Letters that touch the heart
Just a routine visit to the post office this morning really made me think.
As I parked my car, I pulled into the space beside a pickup. In it, there was a man whose white hair and wrinkled face told of many years of toil. Getting out and passing by him, I noticed that he held some notebook papers in his hands, and the folds that creased the pages were full of blue inked script. On the dashboard lay the envelope, with the familiar APO postmark telling of a trip from a person in military service somewhere.
He looked up, and though we never exchanged a word, I could tell that if I'd have offered him the riches of Midas for that letter, it wouldn't have been enough. I made my way to the PO Box and back, and when I got back in my car, that letter was still in his hands.
What did it say?
I don't know. But one thing it did say was obvious. I'm still alive, I still remember you, and you matter enough for me to take the time to write. It reminded me of a letter, written by an aged man to people he loved as his children, telling them about the One who first loved.
1 John 5:13-15 (Msg)
My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God's Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. [14] And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he's listening. [15] And if we're confident that he's listening, we know that what we've asked for is as good as ours.
Please know this - if you are a believer, then the Spirit of the Living God is alive within you.
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. [17] 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.
God wants to lead you away from a life of fear and into a life of love's full freedom. You may not be there yet - don't give up! Keep learning about God - keep asking Him for more of His presence in your life. It will happen.
1 John 4:18 (Msg)
There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
Do this - commit yourself to writing a letter each day to God. Call it a journal, call it a diary, whatever you want, but in it, write God your heart's desires, fears, and tell Him where you are and what you want your relationship with Him to be.
When you are that real, that open and honest with God - you'll touch His heart. Picture Him in heaven, reading your letter. Can you see the look on His face?
Grace!
David Wilson
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, May 20, 2004
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Sundae School
Have you ever tried NOT to think of something? Aggravating how it just keeps popping into your head, isn't it? Today for some reason, hot fudge sundaes popped into my head. (And yes, I'm on a diet, but I'm ALWAYS on a diet and haven't had ice cream in years.)
No matter how I tried, I found myself thinking about ice cream - vanilla ice cream - bathed in warm chocolate syrup and filling a cup to almost overflowing. My aunt and uncle used to own a Dairy Queen, so I'm no stranger to them. But in order to divert attention from the need for a sundae, I decided to see how they came to be.
What I found was that they were developed to break the law.
Around the turn of the century, "Blue Laws" were in place across much of the US. These were laws that governed what a person could not do on Sunday. They ranged from inconvenient to onerous. In some places, children's swings had to be tied up. In others, only books of a religious nature could be read. And in Virginia, soda drinks could not be consumed on the Sabbath.
One store owner grew weary of lost sales and decided to do something about it. He could serve ice cream, but not sodas, so he developed the idea of pouring hot fudge over ice cream. He was so tickled with himself and his creation, he named it the "Sunday", but changed the name when locals claimed it sacrilegious - so he changed it - to Sundae.
It reminded me again about when Jesus was confronted about Sabbath breaking.
Matthew 12:7 (Msg)
If you had any idea what this Scripture meant—'I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual'—you wouldn't be nitpicking like this.
Friends, following Jesus on the Journey is a lot less about following rules and a lot more about following Jesus closely. Just give God your heart, mind and soul, and dedicate everyday to making Him smile.
Now about that sundae......... :)
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
Have you ever tried NOT to think of something? Aggravating how it just keeps popping into your head, isn't it? Today for some reason, hot fudge sundaes popped into my head. (And yes, I'm on a diet, but I'm ALWAYS on a diet and haven't had ice cream in years.)
No matter how I tried, I found myself thinking about ice cream - vanilla ice cream - bathed in warm chocolate syrup and filling a cup to almost overflowing. My aunt and uncle used to own a Dairy Queen, so I'm no stranger to them. But in order to divert attention from the need for a sundae, I decided to see how they came to be.
What I found was that they were developed to break the law.
Around the turn of the century, "Blue Laws" were in place across much of the US. These were laws that governed what a person could not do on Sunday. They ranged from inconvenient to onerous. In some places, children's swings had to be tied up. In others, only books of a religious nature could be read. And in Virginia, soda drinks could not be consumed on the Sabbath.
One store owner grew weary of lost sales and decided to do something about it. He could serve ice cream, but not sodas, so he developed the idea of pouring hot fudge over ice cream. He was so tickled with himself and his creation, he named it the "Sunday", but changed the name when locals claimed it sacrilegious - so he changed it - to Sundae.
It reminded me again about when Jesus was confronted about Sabbath breaking.
Matthew 12:7 (Msg)
If you had any idea what this Scripture meant—'I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual'—you wouldn't be nitpicking like this.
Friends, following Jesus on the Journey is a lot less about following rules and a lot more about following Jesus closely. Just give God your heart, mind and soul, and dedicate everyday to making Him smile.
Now about that sundae......... :)
Grace!
David Wilson
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, May 14, 2004
Feedback
What do you think of when you hear the word "feedback"?
If you're a musician, you immediately relate to that high pitched and annoying squeal that results from the sound recording or playing device being placed too near the speakers.
If you are in marketing, or some other discipline that involves activities and responses, you'd relate that feedback is what you need to know if you are hitting your goals.
If you're an Ebay'er, you think of the comments given by sellers and buyers after a transaction has concluded.
I recently purchased an item on Ebay, and after the sale, the buyer sent me details about the shipment and then he wrote " I leave feedback for people who leave feedback for me."
That was more like feedback in the first sense to me. It sort of annoyed me - he did - then the fact that I got annoyed - annoyed me again. It made me stop, and prayerfully consider.
Is that the way we should act? Should we return in kind what we receive, and get what we want before we give what others need? While I was stewing over his self-serving comment, a verse popped into my head.
Luke 6:35 (Msg)
"Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst."
God loves me today - even though I got up ornery.
God loves me today - even though I rushed past Him on my way to work.
God loves me today - even though I'm struggling just to glimpse what I'm supposed to be.
God loves me - just as I am, even at my worst - generously and graciously.
So what I've got to do, is to give everyone some feedback, through my everyday, walking around worship of God through my life - through my interaction with people.
God's always right, we all know that. How many times have you ever really regretted a kind act to an unkind person?
And how many times have you regretted __being__ that unkind person?
Break the feedback cycle. Stop the squeal of battered lives and broken people.
Love. Because He first loved us.
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
What do you think of when you hear the word "feedback"?
If you're a musician, you immediately relate to that high pitched and annoying squeal that results from the sound recording or playing device being placed too near the speakers.
If you are in marketing, or some other discipline that involves activities and responses, you'd relate that feedback is what you need to know if you are hitting your goals.
If you're an Ebay'er, you think of the comments given by sellers and buyers after a transaction has concluded.
I recently purchased an item on Ebay, and after the sale, the buyer sent me details about the shipment and then he wrote " I leave feedback for people who leave feedback for me."
That was more like feedback in the first sense to me. It sort of annoyed me - he did - then the fact that I got annoyed - annoyed me again. It made me stop, and prayerfully consider.
Is that the way we should act? Should we return in kind what we receive, and get what we want before we give what others need? While I was stewing over his self-serving comment, a verse popped into my head.
Luke 6:35 (Msg)
"Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst."
God loves me today - even though I got up ornery.
God loves me today - even though I rushed past Him on my way to work.
God loves me today - even though I'm struggling just to glimpse what I'm supposed to be.
God loves me - just as I am, even at my worst - generously and graciously.
So what I've got to do, is to give everyone some feedback, through my everyday, walking around worship of God through my life - through my interaction with people.
God's always right, we all know that. How many times have you ever really regretted a kind act to an unkind person?
And how many times have you regretted __being__ that unkind person?
Break the feedback cycle. Stop the squeal of battered lives and broken people.
Love. Because He first loved us.
Grace!
David Wilson
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, May 13, 2004
Who Knew?
If you ever went to Sunday School and didn't learn the song about the "wee little man", you missed one of the catchiest tunes ever. Funny how you can forget everything you ever learned about quadratic equations, but remember tune and verse of that song about Zacchaeus.
