Remember?
He was an old man by now, the weight of years upon him. Carrying a metal bucket full of fresh shrimp, every Sunday without fail, Captain Eddie made his way down to Crandon park in his Key Biscayne home. While others fished, he fed the gulls. As he walked down the pier, it was almost as if they knew he was coming.
Hundreds flew all around him, screeching loudly, causing some to wish Captain Eddie would quit. But he fed them every Sunday until just before he passed away.
He remembered.
I hadn't thought about Eddie Rickenbacker for a long time until today. He was a WW1 ace for America, who went back into the service to help anyway he could during WW2. On a last minute hop via B-17 from one island to another, his plane went down. Though the Navy searched a wide area, the men weren't found and currents pushed their rafts outside the search area.
Days went by with no food, and the men, by now hundreds of miles from land, began to wonder if they'd be rescued in time. So they conserved their energy, caught rainwater in their clothing, and prayed. Captain Eddie had covered his head with his aviator's cap and dozed off, but was awakened by a strong whisper from his friends. "There's a bird on your head!"
Quickly, Eddie caught the seagull, and giving thanks to God, the men killed it and ate, and used the leftovers to catch enough fish to survive until they were rescued. A day or two later, another gull landed and was caught. Captain Eddie asked, "Don't we have enough bait?" And in an amazing act of faith, they let it go.
Two days later they were rescued. Their lives were saved by God through a gull. Captain Eddie never forgot to say "thanks."
It's Good Friday 2004. I've draped the cross in front of the church in black, stripped the color away from the sanctuary's walls, and begun the process of remembering.
Most days, I live leaning forward. Can't get to the future fast enough.
But today, I'm looking back - way back.
Past 15 years ago when God called me into the ministry.
Past 30 years ago when I surrendered to His will and trusted His Son's love.
Back to when a man hung suspended between heaven and earth, on a cross streaked with His blood. And they call it - Good Friday.
My friend Scooter Noland, in Costa Rica learning Spanish before heading to Venezuela with his family as missionaries wondered in an email to me about whether we here in the US have some things backwards. I'm quoting him below:
Living in another culture (Costa Rica) has really opened my eyes as to how other see the USA. Other than the headlines of the USA and gay marriages, it is interesting in a land of 98% Roman Catholicism, lost by most standards, that they celebrate the life and death of Jesus in such a HUGE way.
Today life is lifeless as ALL of the businesses have closed and everybody has gone to mass to watch dramatic presentations and take part in processionals which include scripture, prayer, fasting, and the like. These days are so significant to the people here that $$ is nothing compared to thinking about the life and death of Jesus for a solid week.
In the land of "In God we Trust" we celebrate the holidays of dead presidents and liberators and think very little of the Greatest Liberator and King ever. - end quote
Have you paused today to remember Jesus Christ?
Have you taken time to remember what He did for you? On this day when He died?
When He saved your life?
Remember?
Then stop, and do something that reminds others of Christ's love. Stop and thank God for His Son's sacrifice. Stop living and remember what our life cost.
Remember?
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 09, 2004
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Bring Your Crash Helmet !
I can remember bits and pieces of childhood. Great times with family, different toys that I loved, pets I grew up with, and times of terror.
That's right - terror.
You see the child's world and their understanding of it is full of holes. There's so much that they do not know, imagination has to fill in the blanks. So you get monsters under the bed, fixations about flying monkeys (okay, maybe that was just me), and all manner of fears.
But you know, I never feared God.
God, in the person of His Son Jesus, loved me. I knew that because the people who I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt loved me - told me so. We sang "Jesus loves the little children" with all our hearts in Bible School, because He did. When we sang, we were sitting under pictures of Jesus with children in His lap and hanging all over Him. Most adults I knew would freak out if that many kids were that close, so I figured Jesus must be real special.
Later, I realized just how special He is. He is God! All powerful God!
None of us can put a box around just how powerful God is, really.
Annie Dillard writes, "Does anyone have the foggiest idea of what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are children playing on the floor with their chemistry sets, mixing up a batch of TNT to kill a Sunday morning. It is madness to wear ladies' straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews."
It sounds dangerous.
And yet... there is Jesus. Is He dangerous?
Well, in a way, yes. Friday we'll stop and remember His death by the hands of people who were so afraid of His power to change people's hearts they had Him crucified.
Many people, including some of the Jewish leaders, believed in him. But they wouldn't admit it to anyone because of their fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.
43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
John 12:42-43 (NLT)
Something changed in a lot of my friends growing up, maybe in yours too. Growing up in church, believing in Jesus and loving Him as children, even trusting Him as Savior and Lord, but later - in their teens or young adulthood, they drift away. Why?
Because getting too close to Jesus can be dangerous. He'll change your life.
Jesus is in the life-changing business, and if you don't want your life changed - if you still want control of your life - don't get too close. As a child, you loved Him without reservations. He loved you the same way.
He still does. Do you?
Do this - take a vacation from running your life. Come to a Good Friday service somewhere and see how much God thinks you are worth. (Hint: John 3:16)
Then come to church Easter Sunday seeking to get as close to God in worship as you can. Oh and get ready for earth-shaking news. In fact, better bring your crash helmet!
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.
I can remember bits and pieces of childhood. Great times with family, different toys that I loved, pets I grew up with, and times of terror.
That's right - terror.
You see the child's world and their understanding of it is full of holes. There's so much that they do not know, imagination has to fill in the blanks. So you get monsters under the bed, fixations about flying monkeys (okay, maybe that was just me), and all manner of fears.
But you know, I never feared God.
God, in the person of His Son Jesus, loved me. I knew that because the people who I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt loved me - told me so. We sang "Jesus loves the little children" with all our hearts in Bible School, because He did. When we sang, we were sitting under pictures of Jesus with children in His lap and hanging all over Him. Most adults I knew would freak out if that many kids were that close, so I figured Jesus must be real special.
Later, I realized just how special He is. He is God! All powerful God!
None of us can put a box around just how powerful God is, really.
Annie Dillard writes, "Does anyone have the foggiest idea of what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are children playing on the floor with their chemistry sets, mixing up a batch of TNT to kill a Sunday morning. It is madness to wear ladies' straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews."
It sounds dangerous.
And yet... there is Jesus. Is He dangerous?
Well, in a way, yes. Friday we'll stop and remember His death by the hands of people who were so afraid of His power to change people's hearts they had Him crucified.
Many people, including some of the Jewish leaders, believed in him. But they wouldn't admit it to anyone because of their fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.
43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
John 12:42-43 (NLT)
Something changed in a lot of my friends growing up, maybe in yours too. Growing up in church, believing in Jesus and loving Him as children, even trusting Him as Savior and Lord, but later - in their teens or young adulthood, they drift away. Why?
Because getting too close to Jesus can be dangerous. He'll change your life.
