of them knows of the hurricane. After all, the TV, radio, and every other media outlet was blaring the latest predictions of intensity and landfall. Watching what Ivan had done in Jamaica, the Caymans, and Cuba gave everyone a glimpse of the seriousness of the storm.
They were warned.
As a pastor, I see a lot of storms.
When people decide to live life outside God's will, they place themselves in real danger. Many if not all know better. They've been in Bible Study, heard hundreds of sermons. But all of those don't seem to affect their daily lives. Jesus acknowledged the problem and the results.
24 "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit— but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
26 "But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. 27 When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."
Matt 7:24-27 (MSG)
Friends, Bible trivia is a game. Bible study and prayerful application of what you learn to your daily life - that's real. Don't be fooled into thinking the storms won't come - they will. Take time each day to open your Bible and pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you to higher ground.
Build your life on the Rock of God's Word.
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, September 09, 2004
A Rising Tide
One of the miracles of last week was in the approach of Hurricane Frances to the Gulf Coast. After battering across Florida, it popped out into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and it appeared that Florida's panhandle would feel the power that destroyed so much property on the way here.
Yet just as Frances approached, it slowed. Not a lot, but enough that when it hit the coast, it hit at LOW TIDE. So a storm surge that could have carried millions of gallons of water over the beaches and into homes and businesses was nullified. There's no power at low tide.
For those who feel that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness seems to have degenerated into tiredness, debt, and just trying to make it through another day,
For you who feel living a life of faith and trust is far too hard most times,
I suggest to you that maybe in your efforts to do it your way, you are living at low tide.
Doesn't mean God's power isn't available to you, just that you want it your way, on your timing, and God doesn't answer to your whistle or whine.
Notice in the verses below Who is supposed to do the heavy lifting.
Hebrews 13:20,21 (Msg)
May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole...
Now put you together,
provide you with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
What looks so hard without God, is so simple when He's in control. Remember, His power flows into and through our weaknesses. It's not about us. It's about Him - always Him.
Do this. Pray at the beginning of each day, and before each challenge you face during it, for the power of God to be released in and through your efforts to make Him proud.
Let God be God.
You'll be amazed at the power of Love's rising tide.
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 miracles of last week was in the approach of Hurricane Frances to the Gulf Coast. After battering across Florida, it popped out into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and it appeared that Florida's panhandle would feel the power that destroyed so much property on the way here.
Yet just as Frances approached, it slowed. Not a lot, but enough that when it hit the coast, it hit at LOW TIDE. So a storm surge that could have carried millions of gallons of water over the beaches and into homes and businesses was nullified. There's no power at low tide.
For those who feel that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness seems to have degenerated into tiredness, debt, and just trying to make it through another day,
For you who feel living a life of faith and trust is far too hard most times,
I suggest to you that maybe in your efforts to do it your way, you are living at low tide.
Doesn't mean God's power isn't available to you, just that you want it your way, on your timing, and God doesn't answer to your whistle or whine.
Notice in the verses below Who is supposed to do the heavy lifting.
Hebrews 13:20,21 (Msg)
May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole...
Now put you together,
provide you with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
What looks so hard without God, is so simple when He's in control. Remember, His power flows into and through our weaknesses. It's not about us. It's about Him - always Him.
Do this. Pray at the beginning of each day, and before each challenge you face during it, for the power of God to be released in and through your efforts to make Him proud.
Let God be God.
You'll be amazed at the power of Love's rising tide.
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.
Forecasting
Everybody around here has become interested in the weather it seems. Here in the western panhandle, we are beginning to think that the law of averages is eventually going to catch up with us, and one of these hurricanes is going to hit instead of miss.
The other day, when Frances was to come calling but didn't, people in the neighborhood were reacting very differently. One man was covering his windows with precut corrugated tin, while his neighbor stood by with what appeared to be a glass of tea, watching.
In the bayous, boats of all shapes and sizes rode at anchor, while along the water's edge, others sat tied to the docks.
This time it missed, but what if it hadn't?
It reminded me of people forgetting about Christ's return.
1 Thes. 5:2 (Msg)
You know as well as I that the day of the Master's coming can't be posted on our calendars. He won't call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would.
If we cannot know when Christ will return, then everyday could be the day. And what a day!