When I read the story, I am always amazed at what an "out of the box" effort Zacchaeus made. I mean who is the last person you'd expect to want to meet Jesus? No, I'm serious. Think of that person you know who you think would never seek out Jesus. Zacchaeus was like that. He was completely outside God's will. But God loves people like that too and hasn't given up - just like he didn't with that "wee little man".
Zacchaeus. Rich, powerful, successful, well connected, self-sufficient. But missing something, and aware of it. So aware, that when a life-changing possibility happens, he won't miss it, even if it means looking and acting foolish. A grown man, climbing a tree? But in order to see Jesus, he was willing to do whatever it took.
5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. "Zacchaeus!" he said. "Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today."
6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.
People like Zacchaeus sit in their beautiful homes, surrounded by everything that they thought was their heart's desire. They make it a practice not to care what people think about them, and live in a way to let everyone know it.
But some know the truth - that it is all meaningless without a purpose for living. And so they look for one. I've been at yard sales in wealthier areas down here and seen every type of book on religion, mysticism, and spirituality for sale for a buck, stacked in a cardboard box.
I wonder if they've ever been willing to push past their preconceived notions about the claims of Jesus Christ? If they'd only listen. God's calling their name.
He'll exchange their trash for His treasures. He'll replace their doubts and fears with His Truth and courage. He'll help them understand what really matters in this life isn't money, or success, but knowing God and being loved by Him.
I can just hear Zacchaeus saying, "Who knew life could be this good?"
Jesus knew. It's why He came, and why He's still calling the lost to come home to God's love.
And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost."
Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)
Listen! He's calling your name!
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
If you ever went to Sunday School and didn't learn the song about the "wee little man", you missed one of the catchiest tunes ever. Funny how you can forget everything you ever learned about quadratic equations, but remember tune and verse of that song about Zacchaeus.
When I read the story, I am always amazed at what an "out of the box" effort Zacchaeus made. I mean who is the last person you'd expect to want to meet Jesus? No, I'm serious. Think of that person you know who you think would never seek out Jesus. Zacchaeus was like that. He was completely outside God's will. But God loves people like that too and hasn't given up - just like he didn't with that "wee little man".
Zacchaeus. Rich, powerful, successful, well connected, self-sufficient. But missing something, and aware of it. So aware, that when a life-changing possibility happens, he won't miss it, even if it means looking and acting foolish. A grown man, climbing a tree? But in order to see Jesus, he was willing to do whatever it took.
5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. "Zacchaeus!" he said. "Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today."
6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.
People like Zacchaeus sit in their beautiful homes, surrounded by everything that they thought was their heart's desire. They make it a practice not to care what people think about them, and live in a way to let everyone know it.
But some know the truth - that it is all meaningless without a purpose for living. And so they look for one. I've been at yard sales in wealthier areas down here and seen every type of book on religion, mysticism, and spirituality for sale for a buck, stacked in a cardboard box.
I wonder if they've ever been willing to push past their preconceived notions about the claims of Jesus Christ? If they'd only listen. God's calling their name.
He'll exchange their trash for His treasures. He'll replace their doubts and fears with His Truth and courage. He'll help them understand what really matters in this life isn't money, or success, but knowing God and being loved by Him.
I can just hear Zacchaeus saying, "Who knew life could be this good?"
Jesus knew. It's why He came, and why He's still calling the lost to come home to God's love.
And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost."
Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)
Listen! He's calling your name!
Grace!
David Wilson
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, May 12, 2004
Whatever
Col. 3:17 (Msg)
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
"Whatever"
Thought there was some wiggle room there, didn't you? No, if you weren't pinned to the mat by "every detail", then you were body slammed by "whatever." God really intends for His children to live ever conscious of whose they are.
That means not only restraint in speech, or in actions, but in what you hear and see.
“The ultimate freedom we have as human beings is the power to select what we will allow or require our minds to dwell upon.” Dallas Willard
We have freedom to watch, to listen, to eat and drink whatever we choose. And it's by those choices that we can evaluate just how far along the journey to Christ-like character we have come. The person who wants to please God will measure everything by what God has said. And they will fill their lives with things that remind them of a higher way.
Toward the end of his life, Albert Einstein removed the portraits of two scientists (Isaac Newton and James Maxwell) from his wall. He replaced them with portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Schweitzer. Einstein explained that it was time to replace the image of success with the image of service.
Have you reached the point where you care more about what God thinks than anyone else? What images are you placing in front of you?
1 Cor. 10:31 (GW)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God.
"Whatever"
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
Col. 3:17 (Msg)
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
"Whatever"
Thought there was some wiggle room there, didn't you? No, if you weren't pinned to the mat by "every detail", then you were body slammed by "whatever." God really intends for His children to live ever conscious of whose they are.
That means not only restraint in speech, or in actions, but in what you hear and see.
“The ultimate freedom we have as human beings is the power to select what we will allow or require our minds to dwell upon.” Dallas Willard
We have freedom to watch, to listen, to eat and drink whatever we choose. And it's by those choices that we can evaluate just how far along the journey to Christ-like character we have come. The person who wants to please God will measure everything by what God has said. And they will fill their lives with things that remind them of a higher way.
Toward the end of his life, Albert Einstein removed the portraits of two scientists (Isaac Newton and James Maxwell) from his wall. He replaced them with portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Schweitzer. Einstein explained that it was time to replace the image of success with the image of service.
Have you reached the point where you care more about what God thinks than anyone else? What images are you placing in front of you?
1 Cor. 10:31 (GW)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God.
"Whatever"
Grace!
David Wilson
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, May 11, 2004
Family Matters
To get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with.Mark Twain
One boy has his eyes crossed. Another sticks out his tongue. Little girls pose demurely, a father seems to stand on tiptoes to be seen behind his daughters. It's picture time at New Hope.
Our friend Doug Fannon is collecting and taking pictures for a project we have underway here at New Hope - a pictorial directory. So he's been taking pictures for weeks now of families and individuals. He's also taken pictures of events here like baptisms and our choir and worship teams singing.
Bunny and I had a chance to look at those pictures today and we really came away with a good feeling. Five years ago this week, I met with a member of the search committee from a church in a town I had never heard of. Valparaiso.
The story she told wasn't a pretty one. Pastoral failure never is. I can remember the three of us walking back to our car in shock. But something about the church began to grab at my heart, and five years later, it still does.
Looking at those pictures, it was wonderful to see how the kids have grown. It was also great to see pictures of families that have been here forever alongside those who have more recently come. Doug said he'll take pictures as long as we need him to, and I hope we keep growing so he'll need to revise the directory several times a year.
Our study in the Purpose Driven Life (the basis for the 40 Days of Purpose) this week is all about family - God's family. If you are tracing your family tree, you look for lineage ties that bind people together through surnames. If you are looking at what holds the church family together...
Ephes. 4:16 (Msg)
He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
It's all God.
He keeps us in step by giving us His unchanging Word to guide our path.
He gives us life through His Holy Spirit's presence.
He sees that we grow by putting us together with other believers to share our heartaches and our joys.
Then just like Bunny and I did when we saw how much the New Hope kids and family have grown, God stands back and grins with a heart full of love.
Friend, your church family matters. Don't miss a moment of family time.
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
To get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with.Mark Twain
One boy has his eyes crossed. Another sticks out his tongue. Little girls pose demurely, a father seems to stand on tiptoes to be seen behind his daughters. It's picture time at New Hope.
Our friend Doug Fannon is collecting and taking pictures for a project we have underway here at New Hope - a pictorial directory. So he's been taking pictures for weeks now of families and individuals. He's also taken pictures of events here like baptisms and our choir and worship teams singing.
Bunny and I had a chance to look at those pictures today and we really came away with a good feeling. Five years ago this week, I met with a member of the search committee from a church in a town I had never heard of. Valparaiso.