Jesus is in the life-changing business, and if you don't want your life changed - if you still want control of your life - don't get too close. As a child, you loved Him without reservations. He loved you the same way.
He still does. Do you?
Do this - take a vacation from running your life. Come to a Good Friday service somewhere and see how much God thinks you are worth. (Hint: John 3:16)
Then come to church Easter Sunday seeking to get as close to God in worship as you can. Oh and get ready for earth-shaking news. In fact, better bring your crash helmet!
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 07, 2004
I Want To
How many prayers? How many times had he begged God to heal him? Add to that the prayers of his family and friends who saw a man lose it all, through no fault of his own. It was a disease - leprosy - that changed everything.
He had lost the companionship of his wife and children, as he had to be shut out of the village and to live among others like him.
He could no longer choose what to wear, being required to wear the lepers black, torn clothing.
He could no longer look people in the eye, having to cover his face and call out "Leper, Unclean" upon a chance meeting and even then he might be stoned.
And bit by bit, day by day, he was losing his ability to function - to live. That loss brought with it two new companions that seemed to never leave - fear and hopelessness.
But he had heard about a man who could heal.
If he could only get close enough, and if the man only would - could - maybe...
1 Large crowds followed Jesus as He came down the mountainside.
2 Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached Jesus. He knelt before him, worshiping. "Lord," the man said, "if you want to, you can make me well again." Matt 8:1-2 (NLT)
How he got close enough, I don't know. Maybe he hid in some bushes and sprang out as Jesus passed. The shouts of Leper! filled his ears. He knew he only had a moment before they would find the stones that would end his life. Running to Jesus and falling before Him in worship, he cried - he prayed "if you want to" - as simple a prayer as ever was spoken.
Jesus did the unthinkable - more than the man could have dreamed. In front of the crowds who had been amazed at His teaching, who had hung on every word..
He touched him, lifting him to his feet and then said..
"I want to. Be healed!"
Everything changed in an instant - all traces of the disease were gone. The man was whole, clean, cured!
Because Jesus wanted to.
I'm sitting here this morning trying to fathom what Jesus went through this week. And even before He came to earth, the conversation in heaven when God saw Adam and Eve fall into sin in the garden, and just how much pain all of mankind would suffer through sin.
"Who will go and make it right? Who will pay the price for their sins?"
And Jesus said, "I want to."
Friend, whatever you are facing this week, the clear message of Jesus can be summed up this way - "If you give me your life, I'll give you mine. I want to."
Do you want that? Do you want His love? Do you want freedom, wholeness, real life?
Then do whatever it takes to get to Him and fall before His feet asking Him to take over your life and make you whole.
He will. It's what He wants to do.
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.
How many prayers? How many times had he begged God to heal him? Add to that the prayers of his family and friends who saw a man lose it all, through no fault of his own. It was a disease - leprosy - that changed everything.
He had lost the companionship of his wife and children, as he had to be shut out of the village and to live among others like him.
He could no longer choose what to wear, being required to wear the lepers black, torn clothing.
He could no longer look people in the eye, having to cover his face and call out "Leper, Unclean" upon a chance meeting and even then he might be stoned.
And bit by bit, day by day, he was losing his ability to function - to live. That loss brought with it two new companions that seemed to never leave - fear and hopelessness.
But he had heard about a man who could heal.
If he could only get close enough, and if the man only would - could - maybe...
1 Large crowds followed Jesus as He came down the mountainside.
2 Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached Jesus. He knelt before him, worshiping. "Lord," the man said, "if you want to, you can make me well again." Matt 8:1-2 (NLT)
How he got close enough, I don't know. Maybe he hid in some bushes and sprang out as Jesus passed. The shouts of Leper! filled his ears. He knew he only had a moment before they would find the stones that would end his life. Running to Jesus and falling before Him in worship, he cried - he prayed "if you want to" - as simple a prayer as ever was spoken.
Jesus did the unthinkable - more than the man could have dreamed. In front of the crowds who had been amazed at His teaching, who had hung on every word..
He touched him, lifting him to his feet and then said..
"I want to. Be healed!"
Everything changed in an instant - all traces of the disease were gone. The man was whole, clean, cured!
Because Jesus wanted to.
I'm sitting here this morning trying to fathom what Jesus went through this week. And even before He came to earth, the conversation in heaven when God saw Adam and Eve fall into sin in the garden, and just how much pain all of mankind would suffer through sin.
"Who will go and make it right? Who will pay the price for their sins?"
And Jesus said, "I want to."
Friend, whatever you are facing this week, the clear message of Jesus can be summed up this way - "If you give me your life, I'll give you mine. I want to."
Do you want that? Do you want His love? Do you want freedom, wholeness, real life?
Then do whatever it takes to get to Him and fall before His feet asking Him to take over your life and make you whole.
He will. It's what He wants to do.
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 06, 2004
The Plane! The Plane!
Well, it finally happened. After almost five years of preaching in a church with a side wall of glass, underneath the approaches of Eglin Air Force base, having to compete almost weekly for the congregation's attention with all manners of high performance and commercial aircraft - I lost it - right in the middle of a sermon.
"Whoa - cool!" I believe were my exact words. (I'm not sure about what that is in Greek or Hebrew)
It was a stealth fighter coming low over the sanctuary that finally got me to notice. Of course everyone else already had. The movement of such a unique airplane did it.
Reflecting on that this morning got made me think - how can you tell when a church is moving forward? And how does the world outside notice?
With the planes, when they turn and cut against the air, their speed creates a "ripping" sound that lets you know that they are pushing through the opposition on their way.
With the church, what catches my eye is people.
When people of various backgrounds and places in life are coming to worship, and staying after to share - that's movement.
When families grow stronger and when those families grow closer to others, that's movement.
When individuals grow in the reality of their commitment to Christ, and then display that commitment by going against the culture - staying faithful in marriage, true in their words and actions in every situation to what they say they believe - that's movement.
But when will the world notice?
34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35 (NLT)
This week, that love might take the form of invitation - asking a friend or neighbor to share the Easter experience with you. From Good Friday's gloom to Sunday's exhilaration - it is a weekend to be with those you love. Bring them all - that surely will be noticed.
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.
Well, it finally happened. After almost five years of preaching in a church with a side wall of glass, underneath the approaches of Eglin Air Force base, having to compete almost weekly for the congregation's attention with all manners of high performance and commercial aircraft - I lost it - right in the middle of a sermon.
"Whoa - cool!" I believe were my exact words. (I'm not sure about what that is in Greek or Hebrew)
It was a stealth fighter coming low over the sanctuary that finally got me to notice. Of course everyone else already had. The movement of such a unique airplane did it.
Reflecting on that this morning got made me think - how can you tell when a church is moving forward? And how does the world outside notice?