Are you ready? The forecast for those who are is JOY!
1 Peter 1:13 (Msg)
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives.
Better get ready!
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.
Everybody around here has become interested in the weather it seems. Here in the western panhandle, we are beginning to think that the law of averages is eventually going to catch up with us, and one of these hurricanes is going to hit instead of miss.
The other day, when Frances was to come calling but didn't, people in the neighborhood were reacting very differently. One man was covering his windows with precut corrugated tin, while his neighbor stood by with what appeared to be a glass of tea, watching.
In the bayous, boats of all shapes and sizes rode at anchor, while along the water's edge, others sat tied to the docks.
This time it missed, but what if it hadn't?
It reminded me of people forgetting about Christ's return.
1 Thes. 5:2 (Msg)
You know as well as I that the day of the Master's coming can't be posted on our calendars. He won't call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would.
If we cannot know when Christ will return, then everyday could be the day. And what a day!
Are you ready? The forecast for those who are is JOY!
1 Peter 1:13 (Msg)
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives.
Better get ready!
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, September 07, 2004
Searching
Day-glo orange signs flag the corner of every street in the neighborhood our church sits in. At first, I really didn't pay any attention to them, thinking that they must have been left over from a weekend yard sale.
But as I pulled to a stop opposite one, the wind blew the corner, that had been sagging from the rain, back straight and I saw the words in bold black - LOST!
The poster went on to describe a tabby colored cat, a family treasure, wholly and dearly loved, and to give information of who to contact should anyone see or find her. I pulled away wondering just how hard people searched for lost things.
But I guess that depends on how much you value what is lost. From the signs, I'm betting that kitty is being looked for every chance they get.
It just so happened that my weekly trip through the gospels found me in the 15th chapter of Luke today, and the dots started to connect. For that chapter is full of lost things - a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.
So how hard would they search?
Luke 15:4 (Msg)
"Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it?
So one lost one was worth risking everything else to find.
So how would someone react to a lost coin?
Luke 15:8 (Msg)
"Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it?
And a lost coin meant turning everything upside down, searching as hard as you can as long as it takes.
And to a lost son? As the son, who has realized how lost he is returns home...
Luke 15:20 (Msg)
"When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him.
A lost son's return means more than risking everything, or working as hard as you can to find what was lost. It meant dropping pride, judgement and his own right to justice in favor of racing to meet someone who was lost.
And that's exactly what God did. For you.
You see folks - you matter to God so much, He'll work in countless ways to find you - wherever you are.
Oh and when you are in His arms...
His search, and yours - are over forever. For He has what gives Him joy, and you have everything He is.
It's called...
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.
Day-glo orange signs flag the corner of every street in the neighborhood our church sits in. At first, I really didn't pay any attention to them, thinking that they must have been left over from a weekend yard sale.
But as I pulled to a stop opposite one, the wind blew the corner, that had been sagging from the rain, back straight and I saw the words in bold black - LOST!
The poster went on to describe a tabby colored cat, a family treasure, wholly and dearly loved, and to give information of who to contact should anyone see or find her. I pulled away wondering just how hard people searched for lost things.
But I guess that depends on how much you value what is lost. From the signs, I'm betting that kitty is being looked for every chance they get.
It just so happened that my weekly trip through the gospels found me in the 15th chapter of Luke today, and the dots started to connect. For that chapter is full of lost things - a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.
So how hard would they search?
Luke 15:4 (Msg)
"Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it?
So one lost one was worth risking everything else to find.
So how would someone react to a lost coin?
Luke 15:8 (Msg)
"Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it?
And a lost coin meant turning everything upside down, searching as hard as you can as long as it takes.
And to a lost son? As the son, who has realized how lost he is returns home...
Luke 15:20 (Msg)
"When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him.
A lost son's return means more than risking everything, or working as hard as you can to find what was lost. It meant dropping pride, judgement and his own right to justice in favor of racing to meet someone who was lost.
And that's exactly what God did. For you.
You see folks - you matter to God so much, He'll work in countless ways to find you - wherever you are.
Oh and when you are in His arms...
His search, and yours - are over forever. For He has what gives Him joy, and you have everything He is.
It's called...
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.