The story she told wasn't a pretty one. Pastoral failure never is. I can remember the three of us walking back to our car in shock. But something about the church began to grab at my heart, and five years later, it still does.
Looking at those pictures, it was wonderful to see how the kids have grown. It was also great to see pictures of families that have been here forever alongside those who have more recently come. Doug said he'll take pictures as long as we need him to, and I hope we keep growing so he'll need to revise the directory several times a year.
Our study in the Purpose Driven Life (the basis for the 40 Days of Purpose) this week is all about family - God's family. If you are tracing your family tree, you look for lineage ties that bind people together through surnames. If you are looking at what holds the church family together...
Ephes. 4:16 (Msg)
He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
It's all God.
He keeps us in step by giving us His unchanging Word to guide our path.
He gives us life through His Holy Spirit's presence.
He sees that we grow by putting us together with other believers to share our heartaches and our joys.
Then just like Bunny and I did when we saw how much the New Hope kids and family have grown, God stands back and grins with a heart full of love.
Friend, your church family matters. Don't miss a moment of family time.
Grace!
David Wilson
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, May 07, 2004
Train Up A Dog....
Ephes. 4:32 (Msg)
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
If you haven't guessed by now dear reader, New Hope is a special place. It's a different place, and very special. We're not trying to raise up "church people", instead we are trying to raise up people who are comfortable "being church".
We want to connect people, and hardwire into them the idea that their church family should be the place they feel most at home.
We're turning over a page in our 40 Days of Purpose this weekend and beginning to look at the fact that we all were formed for God's family. Within the family, when you have a great experience, you share it.
So it shouldn't have been surprising that immediately after Bible Study Wednesday night, I was summoned by Katie Shermer and Michelle Poremba to see "Angel Face". She's a dog. A dachshund to be precise, and she's a cutie. But she doesn't get by on her good looks, she has talent too. The girls were having "dog night" last Wednesday, where they can bring their dogs to church to show everyone else how special they are. (This was preceded by "cat night" the week before, so please no emails from cat lovers. :)
Yes, Angel Face is quite the master thespian. When Michelle points at Angel Face and says "Bang", she plays dead. Everyone who saw her performances Wednesday night raved about her.
She's been trained well.
But she wouldn't do it for me. Too many new people, too many little hands on her.
What was neat to me though, was to see how she was treated when she failed.
She got a hug and a "That's okay." So Angel Face gave her back a big dog kiss for her effort.
I loved it! That's Christlike love in action. And it is exactly the type of love we are trying to teach our kids to give and receive. So Angel Face failed - big deal - she's still loved just for who she is.
It's the same for anyone else who will accept God's offer of forgiveness and everlasting love. It's not about our "performance", it is and always will be about God's great and abiding love for us.
Have a great and God filled weekend!
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
Ephes. 4:32 (Msg)
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
If you haven't guessed by now dear reader, New Hope is a special place. It's a different place, and very special. We're not trying to raise up "church people", instead we are trying to raise up people who are comfortable "being church".
We want to connect people, and hardwire into them the idea that their church family should be the place they feel most at home.
We're turning over a page in our 40 Days of Purpose this weekend and beginning to look at the fact that we all were formed for God's family. Within the family, when you have a great experience, you share it.
So it shouldn't have been surprising that immediately after Bible Study Wednesday night, I was summoned by Katie Shermer and Michelle Poremba to see "Angel Face". She's a dog. A dachshund to be precise, and she's a cutie. But she doesn't get by on her good looks, she has talent too. The girls were having "dog night" last Wednesday, where they can bring their dogs to church to show everyone else how special they are. (This was preceded by "cat night" the week before, so please no emails from cat lovers. :)
Yes, Angel Face is quite the master thespian. When Michelle points at Angel Face and says "Bang", she plays dead. Everyone who saw her performances Wednesday night raved about her.
She's been trained well.
But she wouldn't do it for me. Too many new people, too many little hands on her.
What was neat to me though, was to see how she was treated when she failed.
She got a hug and a "That's okay." So Angel Face gave her back a big dog kiss for her effort.
I loved it! That's Christlike love in action. And it is exactly the type of love we are trying to teach our kids to give and receive. So Angel Face failed - big deal - she's still loved just for who she is.
It's the same for anyone else who will accept God's offer of forgiveness and everlasting love. It's not about our "performance", it is and always will be about God's great and abiding love for us.
Have a great and God filled weekend!
Grace!
David Wilson
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, May 06, 2004
Juliet's World
Matthew 11:29-30 (The Message)
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. [30] Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Juliet's world is growing all the time. She came to New Hope with her mom, her brother Romeo, and little sister Celeste and immediately brightened our days. Her mom's a single mother, who does a great job teaching her kids how to grow up into wonderful adults. They are kind, respectful, and a blessing to be around. I've watched her as she "mothers" them. It explained a lot to me of how the kids are. She's kind, she's loving, and when she corrects them, it's in a way that though firm, never ever gives a hint of anything but their best at her heart.
That kind of love has produced a bright, loving young girl name Juliet who's a joy to be around. So what could be better than that?
Having her around forever!
Just recently, Juliet trusted Christ as Savior. She'll be baptized Sunday afternoon. And she's already showing the marks of a true disciple - reading her Bible, and thanking others who helped her along the journey's first steps.
As the kids come here, we love them and try to show them Who loves us all best - Jesus. We try to be good examples of His disciples, and try to lead the kids to understand just Who God is and just how much He loves them.
There's no timetable for them to become believers, just a group of people who love and pray for them to one day realize Christ's loving gift. Some take a while to grasp His outstretched hands. Others, like Juliet, begin to ask questions, and with an open heart and mind, find that in Christ, all things become new. They walk from their mother's or father's arms, into the arms of Jesus Christ.
That's Juliet's world.
It's as beautiful as a young girl's smile. As free as those "unforced rhythms of grace". And forever and ever, it's a world filled with the unchanging love of God.
It's no guilt trip, and there's nothing heavy about it - just the opposite - it's pure freedom to walk along the journey with Christ.
Is that where you are? There's room for a lot more people in Juliet's world.
Come and see..
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
Matthew 11:29-30 (The Message)
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. [30] Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Juliet's world is growing all the time. She came to New Hope with her mom, her brother Romeo, and little sister Celeste and immediately brightened our days. Her mom's a single mother, who does a great job teaching her kids how to grow up into wonderful adults. They are kind, respectful, and a blessing to be around. I've watched her as she "mothers" them. It explained a lot to me of how the kids are. She's kind, she's loving, and when she corrects them, it's in a way that though firm, never ever gives a hint of anything but their best at her heart.
That kind of love has produced a bright, loving young girl name Juliet who's a joy to be around. So what could be better than that?
Having her around forever!
Just recently, Juliet trusted Christ as Savior. She'll be baptized Sunday afternoon. And she's already showing the marks of a true disciple - reading her Bible, and thanking others who helped her along the journey's first steps.
As the kids come here, we love them and try to show them Who loves us all best - Jesus. We try to be good examples of His disciples, and try to lead the kids to understand just Who God is and just how much He loves them.
There's no timetable for them to become believers, just a group of people who love and pray for them to one day realize Christ's loving gift. Some take a while to grasp His outstretched hands. Others, like Juliet, begin to ask questions, and with an open heart and mind, find that in Christ, all things become new. They walk from their mother's or father's arms, into the arms of Jesus Christ.
That's Juliet's world.
It's as beautiful as a young girl's smile. As free as those "unforced rhythms of grace". And forever and ever, it's a world filled with the unchanging love of God.
It's no guilt trip, and there's nothing heavy about it - just the opposite - it's pure freedom to walk along the journey with Christ.
Is that where you are? There's room for a lot more people in Juliet's world.
Come and see..
Grace!
David Wilson
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, May 05, 2004
Carrisa's World
Psalm 89:15-16 (Msg)
Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,
who shout on parade in the bright presence of God.
[16] Delighted, they dance all day long; they know
who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!