With the planes, when they turn and cut against the air, their speed creates a "ripping" sound that lets you know that they are pushing through the opposition on their way.
With the church, what catches my eye is people.
When people of various backgrounds and places in life are coming to worship, and staying after to share - that's movement.
When families grow stronger and when those families grow closer to others, that's movement.
When individuals grow in the reality of their commitment to Christ, and then display that commitment by going against the culture - staying faithful in marriage, true in their words and actions in every situation to what they say they believe - that's movement.
But when will the world notice?
34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35 (NLT)
This week, that love might take the form of invitation - asking a friend or neighbor to share the Easter experience with you. From Good Friday's gloom to Sunday's exhilaration - it is a weekend to be with those you love. Bring them all - that surely will be noticed.
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 02, 2004
When the Cheering Stopped
We are on the cusp of a very special week as I write this. Sunday will begin Holy Week in Christian churches all around the globe. In thousands of languages and dialects, the story of Jesus' Passion will be told. Don't miss it.
John 12:17-19 (Msg) The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, was there giving eyewitness accounts. [18] It was because they had spread the word of this latest God-sign that the crowd swelled to a welcoming parade. [19] The Pharisees took one look and threw up their hands: "It's out of control. The world's in a stampede after him."
If Gallop, Barna, or Harris had taken a poll, Jesus would have been proclaimed king in a landslide that Palm Sunday, as even his enemies admitted that His popularity was at an all time high. People thronged to see Him enter Jerusalem.
But within a few days, people in Jerusalem were crying for Him to be executed as a criminal. And so He was. How did Jesus handle not just a change in popularity, but intense rejection? How can we learn from what He did?
No, we'll never enter Jerusalem at the head of thousands of our followers. But we enjoy being praised, and we like being liked. What happens to our convictions when we aren't? What principle can we look at to guide our way?
What did Jesus do?
John 12:27-28 (Msg)
"Right now I am storm-tossed. And what am I going to say? 'Father, get me out of this'? No, this is why I came in the first place. [28] I'll say, 'Father, put your glory on display.' "
Knowing that this celebration would end, and that the week would find Him bruised, battered, and crucified, Jesus looked not to His circumstances for direction, but to God. It was God's will that He used like a homing beacon. It was His passion to please God and glorify His name that kept Him going.
What are you here for?
Glorifying God. That's why you were placed here in the first place.
Is God in first place within your life?
Take the next week and use it to redirect your focus off the things of this life. Use the lens of Jesus' Passion to help you push toward deeper things - toward God. People aren't going to always be cheering your efforts you know.
But God will. The cheering may stop here, but heaven will raise a ruckus when you come home.
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 are on the cusp of a very special week as I write this. Sunday will begin Holy Week in Christian churches all around the globe. In thousands of languages and dialects, the story of Jesus' Passion will be told. Don't miss it.
John 12:17-19 (Msg) The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, was there giving eyewitness accounts. [18] It was because they had spread the word of this latest God-sign that the crowd swelled to a welcoming parade. [19] The Pharisees took one look and threw up their hands: "It's out of control. The world's in a stampede after him."
If Gallop, Barna, or Harris had taken a poll, Jesus would have been proclaimed king in a landslide that Palm Sunday, as even his enemies admitted that His popularity was at an all time high. People thronged to see Him enter Jerusalem.
But within a few days, people in Jerusalem were crying for Him to be executed as a criminal. And so He was. How did Jesus handle not just a change in popularity, but intense rejection? How can we learn from what He did?
No, we'll never enter Jerusalem at the head of thousands of our followers. But we enjoy being praised, and we like being liked. What happens to our convictions when we aren't? What principle can we look at to guide our way?
What did Jesus do?
John 12:27-28 (Msg)
"Right now I am storm-tossed. And what am I going to say? 'Father, get me out of this'? No, this is why I came in the first place. [28] I'll say, 'Father, put your glory on display.' "
Knowing that this celebration would end, and that the week would find Him bruised, battered, and crucified, Jesus looked not to His circumstances for direction, but to God. It was God's will that He used like a homing beacon. It was His passion to please God and glorify His name that kept Him going.
What are you here for?
Glorifying God. That's why you were placed here in the first place.
Is God in first place within your life?
Take the next week and use it to redirect your focus off the things of this life. Use the lens of Jesus' Passion to help you push toward deeper things - toward God. People aren't going to always be cheering your efforts you know.
But God will. The cheering may stop here, but heaven will raise a ruckus when you come home.
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 01, 2004
Aim High
Well, all work here came to a stop for a few minutes today as the USAF aerial demonstration team - the Thunderbirds - did their practice for this weekend's air show. With 5 F-16's roaring overhead, you couldn't hear yourself think anyway, so under NW Florida's impossibly blue skies, people pulled off the road, others even in our church parking lot - to look up.
I am not sure how often we do that unless we're drawn to by the extraordinary.
But we ought to always. Excellence in what we do, as demonstrated so well today overhead by the Thunderbirds, should be the norm, not the exception. Paul wrote about that when he wrote:
1 Cor. 9:24-26 (Msg)
You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. [25] All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.
[26] I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me!
When we look at those who have trained well and perform at such a high level, we should take a moment and ask ourselves "Am I giving it everything I've got?"
As believers, we can train for each day by praying to God, reading His Word, and by meeting with Him in worship. And unlike a performance an athlete does, we can exercise the benefits of that training in our everyday lives. The fruits of the Spirit are our medals.
Galatians 5:22 (Msg)
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments.
So don't be satisfied with where you are - aim high!
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.
Well, all work here came to a stop for a few minutes today as the USAF aerial demonstration team - the Thunderbirds - did their practice for this weekend's air show. With 5 F-16's roaring overhead, you couldn't hear yourself think anyway, so under NW Florida's impossibly blue skies, people pulled off the road, others even in our church parking lot - to look up.
I am not sure how often we do that unless we're drawn to by the extraordinary.
But we ought to always. Excellence in what we do, as demonstrated so well today overhead by the Thunderbirds, should be the norm, not the exception. Paul wrote about that when he wrote:
1 Cor. 9:24-26 (Msg)
You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. [25] All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.
[26] I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me!
When we look at those who have trained well and perform at such a high level, we should take a moment and ask ourselves "Am I giving it everything I've got?"
As believers, we can train for each day by praying to God, reading His Word, and by meeting with Him in worship. And unlike a performance an athlete does, we can exercise the benefits of that training in our everyday lives. The fruits of the Spirit are our medals.
Galatians 5:22 (Msg)
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments.
So don't be satisfied with where you are - aim high!
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, March 31, 2004
Can You See Past It?
Karen Watson was after more.
As a pre-Christian, she lived her life in search of the next thrill - out of her passion for life. Once she became a Christian she didn't slow down - just changed her direction. Her friends commented on how she lived life "flat out" and how she only had one speed "100 mph."