Friday, September 03, 2004
The Run of the House
Growing up as a young boy, I used to enjoy going over to my Aunt Geneva's house on the other side of Macon. It was so different.
We lived in the country on 40 acres of land in a mobile home. Our nearest neighbor was a quarter of a mile away. The nearest grocery store was 5 miles, school was 6.
Aunt Geneva's house was in the city. A store was on the corner, and school was down the street. Railroad tracks ran alongside the street, and one of the busiest streets in the whole town was a block away.
But it was her house that really fascinated me.
It was old, with high ceilings, fireplaces, and wood floors. Every room seemed to lead to another. I don't believe there was a hall in the place. And I explored every inch of it from the attic to my uncle's aborted attempt to build a Cold War bomb shelter in the basement.
Except the living room.
It was off limits to kids. All kids. Even extra specially good kids like me. Oh I would look over into it and notice the gleaming wood floors, the perfect furniture and antiques. But to go into it? Never happen. I thought of that today when I read this verse.
1 John 4:16-17(Msg)
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's.
When we give Christ our lives and pledge to follow Him, what we are doing is throwing open all the doors in our life and saying to Jesus, "come on in. My house is your house."
And since God is love, His nature begins to affect what we do, until we do what he would do in an increasing attempt to be like Him. We don't hold Him away from any area of our lives.
And love has the run of the house.
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.
Growing up as a young boy, I used to enjoy going over to my Aunt Geneva's house on the other side of Macon. It was so different.
We lived in the country on 40 acres of land in a mobile home. Our nearest neighbor was a quarter of a mile away. The nearest grocery store was 5 miles, school was 6.
Aunt Geneva's house was in the city. A store was on the corner, and school was down the street. Railroad tracks ran alongside the street, and one of the busiest streets in the whole town was a block away.
But it was her house that really fascinated me.
It was old, with high ceilings, fireplaces, and wood floors. Every room seemed to lead to another. I don't believe there was a hall in the place. And I explored every inch of it from the attic to my uncle's aborted attempt to build a Cold War bomb shelter in the basement.
Except the living room.
It was off limits to kids. All kids. Even extra specially good kids like me. Oh I would look over into it and notice the gleaming wood floors, the perfect furniture and antiques. But to go into it? Never happen. I thought of that today when I read this verse.
1 John 4:16-17(Msg)
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's.
When we give Christ our lives and pledge to follow Him, what we are doing is throwing open all the doors in our life and saying to Jesus, "come on in. My house is your house."
And since God is love, His nature begins to affect what we do, until we do what he would do in an increasing attempt to be like Him. We don't hold Him away from any area of our lives.
And love has the run of the house.
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, September 02, 2004
When Tomorrow Didn't Come
September 3, 1752 never came.
I'm not sure what everyone was looking forward to, but having the government steal 11 days from their lives must have meant something to the British people - they rioted in the streets.
The kingdom had adopted the Gregorian Calendar (developed by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582) to replace the inaccurate calendar created by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. And in order to catch up to the new order of days, 11 whole days were lost forever.
You know we can't count on tomorrow...
1 Peter 4:7-11 (Msg)
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted.
Stay wide-awake in prayer. [8] Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. [9] Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. [10] Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: [11] if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help.
That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
No, we can't count on tomorrow, but we can count on God! And practice God's plan for living like there was no tomorrow - Stuff the most acts of caring and love for your fellow man into every single day - loving God through them. That way God will get the credit.
Don't worry about tomorrow. Just live to please the One Who gives us each day - each day.
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.
September 3, 1752 never came.
I'm not sure what everyone was looking forward to, but having the government steal 11 days from their lives must have meant something to the British people - they rioted in the streets.
The kingdom had adopted the Gregorian Calendar (developed by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582) to replace the inaccurate calendar created by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. And in order to catch up to the new order of days, 11 whole days were lost forever.
You know we can't count on tomorrow...
1 Peter 4:7-11 (Msg)
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted.
Stay wide-awake in prayer. [8] Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. [9] Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. [10] Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: [11] if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help.
That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
No, we can't count on tomorrow, but we can count on God! And practice God's plan for living like there was no tomorrow - Stuff the most acts of caring and love for your fellow man into every single day - loving God through them. That way God will get the credit.
Don't worry about tomorrow. Just live to please the One Who gives us each day - each day.
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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