Carissa comes with friends to New Hope. A lot of times we'll see children come quite a bit before their parents will. Our job then is to love the kids and share Jesus with them. There are times when our folks working with them come out shell-shocked. Imagine getting a bunch of boys to calm down long enough to tell them a Bible story. Or just try getting a group of little girls to focus for an hour.. for 30 minutes... just try.
High energy? You betcha!
Harnessing all that energy and redirecting it into an understanding of God's love and an expression of it in worship is what the goal is. And there are times when it happens, and we catch a glimpse of God at work.
A couple of weeks ago, the girl's praise team combined with our choir to present a special song for worship. You should have seen it! The whole front row of the choir was filled with little girls, the whole back row with adults. Carissa took up her position on the far left-hand side.
It was a great song, that really moved people toward God - His character, His nature - His love. Most of the adults were concentrating on getting the notes just right, and had their heads in their songbooks, with occasional glances toward the director. The girls had memorized their parts, and were free to worship.
No one was more free that day than Carissa.
When they reached the chorus, her face broke into a dazzling smile, and she began to boogie! She just got carried away. I know by Who. For a few moments, Carissa stepped across into communion with the Spirit of God, and left this world behind.
You can go there too.
The password is "Thank You!". It's your entrance into the world of worship.
Psalm 100:4-5 (Msg)
Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.
[5] For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.
Forget about yourself, and focus on the God Who wants to meet with you. See His beauty, His grace, His love for you. You'll quickly forget about everything except pleasing Him, and rejoicing in His arms.
Just be careful... in Carissa's world, you can't help but dance.
It's good practice for heaven.
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
Psalm 89:15-16 (Msg)
Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,
who shout on parade in the bright presence of God.
[16] Delighted, they dance all day long; they know
who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!
Carissa comes with friends to New Hope. A lot of times we'll see children come quite a bit before their parents will. Our job then is to love the kids and share Jesus with them. There are times when our folks working with them come out shell-shocked. Imagine getting a bunch of boys to calm down long enough to tell them a Bible story. Or just try getting a group of little girls to focus for an hour.. for 30 minutes... just try.
High energy? You betcha!
Harnessing all that energy and redirecting it into an understanding of God's love and an expression of it in worship is what the goal is. And there are times when it happens, and we catch a glimpse of God at work.
A couple of weeks ago, the girl's praise team combined with our choir to present a special song for worship. You should have seen it! The whole front row of the choir was filled with little girls, the whole back row with adults. Carissa took up her position on the far left-hand side.
It was a great song, that really moved people toward God - His character, His nature - His love. Most of the adults were concentrating on getting the notes just right, and had their heads in their songbooks, with occasional glances toward the director. The girls had memorized their parts, and were free to worship.
No one was more free that day than Carissa.
When they reached the chorus, her face broke into a dazzling smile, and she began to boogie! She just got carried away. I know by Who. For a few moments, Carissa stepped across into communion with the Spirit of God, and left this world behind.
You can go there too.
The password is "Thank You!". It's your entrance into the world of worship.
Psalm 100:4-5 (Msg)
Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.
[5] For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.
Forget about yourself, and focus on the God Who wants to meet with you. See His beauty, His grace, His love for you. You'll quickly forget about everything except pleasing Him, and rejoicing in His arms.
Just be careful... in Carissa's world, you can't help but dance.
It's good practice for heaven.
Grace!
David Wilson
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, May 04, 2004
William's World
My friend William Hobbs walked into my office Sunday. At just past two, he is incredibly huggable, but he didn't come for one of those, he came to tell me something. So sermon preparation came to a halt, my chair swiveled around, and I gave over my attention to William's world.
And what a world it is!
For William, every event is a cause for celebration, even what he wanted to share with me Sunday. His little brow furrowed, and when he saw that I was paying attention, his pudgy little hand grabbed the fabric on his chest and he said "shirt", and grinned.
I had to grin back.
Was it a new shirt? Don't know. Was it his favorite shirt? Don't know. Does he just like shirts in general and wanted to see if he could make a convert to his revolutionary way of looking at life? Don't know.
But whatever reason he had behind his statement - it was followed by a grin - so it must be good.
Somehow I think it's always good in William's world.
What happened to the rest of us?
Romans 8:28 (GW)
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom He has called according to His plan.
Now folks, is that true or not?
Romans 8:31 (GW)
What can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
And that one - are you saying that there's a someone, something, somehow type of problem in your life that's just too big for God to handle?
Romans 8:37 (GW)
The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties.
You see friends, it is true that a child's view of the world is limited. William doesn't know about war, and HIV, and poverty, or death. But he knows he's loved, and he knows he's cared for - and that's enough for him.
How about you?
I know your world is much bigger than William's, you've got a lot on your mind. But when you strip away everything except that which matters, you'll know this.
You are loved.
By God.
Now go tell.
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
My friend William Hobbs walked into my office Sunday. At just past two, he is incredibly huggable, but he didn't come for one of those, he came to tell me something. So sermon preparation came to a halt, my chair swiveled around, and I gave over my attention to William's world.
And what a world it is!
For William, every event is a cause for celebration, even what he wanted to share with me Sunday. His little brow furrowed, and when he saw that I was paying attention, his pudgy little hand grabbed the fabric on his chest and he said "shirt", and grinned.
I had to grin back.
Was it a new shirt? Don't know. Was it his favorite shirt? Don't know. Does he just like shirts in general and wanted to see if he could make a convert to his revolutionary way of looking at life? Don't know.
But whatever reason he had behind his statement - it was followed by a grin - so it must be good.
Somehow I think it's always good in William's world.
What happened to the rest of us?
Romans 8:28 (GW)
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom He has called according to His plan.
Now folks, is that true or not?
Romans 8:31 (GW)
What can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
And that one - are you saying that there's a someone, something, somehow type of problem in your life that's just too big for God to handle?
Romans 8:37 (GW)
The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties.
You see friends, it is true that a child's view of the world is limited. William doesn't know about war, and HIV, and poverty, or death. But he knows he's loved, and he knows he's cared for - and that's enough for him.
How about you?
I know your world is much bigger than William's, you've got a lot on your mind. But when you strip away everything except that which matters, you'll know this.
You are loved.
By God.
Now go tell.
Grace!
David Wilson
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, April 30, 2004
Temporarily
Imagine if you will (if you can remember Rod Sterling's voice at the opening of the Twilight Zone.. you're old... but that's okay)... cause it will help set the scene...
... having to work with a constant hammer all around you, with the sound of heavy machinery moving forward and back - the incessant bleating of their back-up alarms...
and you'd be here at New Hope this morning.
We're no strangers to noise here, as the Armed Services provide jet and helicopter noise by the ton and we even have days when explosions as bombs are tested rock the homes around here. But all morning the noise has been hard to bear.
Across the street, they are building a child care center. From what I am told, it will be a wonderful place for kids, with many advantages for them. So I guess I'll just have to endure the noise for a little while. It's only temporary.
In our readings for the 40 Days of Purpose, we come to Day 6 today - LIFE IS A TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT.
It struck me as I sat here and shook, that so much of the "noise" we worry, fret, gripe and complain over is temporary too. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the problems you have aren't real, but if they aren't about your eternal destiny, or that of another - they are temporary. And they will be vanquished.
Rev. 21:3-4 (Msg)
I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: "Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They're his people, he's their God. [4] He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone."
Can you imagine?
Death - gone!
Tears - of want, of worry, of fear - Gone!
Pain - from loneliness, from heartache, from lack, from physical ailments
GONE! Just as Jesus said they would be.
John 16:33 (Msg)
In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."
One day we'll see those troubles disappear, and our lives become what we've always dreamed of. Until then, practice following Jesus, and don't get to attached to this world, or too aggravated by the "noise." We are only here temporarily.
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
Imagine if you will (if you can remember Rod Sterling's voice at the opening of the Twilight Zone.. you're old... but that's okay)... cause it will help set the scene...
... having to work with a constant hammer all around you, with the sound of heavy machinery moving forward and back - the incessant bleating of their back-up alarms...
and you'd be here at New Hope this morning.