She was hard after God's attention when she died, the victim of terrorist's bullets in Iraq. Working as a Southern Baptist missionary among the poor in Jordan and Iraq, she had given and given without any thought for herself. "I know there are Jordanians and Iraqis today who are weeping," said a fellow aid worker. "She is a woman who is going to be remembered as Iraqis and Jordanians hold up the things she did and say: 'Look what she did for us.'"
Her brother stood at the gravesite the other day, and looked over Karen's coffin remembering easier days, when his sister used to spend her time as lots of little girls do, collecting trinkets in what she called her "hope chest."
"What we have here before us today is a hope chest," he said, "something of value, not a coffin or a casket."
How could he possibly say that?
He believes in Christ.
Romans 6:8 (Msg)
What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ's sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection.
We get included in Christ's victory when we believe in His role as God's Son, admit our sins are separating us from God, and embracing His forgiveness, commit our lives to following Him.
Though Karen died that day in Iraq, because of her faith in Jesus Christ, she was included in the company of those who though they die, will live forever in heaven with Christ.
That is the sure and certain hope we have through the example of Jesus' resurrection.
That's why Karen's brother could see past the grave - he could see the future through the frame of an empty tomb's opening.
How do you view this world? What frame do you use? The fact is, we all will die.
Don't you want more than this life can give? Friends, Karen was one among millions who have followed the footsteps of Jesus Christ. They lead to the grave - and past it. Can you see 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.
Karen Watson was after more.
As a pre-Christian, she lived her life in search of the next thrill - out of her passion for life. Once she became a Christian she didn't slow down - just changed her direction. Her friends commented on how she lived life "flat out" and how she only had one speed "100 mph."
She was hard after God's attention when she died, the victim of terrorist's bullets in Iraq. Working as a Southern Baptist missionary among the poor in Jordan and Iraq, she had given and given without any thought for herself. "I know there are Jordanians and Iraqis today who are weeping," said a fellow aid worker. "She is a woman who is going to be remembered as Iraqis and Jordanians hold up the things she did and say: 'Look what she did for us.'"
Her brother stood at the gravesite the other day, and looked over Karen's coffin remembering easier days, when his sister used to spend her time as lots of little girls do, collecting trinkets in what she called her "hope chest."
"What we have here before us today is a hope chest," he said, "something of value, not a coffin or a casket."
How could he possibly say that?
He believes in Christ.
Romans 6:8 (Msg)
What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ's sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection.
We get included in Christ's victory when we believe in His role as God's Son, admit our sins are separating us from God, and embracing His forgiveness, commit our lives to following Him.
Though Karen died that day in Iraq, because of her faith in Jesus Christ, she was included in the company of those who though they die, will live forever in heaven with Christ.
That is the sure and certain hope we have through the example of Jesus' resurrection.
That's why Karen's brother could see past the grave - he could see the future through the frame of an empty tomb's opening.
How do you view this world? What frame do you use? The fact is, we all will die.
Don't you want more than this life can give? Friends, Karen was one among millions who have followed the footsteps of Jesus Christ. They lead to the grave - and past it. Can you see 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.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
The Words Change - The Story Never Does
Today the phrase "cutting red tape" implies that a person is blasting through needless regulations to get things done. It's pretty amazing how the phrase has changed in a pretty short period of time.
Thomas Edison's laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey was the world's first great R&D facility. In six years, the invention factory at Menlo Park secured more than 400 patents. The U.S. Patent Office watched and waited for
packages that were wrapped in a certain kind of red tape. They knew these came from Edison's lab, and they cut these first.
So red tape was a good thing, and cutting it was something you did out of eagerness to see something new and of value. Not any more. Think of the words "bad," "gay," "issues," "awesome," "cool" and "hip." In my lifetime, the meaning of these words in general usage has changed drastically.
And what of those words that are tied to particular culture? Try explaining what "lilies of the field" means to natives of Somalia, a land where no lilies grow.
But the story doesn't change.
I stood in front of some kids in VBS last year and told the story of Christ's crucifixion. Using nails and a crown of thorns from Israel, I did my best to make it understood. One child asked to touch the thorns and when he did, he looked directly at me and said, "He must have really loved us."
Yes He did.
1 John 5:11 (Msg)
This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in His Son.
That friends hasn't changed. We can haggle over translations, denominations, signs and wonders, and the like, but through Jesus, God's Son, born of a virgin, crucified under Pontius Pilate, laid dead in a tomb, risen on the
third day - through placing our faith in Him - we have life.
Words change - the story never will. Tell somebody!
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.
Today the phrase "cutting red tape" implies that a person is blasting through needless regulations to get things done. It's pretty amazing how the phrase has changed in a pretty short period of time.
Thomas Edison's laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey was the world's first great R&D facility. In six years, the invention factory at Menlo Park secured more than 400 patents. The U.S. Patent Office watched and waited for
packages that were wrapped in a certain kind of red tape. They knew these came from Edison's lab, and they cut these first.
So red tape was a good thing, and cutting it was something you did out of eagerness to see something new and of value. Not any more. Think of the words "bad," "gay," "issues," "awesome," "cool" and "hip." In my lifetime, the meaning of these words in general usage has changed drastically.
And what of those words that are tied to particular culture? Try explaining what "lilies of the field" means to natives of Somalia, a land where no lilies grow.
But the story doesn't change.
I stood in front of some kids in VBS last year and told the story of Christ's crucifixion. Using nails and a crown of thorns from Israel, I did my best to make it understood. One child asked to touch the thorns and when he did, he looked directly at me and said, "He must have really loved us."
Yes He did.
1 John 5:11 (Msg)
This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in His Son.
That friends hasn't changed. We can haggle over translations, denominations, signs and wonders, and the like, but through Jesus, God's Son, born of a virgin, crucified under Pontius Pilate, laid dead in a tomb, risen on the
third day - through placing our faith in Him - we have life.
Words change - the story never will. Tell somebody!
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, March 26, 2004
In No Time
Last week I was given a daisy in a basket by the group of littlest Girl Scouts that meet here at New Hope. They are called "daisies", and earn "petals" to place on their uniform smocks as they learn Girl Scout stuff. So I really enjoyed receiving something that will remind me of them as they take the summer off. (Is it that time already?)
I took the flower home since I have a well deserved reputation as a plant-killer, and turned it over to Bunny. She's cared for it faithfully, and it has lasted a week longer than it would have with me. But a couple of days ago she noticed it was drooping, so she watered it. Yesterday it was back in the same shape, and she told me it needed to be planted in soil that would hold the moisture around it, and give it time to drink it up.
Made sense to me.
I've been spending this morning praying and reading the Bible. Last week, I printed out a book out of it off the computer, and have been reading it off and on during the days, trying to let it soak in. You see folks so much of what I do here is specific to teaching and preaching, that at times even though I'm handling God's Word, full of nourishment for my soul and life for my spirit, it can rush through without making a difference in me.
So I deliberately printed some out in Eugene Peterson's wonderful paraphrase, The Message. For those of you who don't have a copy, well, it's raw, and rough around the edges. Full of emotion - of power - of force. Today's snippet:
James 4:7-8 (Msg)
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. [8] Say a quiet yes to God and He'll be there in no time.
The only way I can possibly stand before a group of people week in and week out, when I'm weak, week in and week out, trying to break open God's Word in such a way they hear it - is to drop every idea that I'm worthy to do that outside my study door.
Saying that quiet "Yes, I need you Lord" brings Him here in no time, and the sermon I thought would never get off the ground is lifted up, as am I.
Where before I couldn't hold His wisdom long enough to place it onto paper, suddenly I'm able to express His Truth. It's a God thing.
Friends, the only way up - out of that rut, out of that hole, out of that dry place you might find yourself help in today - is to say "yes" to God and let Him take you by the hand and heart. He'll lift your spirits and give you a bright new perspective on life.
In no 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.
Last week I was given a daisy in a basket by the group of littlest Girl Scouts that meet here at New Hope. They are called "daisies", and earn "petals" to place on their uniform smocks as they learn Girl Scout stuff. So I really enjoyed receiving something that will remind me of them as they take the summer off. (Is it that time already?)
I took the flower home since I have a well deserved reputation as a plant-killer, and turned it over to Bunny. She's cared for it faithfully, and it has lasted a week longer than it would have with me. But a couple of days ago she noticed it was drooping, so she watered it. Yesterday it was back in the same shape, and she told me it needed to be planted in soil that would hold the moisture around it, and give it time to drink it up.
Made sense to me.
I've been spending this morning praying and reading the Bible. Last week, I printed out a book out of it off the computer, and have been reading it off and on during the days, trying to let it soak in. You see folks so much of what I do here is specific to teaching and preaching, that at times even though I'm handling God's Word, full of nourishment for my soul and life for my spirit, it can rush through without making a difference in me.
So I deliberately printed some out in Eugene Peterson's wonderful paraphrase, The Message. For those of you who don't have a copy, well, it's raw, and rough around the edges. Full of emotion - of power - of force. Today's snippet:
James 4:7-8 (Msg)
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. [8] Say a quiet yes to God and He'll be there in no time.
The only way I can possibly stand before a group of people week in and week out, when I'm weak, week in and week out, trying to break open God's Word in such a way they hear it - is to drop every idea that I'm worthy to do that outside my study door.
Saying that quiet "Yes, I need you Lord" brings Him here in no time, and the sermon I thought would never get off the ground is lifted up, as am I.
Where before I couldn't hold His wisdom long enough to place it onto paper, suddenly I'm able to express His Truth. It's a God thing.
Friends, the only way up - out of that rut, out of that hole, out of that dry place you might find yourself help in today - is to say "yes" to God and let Him take you by the hand and heart. He'll lift your spirits and give you a bright new perspective on life.
In no 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.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
The Way Home
We had company at our house last week. Completely unexpected, though not unwelcome. As Sean was headed out the door to go to school, he called back to me saying, "Daddy, there's a black Great Dane in the park across the street." After checking to see whether our own black Great Dane, Henley, was still in the house, I went outside and sure enough, a black Great Dane was there - now in our front yard.
Henley followed me to the door, and when he saw him, he jumped up on the glass. Some of the workers from the business across the street were trying to catch the dog, thinking it was ours. When they saw Henley, they were quite surprised. We tried to catch our visitor, but he wouldn't let us - until I brought Henley outside.
Then he came right up and rubbed noses.
We caught him and got him into our giant Dane cage. A few hours later his owner came and retrieved him.
It's funny how he had eluded all our efforts to catch him - to even come close - but when another dog that looked like him showed up, there he came. It's also funny that he crossed the busiest road in all the area, then went another half mile down the road and showed up at apparently just the right place, at just the right time, to find help - to find people who not only love dogs, but who absolutely love Great Danes - and who have one the same color, with the same markings as his.
And he found the way home.
You know friend, God may have placed you right where you are, given you the interests and talents you have - to help someone else find the way home. The Bible tells us that believers are part of a "Body". If you've ever had a broken bone, or even a toothache, you know how one part can get the rest's attention.
So as part of God's family, you can help others find their way to Him. You are uniquely qualified!Will you help someone else find the way home?
No, you don't have to know volumes of theology.
You just have to be able to tell what Christ has done for you.
Will you?
Philip. 2:15 (Msg)
Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night ...
In other words, show them the way home.
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 had company at our house last week. Completely unexpected, though not unwelcome. As Sean was headed out the door to go to school, he called back to me saying, "Daddy, there's a black Great Dane in the park across the street." After checking to see whether our own black Great Dane, Henley, was still in the house, I went outside and sure enough, a black Great Dane was there - now in our front yard.
Henley followed me to the door, and when he saw him, he jumped up on the glass. Some of the workers from the business across the street were trying to catch the dog, thinking it was ours. When they saw Henley, they were quite surprised. We tried to catch our visitor, but he wouldn't let us - until I brought Henley outside.
Then he came right up and rubbed noses.
We caught him and got him into our giant Dane cage. A few hours later his owner came and retrieved him.
It's funny how he had eluded all our efforts to catch him - to even come close - but when another dog that looked like him showed up, there he came. It's also funny that he crossed the busiest road in all the area, then went another half mile down the road and showed up at apparently just the right place, at just the right time, to find help - to find people who not only love dogs, but who absolutely love Great Danes - and who have one the same color, with the same markings as his.
And he found the way home.
You know friend, God may have placed you right where you are, given you the interests and talents you have - to help someone else find the way home. The Bible tells us that believers are part of a "Body". If you've ever had a broken bone, or even a toothache, you know how one part can get the rest's attention.
So as part of God's family, you can help others find their way to Him. You are uniquely qualified!Will you help someone else find the way home?
No, you don't have to know volumes of theology.
You just have to be able to tell what Christ has done for you.
Will you?
Philip. 2:15 (Msg)
Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night ...
In other words, show them the way home.
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, March 24, 2004
Extras
Our highest assurance of the goodness of God rests in the flowers.
All other things - our powers, our desires,our food - are necessary for our existence,
but the rose is an extra.
Its smell and color are an embellishment of life,
not a condition of it.
It is only goodness which gives extras,
and so we have much to hope for from the flowers. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
As I sit typing this missive today, the cherry tree directly in front of my window is bursting with blooms. It sits in the middle of a sidewalk, causing everyone who walks to my office to have to defer to its beauty.
It's an extra.