We're no strangers to noise here, as the Armed Services provide jet and helicopter noise by the ton and we even have days when explosions as bombs are tested rock the homes around here. But all morning the noise has been hard to bear.
Across the street, they are building a child care center. From what I am told, it will be a wonderful place for kids, with many advantages for them. So I guess I'll just have to endure the noise for a little while. It's only temporary.
In our readings for the 40 Days of Purpose, we come to Day 6 today - LIFE IS A TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT.
It struck me as I sat here and shook, that so much of the "noise" we worry, fret, gripe and complain over is temporary too. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the problems you have aren't real, but if they aren't about your eternal destiny, or that of another - they are temporary. And they will be vanquished.
Rev. 21:3-4 (Msg)
I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: "Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They're his people, he's their God. [4] He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone."
Can you imagine?
Death - gone!
Tears - of want, of worry, of fear - Gone!
Pain - from loneliness, from heartache, from lack, from physical ailments
GONE! Just as Jesus said they would be.
John 16:33 (Msg)
In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."
One day we'll see those troubles disappear, and our lives become what we've always dreamed of. Until then, practice following Jesus, and don't get to attached to this world, or too aggravated by the "noise." We are only here temporarily.
Grace!
David Wilson
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, April 29, 2004
Standing Out
Do you have a "life verse"? Maybe some explanation is in order. A "Life verse" would be that snippet of Scripture that might speak to you about God's care, or frame your life. In the latter, you could even use it to say, "this is who I am", like an email signature could do.
Over the years I've been able to hear many people recite their life verses to me, and I enjoy learning about how God uses His Word with different people.
Last night, we watched a video produced by the Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com) that let people hear and see from those who have suffered for their faith - their continuing and steadfast faith - in Jesus Christ. All sorts of questions rushed to me - "How could anyone do that to another?" "How could anyone endure...?"
And into my head popped a passage of Scripture that talks about people like that:
Hebrews 11:13-16 (Msg)
Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing.
How did they do it?
They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world.
People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home... But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country.
You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
In a world where life is cheap, they raise the value of it - by living it not for today, or tomorrow, but for eternity. In the days when the book of Hebrews was written, the days before, and the days after, people who understand that this earth is not our home stand out.
How? They make their choices on what they value in light of what really is lasting.
Where do you stand on that?
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
Do you have a "life verse"? Maybe some explanation is in order. A "Life verse" would be that snippet of Scripture that might speak to you about God's care, or frame your life. In the latter, you could even use it to say, "this is who I am", like an email signature could do.
Over the years I've been able to hear many people recite their life verses to me, and I enjoy learning about how God uses His Word with different people.
Last night, we watched a video produced by the Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com) that let people hear and see from those who have suffered for their faith - their continuing and steadfast faith - in Jesus Christ. All sorts of questions rushed to me - "How could anyone do that to another?" "How could anyone endure...?"
And into my head popped a passage of Scripture that talks about people like that:
Hebrews 11:13-16 (Msg)
Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing.
How did they do it?
They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world.
People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home... But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country.
You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
In a world where life is cheap, they raise the value of it - by living it not for today, or tomorrow, but for eternity. In the days when the book of Hebrews was written, the days before, and the days after, people who understand that this earth is not our home stand out.
How? They make their choices on what they value in light of what really is lasting.
Where do you stand on that?
Grace!
David Wilson
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, April 28, 2004
Living Among the Immortals
There are no ordinary people.
You have never talked to a mere mortal.
Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations--these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit--immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.
This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of the kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously--no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.
And our love must be real and costly love, with deep feeling for the sins in spite of which we love the sinners--no mere tolerance, or indulgence which parodies love as flippancy parodies merriment. (quote from The Weight of Glory, by C.S. Lewis)
Do you ever think about that?
That the person alongside you at the ballgame, or in front of you in the checkout line - is immortal - will live forever?
"God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart..." Eccl. 3:11 NLT
So can we afford to ignore that fact? That person who you cannot stand to be around, and take great pains to avoid, either will be with you in heaven forever or apart from everything good, away from God's presence, and forever paying for their sins?
No wonder Lewis wrote that our love must be "real and costly love, with deep feeling for the sins in spite of which we love the sinners."
Real and costly...
That's exactly the kind of love Jesus showed us.
Some people are trapped in their sins. It's up to us to rescue them before this life is over. Take a risk. Make a difference for eternity.
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
There are no ordinary people.
You have never talked to a mere mortal.
Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations--these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit--immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.
This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of the kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously--no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.
And our love must be real and costly love, with deep feeling for the sins in spite of which we love the sinners--no mere tolerance, or indulgence which parodies love as flippancy parodies merriment. (quote from The Weight of Glory, by C.S. Lewis)
Do you ever think about that?
That the person alongside you at the ballgame, or in front of you in the checkout line - is immortal - will live forever?
"God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart..." Eccl. 3:11 NLT
So can we afford to ignore that fact? That person who you cannot stand to be around, and take great pains to avoid, either will be with you in heaven forever or apart from everything good, away from God's presence, and forever paying for their sins?
No wonder Lewis wrote that our love must be "real and costly love, with deep feeling for the sins in spite of which we love the sinners."
Real and costly...
That's exactly the kind of love Jesus showed us.
Some people are trapped in their sins. It's up to us to rescue them before this life is over. Take a risk. Make a difference for eternity.
Grace!
David Wilson
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, April 27, 2004
What Drives You?
We're three days into our 40 Days of Purpose here at New Hope, and today's selection in "The Purpose Driven Life" deals with what drives a person's life.
A young seminary student was sent to do a summer project in rural Pennsylvania. The idea was to get some understanding of the people who lived there, and so the pollster designed a questionnaire that included such queries as "What is your favorite TV show?", "How much did you spend at the mall last year?", and then the spiritual question, "Are you a Christian?"
Arriving at the door, the student asked the man who greeted him if he could ask some questions. "Certainly," said his host. So he asked "What's your favorite TV show?" In reply, the man said, "we do not own a TV." In answer to the second question, he answered, "nothing, we don't go to the mall." Then he realized that the man was Amish.
So he was about to write the whole visit off, but he asked the last question. In response, the man went and got a pad, and proceeded to write the names of all his neighbors and directions to their homes. When he finished, he handed it to the young man.
"I asked you if you are a Christian", the young man said, "What's this?"
"Your answer. But ask them if I am."
When I was processing the question, "What drives your life?", I wondered if a lot of times people are too close to it to really be objective. For example a man might work 100 hours a week and tell you "I'm doing this for my family." In most cases, he's doing it for greed.
What if you asked those who know you best, "What do you think it is that drives me?"
Would you be happy with their answers?
The Bible tells us that
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,
whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
Make sure your relationship with God is at the core of who you are, and He'll give you direction and peace.
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 three days into our 40 Days of Purpose here at New Hope, and today's selection in "The Purpose Driven Life" deals with what drives a person's life.
A young seminary student was sent to do a summer project in rural Pennsylvania. The idea was to get some understanding of the people who lived there, and so the pollster designed a questionnaire that included such queries as "What is your favorite TV show?", "How much did you spend at the mall last year?", and then the spiritual question, "Are you a Christian?"
Arriving at the door, the student asked the man who greeted him if he could ask some questions. "Certainly," said his host. So he asked "What's your favorite TV show?" In reply, the man said, "we do not own a TV." In answer to the second question, he answered, "nothing, we don't go to the mall." Then he realized that the man was Amish.
So he was about to write the whole visit off, but he asked the last question. In response, the man went and got a pad, and proceeded to write the names of all his neighbors and directions to their homes. When he finished, he handed it to the young man.
"I asked you if you are a Christian", the young man said, "What's this?"
"Your answer. But ask them if I am."
When I was processing the question, "What drives your life?", I wondered if a lot of times people are too close to it to really be objective. For example a man might work 100 hours a week and tell you "I'm doing this for my family." In most cases, he's doing it for greed.
What if you asked those who know you best, "What do you think it is that drives me?"