In countless yards and fields around my home, there are azaleas blooming by the dozens in white, in pink, in red - even lavender. Most of the year they serve little purpose except to separate one yard from another, but now they, and the wisteria just now beginning to bloom, bless all who behold them. Even weeds around here are beautiful - in purple, pale yellow and white.
They are extras.
There's a message here somewhere, I think.
Luke 12:27-29 (Msg)
Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. [28] If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
[29] "What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving.
and a little later on..
Luke 12:31-32 (Msg)
Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. [32] Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
If we are honest, we can recognize the fact that we are blessed - too blessed to stress out over things that ultimately do not matter.
Take time today and notice all the beauty God has placed around you. It's just the over and above extra of His love. He really does love 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.
Our highest assurance of the goodness of God rests in the flowers.
All other things - our powers, our desires,our food - are necessary for our existence,
but the rose is an extra.
Its smell and color are an embellishment of life,
not a condition of it.
It is only goodness which gives extras,
and so we have much to hope for from the flowers. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
As I sit typing this missive today, the cherry tree directly in front of my window is bursting with blooms. It sits in the middle of a sidewalk, causing everyone who walks to my office to have to defer to its beauty.
It's an extra.
In countless yards and fields around my home, there are azaleas blooming by the dozens in white, in pink, in red - even lavender. Most of the year they serve little purpose except to separate one yard from another, but now they, and the wisteria just now beginning to bloom, bless all who behold them. Even weeds around here are beautiful - in purple, pale yellow and white.
They are extras.
There's a message here somewhere, I think.
Luke 12:27-29 (Msg)
Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. [28] If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
[29] "What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving.
and a little later on..
Luke 12:31-32 (Msg)
Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. [32] Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
If we are honest, we can recognize the fact that we are blessed - too blessed to stress out over things that ultimately do not matter.
Take time today and notice all the beauty God has placed around you. It's just the over and above extra of His love. He really does love 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, March 23, 2004
Always
Maybe the young mother knew she wasn't going to be able to care for her baby girl, so she made sure that throughout her life, people would have to ask about the unusual name - Rilya. Homeless and addicted to cocaine, the baby wouldn't get what she needed from mom, so the state of Florida stepped in and took the five week old into their care.
Bunny and I have known some kids like Rilya, one of which was only 4 days old when taken. There are many children like her, in Florida and elsewhere, whose mothers just aren't able to care for them. Someone has to. So the state, or another group steps in and takes custody. Many times they succeed in making a difference. Other times even though they pour money, support, and time into the lives of the families that they children come from, the kids suffer.
But nothing prepared me for Rilya. How could you lose a child? Everyone's busy right now pointing fingers. I hope at least a few are cupping hands together and calling her name, nailing flyers to telephone poles, getting
her picture on milk cartons - something, anything productive. Lord, help someone find Rilya. Pray folks - pray without ceasing.
In the Bible there is a story about a shepherd. He was well off. Had great flocks of sheep - 100 total. But as night fell, and he counted each one as they entered the sheep fold, one was missing. He could have said, "well,
I've still got 99. Maybe it will turn up. I'll look at first light." Here's what Jesus related to the disciples.
"If a shepherd has one hundred sheep, and one wanders away and is lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others and go out into the hills to search for the lost one? 13 And if he finds it, he will surely rejoice
over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away! 14 In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish.
Matt 18:13-14 (NLT)
I don't know where little Rilya is right now. But I know this - God loves her. Her mom might have named her after what her heart said "Rilya - remember I love you always", but always with her lasted until the next fix,
and the state stepped in. Always with the state lasted until an employee got tired of making visits to check on Rilya's welfare.
When God says always - it means always.
To Rilya - and to you.
When Jesus went to the cross for our sins, He was saying "remember I love you." When He rose from the dead, He was emphatically saying once and for all - "Always."
If you know Jesus as Savior and Lord today - you will know Him as advocate and friend, always.
Grace, mercy, and peace,
David Wilson
A Glimpse of New Hope is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Valparaiso, FL. If you have received this in error,or no longer wish to receive it, please email me at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net. I'll be sure
to remove your address.If you know of others who would like to receive it, please forward their names and they will be added. May God bless each of you. Copyright 2002, David A. Wilson Visit New Hope Baptist Church in person or our website at www.newhopevalp.org
Maybe the young mother knew she wasn't going to be able to care for her baby girl, so she made sure that throughout her life, people would have to ask about the unusual name - Rilya. Homeless and addicted to cocaine, the baby wouldn't get what she needed from mom, so the state of Florida stepped in and took the five week old into their care.
Bunny and I have known some kids like Rilya, one of which was only 4 days old when taken. There are many children like her, in Florida and elsewhere, whose mothers just aren't able to care for them. Someone has to. So the state, or another group steps in and takes custody. Many times they succeed in making a difference. Other times even though they pour money, support, and time into the lives of the families that they children come from, the kids suffer.
But nothing prepared me for Rilya. How could you lose a child? Everyone's busy right now pointing fingers. I hope at least a few are cupping hands together and calling her name, nailing flyers to telephone poles, getting
her picture on milk cartons - something, anything productive. Lord, help someone find Rilya. Pray folks - pray without ceasing.
In the Bible there is a story about a shepherd. He was well off. Had great flocks of sheep - 100 total. But as night fell, and he counted each one as they entered the sheep fold, one was missing. He could have said, "well,
I've still got 99. Maybe it will turn up. I'll look at first light." Here's what Jesus related to the disciples.
"If a shepherd has one hundred sheep, and one wanders away and is lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others and go out into the hills to search for the lost one? 13 And if he finds it, he will surely rejoice
over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away! 14 In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish.
Matt 18:13-14 (NLT)
I don't know where little Rilya is right now. But I know this - God loves her. Her mom might have named her after what her heart said "Rilya - remember I love you always", but always with her lasted until the next fix,
and the state stepped in. Always with the state lasted until an employee got tired of making visits to check on Rilya's welfare.
When God says always - it means always.
To Rilya - and to you.
When Jesus went to the cross for our sins, He was saying "remember I love you." When He rose from the dead, He was emphatically saying once and for all - "Always."
If you know Jesus as Savior and Lord today - you will know Him as advocate and friend, always.
Grace, mercy, and peace,
David Wilson
A Glimpse of New Hope is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Valparaiso, FL. If you have received this in error,or no longer wish to receive it, please email me at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net. I'll be sure
to remove your address.If you know of others who would like to receive it, please forward their names and they will be added. May God bless each of you. Copyright 2002, David A. Wilson Visit New Hope Baptist Church in person or our website at www.newhopevalp.org
Monday, March 22, 2004
He Had Help (You Do Too!)
I was talking with someone this weekend about the movie, the Passion of the Christ. He remarked, "I don't know how anyone could survive the beating we saw, let alone carry a cross that far. It just doesn't seem humanly possible."
As I've thought about that, I have noticed a couple of things.
The first was a story about a mother lifting a car off her son last week after an accident left him pinned underneath it. Filed last week by the Associated Press from California, that wasn't the first I had heard of such a superhuman feat.
The second was this:
7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph.
Isaiah 50:7 (NLT)
Jesus never lost sight of what really mattered. Just like that Mom, who lifted the car off her little one, Jesus lifted our sins off of us. He did it because of His love for us.
How did he endure the pain and suffering?
The same way we can - with God's help.
Friend, it might be real hard where you live right now. Describing what you're in as "being in a bind" might be the height of understatement - more like a vise.
But you are not alone. The same God who gave Jesus the strength to endure the pain of the cross stands ready to help you right now. In fact, Jesus Himself has asked you to throw your cares upon Him.
Will you do it? Will you accept God's help?
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.
I was talking with someone this weekend about the movie, the Passion of the Christ. He remarked, "I don't know how anyone could survive the beating we saw, let alone carry a cross that far. It just doesn't seem humanly possible."
As I've thought about that, I have noticed a couple of things.
The first was a story about a mother lifting a car off her son last week after an accident left him pinned underneath it. Filed last week by the Associated Press from California, that wasn't the first I had heard of such a superhuman feat.
The second was this:
7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph.
Isaiah 50:7 (NLT)
Jesus never lost sight of what really mattered. Just like that Mom, who lifted the car off her little one, Jesus lifted our sins off of us. He did it because of His love for us.
How did he endure the pain and suffering?
The same way we can - with God's help.
Friend, it might be real hard where you live right now. Describing what you're in as "being in a bind" might be the height of understatement - more like a vise.
But you are not alone. The same God who gave Jesus the strength to endure the pain of the cross stands ready to help you right now. In fact, Jesus Himself has asked you to throw your cares upon Him.
Will you do it? Will you accept God's help?
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.
Measuring Up
A small town Doctor was famous in the area for always catching really large fish. Time after time he'd come home with whoppers that weighed more than anyone else in the county was catching.
One day while he was on one of his frequent fishing trips he got a call on his cell phone that a woman at a neighboring farm was giving birth. He jumped into his truck, rushed to her aid and delivered a healthy baby boy.
The farmer had nothing to weigh the baby with so the Doctor went out to the truck, and brought in his fishing scales.
The baby weighed 22 lbs. 10 oz
Hmm..
Seems as if the Doctor was using a flawed set of scales. You know you and I sometimes do the same thing. We look around at people and mentally compare ourselves and them. Maybe we think about heritage - what family they came from, or their racial or ethnic background. Or maybe we measure by degrees - how far they progressed educationally. There again we could just observe how they live. If we see ourselves as kinder, more honest, better people, then I guess we are measuring up.
Friends, that's not the way Jesus wants us to measure up. Here's what He said.
John 13:15 (Msg)
I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do.
Ouch! Jesus said a lot in those few words.
That would mean loving everyone, living a life focused on what would please God, always being in touch with the Father, always doing His will. And since we are not Jesus, asking for the Holy Spirit's power to enable us to follow His pattern.
The great thing is that Jesus not only left us a pattern, He gives us in the person of the Holy Spirit's presence everything we need to follow it.
Just make sure you're using the right standard of measurement for your life.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
A small town Doctor was famous in the area for always catching really large fish. Time after time he'd come home with whoppers that weighed more than anyone else in the county was catching.
One day while he was on one of his frequent fishing trips he got a call on his cell phone that a woman at a neighboring farm was giving birth. He jumped into his truck, rushed to her aid and delivered a healthy baby boy.
The farmer had nothing to weigh the baby with so the Doctor went out to the truck, and brought in his fishing scales.
The baby weighed 22 lbs. 10 oz
Hmm..
Seems as if the Doctor was using a flawed set of scales. You know you and I sometimes do the same thing. We look around at people and mentally compare ourselves and them. Maybe we think about heritage - what family they came from, or their racial or ethnic background. Or maybe we measure by degrees - how far they progressed educationally. There again we could just observe how they live. If we see ourselves as kinder, more honest, better people, then I guess we are measuring up.
Friends, that's not the way Jesus wants us to measure up. Here's what He said.
John 13:15 (Msg)
I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do.
Ouch! Jesus said a lot in those few words.
That would mean loving everyone, living a life focused on what would please God, always being in touch with the Father, always doing His will. And since we are not Jesus, asking for the Holy Spirit's power to enable us to follow His pattern.
The great thing is that Jesus not only left us a pattern, He gives us in the person of the Holy Spirit's presence everything we need to follow it.
Just make sure you're using the right standard of measurement for your life.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Scars
Little Jesse Smith came up to me Wednesday and I thought he had already had his face painted for Halloween. He had several of what I thought were painted freckles on his face. But they weren't painted.
They were the imprints of a piece of a magnolia tree that impacted on his cheek when propelled by another little boy's strong right arm. Having been involved in several sub-nuclear exchanges like that myself as a boy, I smiled and hoped the "freckles" would fade away, and not leave a scar.
I carry on my body similar imprints, maybe we all do to a certain extent or another. The scar from a minibike fall, those from softball, the one from my Christmas pocketknife (didn't get to keep that long).
They even served as identification for my draft card. If you wanted to identify David Wilson, if you knew the scars, you could pick me out of a crowd.
I came across this verse in my devotional reading today.
For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus. Gal. 6:17
I thought about what Paul must have meant. Then I found these:
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit.9 We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.10 Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2 Cor 4:8-10 (NLT)
Paul was beaten, stoned, whipped, shipwrecked, and his body showed it. People could tell what he had endured for the cause of Christ.
I sat in a room with several pastors yesterday. No one had any visible scars, unless you count my brother from Shalimar who fell off a roof and is still wearing a back and shoulder brace. But if you were an intimate party within their lives, you'd know the scars are there. Comes with the job.
If you have been faithful in following Christ, you have them too. Scars
I want to thank you today, Pastors and lay people alike who have given their lives to Christ and are serving Him in ministry. Volunteer or salaried, male or female, young or old, I am so thankful for you.
Thank you for giving of your time to God's purposes when there were things undone at home.
Thank you for enduring discouragement and criticism and pressing on in God's work.
Thank you for placing your trust in those of us who serve God through His church and His people.
Thank you for giving to God's work when there were needs and wants you chose not to fill.
Thank you for those times you were giving all you had and no one noticed.
Thank you for loving Christ more than you love anything or anyone else.
We might not recognize you by your scars, but the Lord knows you have them. Great will be your reward in heaven one day. Until then, let the life of the Lord Jesus Christ be seen through your lives. That's the best advertisement for Christ there is.
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.
Little Jesse Smith came up to me Wednesday and I thought he had already had his face painted for Halloween. He had several of what I thought were painted freckles on his face. But they weren't painted.