Would you be happy with their answers?
The Bible tells us that
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,
whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
Make sure your relationship with God is at the core of who you are, and He'll give you direction and peace.
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.
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Absence and the Heart
Psalm 34:18 (Msg)
If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, He'll help you catch your breath.
It's been two years today.
And right now my mind is flooded with might have beens. So many things are obvious blessings in my life - my wife, my boys, what God has called me to do, that I can get busy, and some of the hurt goes away. But today it's two years, and all I can think of is what we've missed - of what is absent that we had hoped would be here.
She would have had her father's eyes.
There were times when he was a little boy that we'd go off alone - to the store, to the Krystal, to Grandmother's, that I could look over in the seat next to me and see him looking at me. He'd ask questions, I'd try to answer, and the openness - the trust - the love in those eyes just melted me.
Yep. She would have had her father's eyes.
Her smile would have lit up a room, just like her mother's does. There are a lot of ways to measure people. My own personal preference is to look at their impact on others. Some people enter a room and suck all the joy out of it. When they smile it just doesn't look right, like cow horns on a Mercedes. They put it on to try to give the right response, but it isn't who they are.
Her mother is tiny. But when she smiles - she's huge.
I can see tiny feet beating the earth, little white tennis shoes slapping it as they come, bearing a smile so brilliant it warms this cold earth. She grins from ear to ear, and all you feel is joy.
She'd have her mother's smile.
By now, we'd have covered all the important things. Who loves you best, why Grandaddy's hair is gray, the funniest cartoons, how to eat Krystals and Nuways, and how come Grandmother hugs so hard. We'd have begun noticing new words, and she'd almost be reading. She'd have impacted my wallet and stolen my heart. Again.
Heart. She'd have had her grandmother's.
I have known literally thousands of people over 50 years. Some were self-contained, others - self-absorbed. A few seemed to enjoy this life, and others endured it. Many were bright, even brilliant. Others caught the eye, or in some other way made it through the clutter of a life's experiences to my heart.
But none have loved me like Bunny has. For no one I've ever known loves that deeply.
Two years ago, as we rolled up calendars toward April 29th, the expected day of joy, our home was filled with baby clothing, baby toys, baby... stuff. People around us shared in that and we added our own items. I remember visiting Target with Bunny and hearing her say a dozen times, "won't that look so pretty on Ana?" The only girl in a string of boys, the only girl in her own home full of men - young and older - the possibility to hold, to love, to care, to dress!!! a baby girl was excitement personified.
And when the days stopped for Ana, her Grandmother didn't stop loving. She found a way to love beyond the pain in helping her daughter-in-love deliver her baby. As I watched Bunny hold that small and delicate baby in her arms, weeping and talking to her as if she could hear... it was the greatest expression of love I've ever seen - through the deepest heartache.
She'd have had her Grandmother's heart.
For me, I don't know what I could have given her. It certainly wouldn't be material things, and her mom and dad would certainly taught her the A, B, C's and enlightened her on them 'Dawgs and Georgia politics.
So I guess she'd have had my prayers each day from infancy to adulthood, my lap to sit in, my knees to ride, and later my shoulder to cry on and my ears to hear.
It's been two years today. Two long years. Her absence hurts our hearts. But one day...
We will see her.
And that thrills my heart.
Grace, mercy, and peace,
David Wilson
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.
Psalm 34:18 (Msg)
If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, He'll help you catch your breath.
It's been two years today.
And right now my mind is flooded with might have beens. So many things are obvious blessings in my life - my wife, my boys, what God has called me to do, that I can get busy, and some of the hurt goes away. But today it's two years, and all I can think of is what we've missed - of what is absent that we had hoped would be here.
She would have had her father's eyes.
There were times when he was a little boy that we'd go off alone - to the store, to the Krystal, to Grandmother's, that I could look over in the seat next to me and see him looking at me. He'd ask questions, I'd try to answer, and the openness - the trust - the love in those eyes just melted me.
Yep. She would have had her father's eyes.
Her smile would have lit up a room, just like her mother's does. There are a lot of ways to measure people. My own personal preference is to look at their impact on others. Some people enter a room and suck all the joy out of it. When they smile it just doesn't look right, like cow horns on a Mercedes. They put it on to try to give the right response, but it isn't who they are.
Her mother is tiny. But when she smiles - she's huge.
I can see tiny feet beating the earth, little white tennis shoes slapping it as they come, bearing a smile so brilliant it warms this cold earth. She grins from ear to ear, and all you feel is joy.
She'd have her mother's smile.
By now, we'd have covered all the important things. Who loves you best, why Grandaddy's hair is gray, the funniest cartoons, how to eat Krystals and Nuways, and how come Grandmother hugs so hard. We'd have begun noticing new words, and she'd almost be reading. She'd have impacted my wallet and stolen my heart. Again.
Heart. She'd have had her grandmother's.
I have known literally thousands of people over 50 years. Some were self-contained, others - self-absorbed. A few seemed to enjoy this life, and others endured it. Many were bright, even brilliant. Others caught the eye, or in some other way made it through the clutter of a life's experiences to my heart.
But none have loved me like Bunny has. For no one I've ever known loves that deeply.
Two years ago, as we rolled up calendars toward April 29th, the expected day of joy, our home was filled with baby clothing, baby toys, baby... stuff. People around us shared in that and we added our own items. I remember visiting Target with Bunny and hearing her say a dozen times, "won't that look so pretty on Ana?" The only girl in a string of boys, the only girl in her own home full of men - young and older - the possibility to hold, to love, to care, to dress!!! a baby girl was excitement personified.
And when the days stopped for Ana, her Grandmother didn't stop loving. She found a way to love beyond the pain in helping her daughter-in-love deliver her baby. As I watched Bunny hold that small and delicate baby in her arms, weeping and talking to her as if she could hear... it was the greatest expression of love I've ever seen - through the deepest heartache.
She'd have had her Grandmother's heart.
For me, I don't know what I could have given her. It certainly wouldn't be material things, and her mom and dad would certainly taught her the A, B, C's and enlightened her on them 'Dawgs and Georgia politics.
So I guess she'd have had my prayers each day from infancy to adulthood, my lap to sit in, my knees to ride, and later my shoulder to cry on and my ears to hear.
It's been two years today. Two long years. Her absence hurts our hearts. But one day...
We will see her.
And that thrills my heart.
Grace, mercy, and peace,
David Wilson
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, April 23, 2004
Certainties
We're preparing for our study of the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren for the next 40 days here at New Hope, and in my reading I came across this quote from Nobel prize winning physicist Richard Feynman.
I have approximate answers and possible beliefs and different degrees of certainty about different things, but I'm not absolutely sure of anything, and many things I don't know anything about, such as whether it means anything to ask why we're here, and what the question might mean. I might think about it a little bit, but if I can't figure it out, then I go on to something else. But I don't have to know an answer... I don't feel frightened by not knowing things, by being lost in the mysterious universe without having any purpose, which is the way it really is, as far as I can tell, possibly. It doesn't frighten me.
A brilliant man who when faced with the question of "What On Earth Am I Here For" reacted as the woman in Kansas had a few years back when she went out on the front porch, saw a tornado coming dead for her. She went back inside, closed the door and locked it.
Who was she fooling? She wasn't secure. Who was Feynman fooling? He was frightened.
Friends, here's the great certainty. Write it down. Impress it upon your children.
It's not about you.
Col. 1:16 (Msg)
For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible...
— everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.
It's about God.
Until you grapple with God, you'll never really grip life.
Until your life is in His hands - it will never be secure.
Until you know God, though you may be brilliant in all matter of earthly things, you'll never have true understanding.
It's not about you. It's about Him. And I've got great news.
It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as He says, the door is open. Acts 10:35 (Msg)
That is up to you. Unending love awaits if you'll walk through that door.
Of that I am certain.
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 preparing for our study of the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren for the next 40 days here at New Hope, and in my reading I came across this quote from Nobel prize winning physicist Richard Feynman.
I have approximate answers and possible beliefs and different degrees of certainty about different things, but I'm not absolutely sure of anything, and many things I don't know anything about, such as whether it means anything to ask why we're here, and what the question might mean. I might think about it a little bit, but if I can't figure it out, then I go on to something else. But I don't have to know an answer... I don't feel frightened by not knowing things, by being lost in the mysterious universe without having any purpose, which is the way it really is, as far as I can tell, possibly. It doesn't frighten me.
A brilliant man who when faced with the question of "What On Earth Am I Here For" reacted as the woman in Kansas had a few years back when she went out on the front porch, saw a tornado coming dead for her. She went back inside, closed the door and locked it.
Who was she fooling? She wasn't secure. Who was Feynman fooling? He was frightened.
Friends, here's the great certainty. Write it down. Impress it upon your children.
It's not about you.
Col. 1:16 (Msg)
For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible...
— everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.
It's about God.
Until you grapple with God, you'll never really grip life.
Until your life is in His hands - it will never be secure.
Until you know God, though you may be brilliant in all matter of earthly things, you'll never have true understanding.
It's not about you. It's about Him. And I've got great news.
It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as He says, the door is open. Acts 10:35 (Msg)
That is up to you. Unending love awaits if you'll walk through that door.
Of that I am certain.
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, April 21, 2004
Knowing and Loving
Carol Stoy came by my office yesterday with a watering can in one hand and a flower flat in the other. Carol is a lover of plants. When we were talking about the church's grounds, her own home, and other yards and gardens here, her eyes sparkled and it was so obvious to me that she not only knew a lot about plants - but she loved them.
My son Sean and I were talking guitars the other night while we were in our computer room at home. He was just sitting on the floor playing my old acoustic in a way its owner never could. I asked him about a particular type of guitar, and his voice lifted as he told me about the differences in the shapes of the necks, the pickups, and even the wood the guitar was made of. Pretty obvious he's got encyclopedic knowledge of guitars - and loves them.
Since I hang around churches a lot, pretty frequently I bump into people who really know the Bible. In conversation, they will bring up certain issues that fascinate them, and drop tons of references as to why this point couldn't be this way, or how this issue has to turn out that way. They get excited over their love for the Bible.
But sometimes..
Unlike Carol, whose love of plants and knowledge of them translates into care for them. And unlike Sean whose love of guitars and knowledge of them is shown by the music he plays with them.
Sometimes those who know the most about the Bible, live it the least.
How can that happen?
Because it's not about what - it's about Who. The Bible - the Word - is living.
In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and He was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 He created everything there is. Nothing exists that He didn't make.
4 Life itself was in Him, and this life gives light to everyone.
John 1:2-4 (NLT)
If you love the Bible, know the Bible, but never translate it through your life into love for God - wholehearted, give Him everything love - and love for people - light for everyone...
Then you missed the point. It's not about what. It's always about Who.
Oh, and it's never about you.
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
Carol Stoy came by my office yesterday with a watering can in one hand and a flower flat in the other. Carol is a lover of plants. When we were talking about the church's grounds, her own home, and other yards and gardens here, her eyes sparkled and it was so obvious to me that she not only knew a lot about plants - but she loved them.
My son Sean and I were talking guitars the other night while we were in our computer room at home. He was just sitting on the floor playing my old acoustic in a way its owner never could. I asked him about a particular type of guitar, and his voice lifted as he told me about the differences in the shapes of the necks, the pickups, and even the wood the guitar was made of. Pretty obvious he's got encyclopedic knowledge of guitars - and loves them.
Since I hang around churches a lot, pretty frequently I bump into people who really know the Bible. In conversation, they will bring up certain issues that fascinate them, and drop tons of references as to why this point couldn't be this way, or how this issue has to turn out that way. They get excited over their love for the Bible.
But sometimes..
Unlike Carol, whose love of plants and knowledge of them translates into care for them. And unlike Sean whose love of guitars and knowledge of them is shown by the music he plays with them.
Sometimes those who know the most about the Bible, live it the least.
How can that happen?
Because it's not about what - it's about Who. The Bible - the Word - is living.
In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and He was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 He created everything there is. Nothing exists that He didn't make.
4 Life itself was in Him, and this life gives light to everyone.
John 1:2-4 (NLT)
If you love the Bible, know the Bible, but never translate it through your life into love for God - wholehearted, give Him everything love - and love for people - light for everyone...
Then you missed the point. It's not about what. It's always about Who.
Oh, and it's never about you.
Grace!
David Wilson
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, April 20, 2004
A Handful of Feathers and a Heartful of Hope
1 Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are His dear children.
2 Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave Himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. Eph 5:1-2 (NLT)
Last week I wrote about the efforts of a group of mockingbirds to save one of their own. The next day when I came to church, I was still smiling over how good had triumphed. Then I saw them. in the corner of our walkway, I saw a handful of feathers streaked with blood. They weren't full size. My heart sank when I realized that clearly, one of the fledglings didn't make it.
It bothered me. Maybe it shouldn't have, but it did.
Oh I know that's the way the world works. I'm not so naive as to believe that the Italian Sausage I ate with my spaghetti tonight was picked off a bush. Animals die, some as a result of other creature's needs.
But I thought I had made a difference, and it didn't seem like I had.
Sunday though, one of our members did. Seeing another fledgling in trouble, lying on its side on the concrete outside our buildings, she scooped it up and took it to an emergency vet. After an unfortunate incident with another patient (a cat), I can report that at least one of the fledglings will make it to adulthood.
Friends, that made me smile. If enough people do enough acts of simple kindness, we can change things. Yes, this world is tough - hard - cruel. But hearing about how the Edwards family saved that little bird replaced the image of a handful of feathers with a heart full of hope. They made a difference.
You may be wondering right now if you've done anything right. People you've poured your life out for just haven't turned out as well as you've hoped. You tried, and failure seems to be staring back at you like a handful of feathers.
Well friend, I am here to tell you that no act of kindness is ever wasted - regardless of whether the person you give it to returns it in kind. If Christ had not had the attitude of loving sacrifice for the undeserving, and the potentially rejecting people we are - where would we be?
But He did love the unlovely, even knowing many would fail to love Him back. And for me, He's made all the difference in this world - and the next. :) That gives me a heartful of hope. And a reason to keep trying to help as many as I can.
Make a difference! Follow Christ's example and live a life of love.
Grace!
David Wilson
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 Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are His dear children.
2 Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave Himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. Eph 5:1-2 (NLT)
Last week I wrote about the efforts of a group of mockingbirds to save one of their own. The next day when I came to church, I was still smiling over how good had triumphed. Then I saw them. in the corner of our walkway, I saw a handful of feathers streaked with blood. They weren't full size. My heart sank when I realized that clearly, one of the fledglings didn't make it.
It bothered me. Maybe it shouldn't have, but it did.
Oh I know that's the way the world works. I'm not so naive as to believe that the Italian Sausage I ate with my spaghetti tonight was picked off a bush. Animals die, some as a result of other creature's needs.
But I thought I had made a difference, and it didn't seem like I had.
Sunday though, one of our members did. Seeing another fledgling in trouble, lying on its side on the concrete outside our buildings, she scooped it up and took it to an emergency vet. After an unfortunate incident with another patient (a cat), I can report that at least one of the fledglings will make it to adulthood.
Friends, that made me smile. If enough people do enough acts of simple kindness, we can change things. Yes, this world is tough - hard - cruel. But hearing about how the Edwards family saved that little bird replaced the image of a handful of feathers with a heart full of hope. They made a difference.
You may be wondering right now if you've done anything right. People you've poured your life out for just haven't turned out as well as you've hoped. You tried, and failure seems to be staring back at you like a handful of feathers.
Well friend, I am here to tell you that no act of kindness is ever wasted - regardless of whether the person you give it to returns it in kind. If Christ had not had the attitude of loving sacrifice for the undeserving, and the potentially rejecting people we are - where would we be?