They were the imprints of a piece of a magnolia tree that impacted on his cheek when propelled by another little boy's strong right arm. Having been involved in several sub-nuclear exchanges like that myself as a boy, I smiled and hoped the "freckles" would fade away, and not leave a scar.
I carry on my body similar imprints, maybe we all do to a certain extent or another. The scar from a minibike fall, those from softball, the one from my Christmas pocketknife (didn't get to keep that long).
They even served as identification for my draft card. If you wanted to identify David Wilson, if you knew the scars, you could pick me out of a crowd.
I came across this verse in my devotional reading today.
For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus. Gal. 6:17
I thought about what Paul must have meant. Then I found these:
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit.9 We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.10 Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2 Cor 4:8-10 (NLT)
Paul was beaten, stoned, whipped, shipwrecked, and his body showed it. People could tell what he had endured for the cause of Christ.
I sat in a room with several pastors yesterday. No one had any visible scars, unless you count my brother from Shalimar who fell off a roof and is still wearing a back and shoulder brace. But if you were an intimate party within their lives, you'd know the scars are there. Comes with the job.
If you have been faithful in following Christ, you have them too. Scars
I want to thank you today, Pastors and lay people alike who have given their lives to Christ and are serving Him in ministry. Volunteer or salaried, male or female, young or old, I am so thankful for you.
Thank you for giving of your time to God's purposes when there were things undone at home.
Thank you for enduring discouragement and criticism and pressing on in God's work.
Thank you for placing your trust in those of us who serve God through His church and His people.
Thank you for giving to God's work when there were needs and wants you chose not to fill.
Thank you for those times you were giving all you had and no one noticed.
Thank you for loving Christ more than you love anything or anyone else.
We might not recognize you by your scars, but the Lord knows you have them. Great will be your reward in heaven one day. Until then, let the life of the Lord Jesus Christ be seen through your lives. That's the best advertisement for Christ there is.
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 14, 2002
Going To Be Slowing
Another beautiful day in Valparaiso! A nice breeze, sunshine, and a cooler feel in the air today. The school year is winding down now, less than a week
to go for some, but I can still hear the sounds of excited children out for PE. I've been there for that activity, even ran a mile with the kids one morning (Note to self - don't try that in street shoes again - ouch!). The coaches are warm and encouraging, and the kids really respond well. Everything is done in an orderly and respectful fashion. Of course it helps when you have gigantic whistles.
But this morning, right before they finished their time outside, I hear the boom box blasting "We will, we will rock you. We will, we will rock you."
I've heard the kids loud before, but they were really succeeding in rocking me, and I'm 100 yards away! They were loud!
So here's my question. How easy will it be for that poor unsuspecting teacher who receives those kids next period to get them to sit down and be quiet? They've just been rocking the world, racing around outside, and now they have to be quiet and not move? Uh huh. Someone is going to get to see
Ms. Larrimore today. (principal)
In athletics, they use what is known as a "cool-down" period between extreme exertion and rest. Basically you walk and stretch until your body remembers how to go slow. Good idea isn't it? It sounds like the kids next door could use one too. Not a new idea though. As with all good things, it began with God.
10 "Be silent, and know that I am God!
Psalms 46:10 (NLT)
16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. Luke 5:16 (NLT)
Think about your life. Are you often operating at a pace not unlike the "we will, we will rock you" decibel level? Do you find yourself increasingly
irritable? Have you caught yourself unable to relax?
Then how can you expect to provide the quiet time with God that you need to grow in Him? We need a time every day to "cool down" and warm up our
relationship with God.
Jesus lived life to the full, with every day being filled with challenges.
People to heal. Disciples to teach. Pharisees to spar with. Every day was packed. How did He maintain His most amazing relationship with the Father?
He often ---- this means regularly - not just on Sunday at church withdrew ---- got away from everyone except God to the wilderness ---- a place of no distractions - just the attraction of God's presence for prayer ----- intentionally pursuing a close fellowship with God.
Can we do less?
Grace, mercy, and peace,
David Wilson
A Glimpse of New Hope is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Valparaiso, FL. If you have received this in error,or no longer
wish to receive it, please email me at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net. I'll be sure to remove your address.If you know of others who would like to receive it, please forward their names and they will be added. May God bless each of you. Copyright 2002, David A. Wilson Visit New Hope Baptist Church in person or our website at
www.newhopevalp.org
Another beautiful day in Valparaiso! A nice breeze, sunshine, and a cooler feel in the air today. The school year is winding down now, less than a week
to go for some, but I can still hear the sounds of excited children out for PE. I've been there for that activity, even ran a mile with the kids one morning (Note to self - don't try that in street shoes again - ouch!). The coaches are warm and encouraging, and the kids really respond well. Everything is done in an orderly and respectful fashion. Of course it helps when you have gigantic whistles.
But this morning, right before they finished their time outside, I hear the boom box blasting "We will, we will rock you. We will, we will rock you."
I've heard the kids loud before, but they were really succeeding in rocking me, and I'm 100 yards away! They were loud!
So here's my question. How easy will it be for that poor unsuspecting teacher who receives those kids next period to get them to sit down and be quiet? They've just been rocking the world, racing around outside, and now they have to be quiet and not move? Uh huh. Someone is going to get to see
Ms. Larrimore today. (principal)
In athletics, they use what is known as a "cool-down" period between extreme exertion and rest. Basically you walk and stretch until your body remembers how to go slow. Good idea isn't it? It sounds like the kids next door could use one too. Not a new idea though. As with all good things, it began with God.
10 "Be silent, and know that I am God!
Psalms 46:10 (NLT)
16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. Luke 5:16 (NLT)
Think about your life. Are you often operating at a pace not unlike the "we will, we will rock you" decibel level? Do you find yourself increasingly
irritable? Have you caught yourself unable to relax?
Then how can you expect to provide the quiet time with God that you need to grow in Him? We need a time every day to "cool down" and warm up our
relationship with God.
Jesus lived life to the full, with every day being filled with challenges.
People to heal. Disciples to teach. Pharisees to spar with. Every day was packed. How did He maintain His most amazing relationship with the Father?
He often ---- this means regularly - not just on Sunday at church withdrew ---- got away from everyone except God to the wilderness ---- a place of no distractions - just the attraction of God's presence for prayer ----- intentionally pursuing a close fellowship with God.
Can we do less?
Grace, mercy, and peace,
David Wilson
A Glimpse of New Hope is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Valparaiso, FL. If you have received this in error,or no longer
wish to receive it, please email me at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net. I'll be sure to remove your address.If you know of others who would like to receive it, please forward their names and they will be added. May God bless each of you. Copyright 2002, David A. Wilson Visit New Hope Baptist Church in person or our website at
www.newhopevalp.org
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