But He did love the unlovely, even knowing many would fail to love Him back. And for me, He's made all the difference in this world - and the next. :) That gives me a heartful of hope. And a reason to keep trying to help as many as I can.
Make a difference! Follow Christ's example and live a life of love.
Grace!
David Wilson
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, April 14, 2004
To Kill A Mockingbird
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 (NIV)
Today when I came to church I had a visitor. A fledgling mockingbird was just outside my door. Possessing all the parts needed for full mockingbird status, he is still too young to fly, so he was hopping around in the yard outside.
Later this morning, I got to thinking about his eating prospects and laid down some birdseed for him. Didn't think any more about it, until a minute ago when I looked up and saw him out front, being assaulted by a crow easily four times his size.
I jumped up and prepared to take care of the crow, but suddenly mockingbirds appeared - from everywhere. They began flying at the crow - wave upon wave of them until he flew off with some of them still in pursuit - pecking at his feathers. I must have seen ten almost instantly appear.
Others took up position around the fledgling, casting a wary eye on me. I'm praying the little guy makes it off the ground soon. But if he does, it will be as a direct result of his fellow's actions on his behalf.
You know we're not any different in that way.
What we are - what we become - is so often a result of what others have done and continue to do for us. The love they show throughout, helps us grow until we can make it on our own, and when we fall, that same love helps us recover.
Those mockingbirds were willing to be hurt, to be injured, even to die in order to save one who needed help. They might have failed, but they were going to make it hard to kill a mockingbird.
When people act with the same Christ-like love toward others, we may not see everyone come to faith in Jesus, but we've done everything we can do.
My question today is - When is the last time you laid your life down for another?
When a group of people do that - it's called a church.
And it helps everyone in it find a place of security, of peace, and room to spread their wings and fly within God's purpose for their lives.
Grace!
David Wilson
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.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 (NIV)
Today when I came to church I had a visitor. A fledgling mockingbird was just outside my door. Possessing all the parts needed for full mockingbird status, he is still too young to fly, so he was hopping around in the yard outside.
Later this morning, I got to thinking about his eating prospects and laid down some birdseed for him. Didn't think any more about it, until a minute ago when I looked up and saw him out front, being assaulted by a crow easily four times his size.
I jumped up and prepared to take care of the crow, but suddenly mockingbirds appeared - from everywhere. They began flying at the crow - wave upon wave of them until he flew off with some of them still in pursuit - pecking at his feathers. I must have seen ten almost instantly appear.
Others took up position around the fledgling, casting a wary eye on me. I'm praying the little guy makes it off the ground soon. But if he does, it will be as a direct result of his fellow's actions on his behalf.
You know we're not any different in that way.
What we are - what we become - is so often a result of what others have done and continue to do for us. The love they show throughout, helps us grow until we can make it on our own, and when we fall, that same love helps us recover.
Those mockingbirds were willing to be hurt, to be injured, even to die in order to save one who needed help. They might have failed, but they were going to make it hard to kill a mockingbird.
When people act with the same Christ-like love toward others, we may not see everyone come to faith in Jesus, but we've done everything we can do.
My question today is - When is the last time you laid your life down for another?
When a group of people do that - it's called a church.
And it helps everyone in it find a place of security, of peace, and room to spread their wings and fly within God's purpose for their lives.
Grace!
David Wilson
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, April 13, 2004
The Journey
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Prov 16:9 (NLT)
A young boy headed out to tryouts for his school play. It was the first time he'd ever stretched his fragile self-confidence so far, and his Mother was a little worried about how he'd handle it if he didn't get the part he wanted. When he came home all smiles, she was surprised to hear that the tryout didn't reward him with his dream part, yet he wasn't upset at all, just the opposite.
"What happened, son? I thought you'd be upset that you didn't get the part you wanted."
"I was for a minute Mom. But then they told me I was chosen to clap and cheer."
Grabbing a coke off the counter, he ran outside to play.
Mom just smiled.
Imagine growing up with a dream - a passionate desire that occupies almost every moment of free time. It could be a sport, like baseball, basketball, or soccer. Or it could be an activity like flying or acting. Then think about what you'd do (or what you did) when that dream died.
Growing up, I had two great passions - baseball, and airplanes. When I wasn't outside playing baseball, I was inside reading about airplanes, putting together models, and dreaming about flying.
As I grew, and the years went by, reality interfered with my dreams. By the spring of my 10th grade of high school, my name on a list left tacked to a cork bulletin board after practice meant I'd never be a major leaguer. And by the end of the 11th grade, my eyesight, and a letter from the Air Force Academy, told me I'd never become a fighter pilot.
But life is lived forward, isn't it. My plans didn't work out quite the way I thought they would. So many other joys, so many other dreams that have been fulfilled make it hard to even feel sad about the earlier ones that were ended. And God has His ways of making it up.
Now I'm a pastor of a church.
Every day, I see not just airplanes but fighters. Just two weeks ago, I got to see the Thunderbirds perform four times in one week, since our church is right under the flight path. And I get to know pilots. One of my friends flew F-16's, another I know flew F-4's. I see an average of 30-40 planes a day, and rarely does a day go by when I don't give one a thumbs up.
From where I sit, I'm across from a Little League field. So I see a lot of baseball. Even wander over to give the 9-10 year old kids support every now and then.
So I guess I was chosen to clap and cheer.
Friend maybe where you are, you're feeling a little depressed about what you haven't been able to accomplish that you thought you would. But take a minute and think about all those blessings that have been yours, some of which would have never happened if you'd had your way.
I don't know about you, but I'm going to thank God today for where He's led me, and look forward to where we are headed tomorrow. Another day on the Journey.
Grace!
David Wilson
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 can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Prov 16:9 (NLT)
A young boy headed out to tryouts for his school play. It was the first time he'd ever stretched his fragile self-confidence so far, and his Mother was a little worried about how he'd handle it if he didn't get the part he wanted. When he came home all smiles, she was surprised to hear that the tryout didn't reward him with his dream part, yet he wasn't upset at all, just the opposite.
"What happened, son? I thought you'd be upset that you didn't get the part you wanted."
"I was for a minute Mom. But then they told me I was chosen to clap and cheer."
Grabbing a coke off the counter, he ran outside to play.
Mom just smiled.
Imagine growing up with a dream - a passionate desire that occupies almost every moment of free time. It could be a sport, like baseball, basketball, or soccer. Or it could be an activity like flying or acting. Then think about what you'd do (or what you did) when that dream died.
Growing up, I had two great passions - baseball, and airplanes. When I wasn't outside playing baseball, I was inside reading about airplanes, putting together models, and dreaming about flying.
As I grew, and the years went by, reality interfered with my dreams. By the spring of my 10th grade of high school, my name on a list left tacked to a cork bulletin board after practice meant I'd never be a major leaguer. And by the end of the 11th grade, my eyesight, and a letter from the Air Force Academy, told me I'd never become a fighter pilot.
But life is lived forward, isn't it. My plans didn't work out quite the way I thought they would. So many other joys, so many other dreams that have been fulfilled make it hard to even feel sad about the earlier ones that were ended. And God has His ways of making it up.
Now I'm a pastor of a church.
Every day, I see not just airplanes but fighters. Just two weeks ago, I got to see the Thunderbirds perform four times in one week, since our church is right under the flight path. And I get to know pilots. One of my friends flew F-16's, another I know flew F-4's. I see an average of 30-40 planes a day, and rarely does a day go by when I don't give one a thumbs up.
From where I sit, I'm across from a Little League field. So I see a lot of baseball. Even wander over to give the 9-10 year old kids support every now and then.
So I guess I was chosen to clap and cheer.
Friend maybe where you are, you're feeling a little depressed about what you haven't been able to accomplish that you thought you would. But take a minute and think about all those blessings that have been yours, some of which would have never happened if you'd had your way.
I don't know about you, but I'm going to thank God today for where He's led me, and look forward to where we are headed tomorrow. Another day on the Journey.
Grace!
David Wilson
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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