So, You're a Preacher...
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers--Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew--fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen. 19Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" 20And they left their nets at once and went with him. Matthew 4:21-23
There are times when I have to laugh about the position God has placed me into. Here's a guy who was after the American Dream - had a great job with one of the best companies on earth, great family, new car, new house.. etc. We had just finished a year within which we had reached a level of income we had never seen before. Our friends at church were great, the church was growing, and we were a part of it. Word within the church was I was a shoo in for deacon.
Then God went and made me a preacher.
Which leaves me wide open for questions like the title of this devotional, and several others.
Such as, why?
If it was in pursuit of accomplishment - well I'll have you know I had already achieved great success.
For example, were you aware that I had sold the first full page color Pepto Bismol ad in the known world? Ha! Didn't think so.
Or that I had sold 23 trucks full of Folgers coffee, marking the single biggest purchase on record for that brand? No? Well, now you know.
When the gentleman asked me why this weekend, I didn't share those with him. Instead, I told him I was called.
A calling from God is more than a conversation, it's a hunger, a passion, a consuming fire. When the 17th century scientist Pascal died in 1662, his friend found a scrap of paper in his coat. An excerpt from Pascal's journal of 8 years before was written on it. "From about half past ten in the evening until about half past twelve FIRE..."
We don't know what happened to Pascal that night. Nothing physical changed about him. But the passion for God was ignited in him in a way it never had been before. His life changed. His desires changed. His goals changed. What mattered to him before - what had great significance to him and to the world - no longer mattered. It had been burned away by fire.
"They left their nets at once and followed Him."
Friends, if you want to know Truth - truth that will grab you by heart, mind and soul, truth that will become your desire, your rock-solid foundation, your reason for living each day, that will let you rest easy in the knowledge that your efforts have not been in vain, that your life does matter - then listen to the call of Jesus. Come and follow ...
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Gatherings
They had come from all over to witness, to celebrate - love. Some on the groom's side, some on the bride's side - but now they were all on one side -for love. It wasn't the size of the crowd that impressed, since you can draw a crowd by any number of means, No, it was their purpose - to celebrate and to lend their support by their presence to this grand leap into the future.
People of all ages, types, races and relationships came into the old church's chapel. Some looked at home there, seeming to have spent a lot of time in sacred spaces. They entered with eyes fixed on the stunning stained glass rendition of Jesus the good shepherd. Coming forward, they found their places in pews older than many of them. Welcomed home, they leafed through the Bibles and hymnals as if they had found a family heirloom.
Others were clearly uncomfortable, like people in someone else's home. Their eyes darted around the sanctuary seeming to not find the peace others received, but a restlessness. They wouldn't linger long after, even though the One for whom the building existed would have certainly loved their company. After all, He created places like that just to bring His people together with Him. To learn, to laugh, and to love - together with Him.
My part was to tie the bow over the knot. To remind the friends, the family, and the couple themselves just who wrote love first, and best, and most often. To give credit to the author of love. To call all who inhabited that space for those few minutes to the sudden realization that God was among us - and available to all.
To build a bridge.
And so I turned down a familiar pathway and read to them the way of love.
1If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing.
3If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
4Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
5Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
6Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
7Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. (1 Cor 13, MSG)
Every time I am part of a wedding, I remember that my Savior's first miracle was at one. And I pray that somehow, as people gather to celebrate love - a love limited by a lifetime - that Love beyond all limits will find them.
Whenever two or more are gathered...
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
They had come from all over to witness, to celebrate - love. Some on the groom's side, some on the bride's side - but now they were all on one side -for love. It wasn't the size of the crowd that impressed, since you can draw a crowd by any number of means, No, it was their purpose - to celebrate and to lend their support by their presence to this grand leap into the future.
People of all ages, types, races and relationships came into the old church's chapel. Some looked at home there, seeming to have spent a lot of time in sacred spaces. They entered with eyes fixed on the stunning stained glass rendition of Jesus the good shepherd. Coming forward, they found their places in pews older than many of them. Welcomed home, they leafed through the Bibles and hymnals as if they had found a family heirloom.
Others were clearly uncomfortable, like people in someone else's home. Their eyes darted around the sanctuary seeming to not find the peace others received, but a restlessness. They wouldn't linger long after, even though the One for whom the building existed would have certainly loved their company. After all, He created places like that just to bring His people together with Him. To learn, to laugh, and to love - together with Him.
My part was to tie the bow over the knot. To remind the friends, the family, and the couple themselves just who wrote love first, and best, and most often. To give credit to the author of love. To call all who inhabited that space for those few minutes to the sudden realization that God was among us - and available to all.
To build a bridge.
And so I turned down a familiar pathway and read to them the way of love.
1If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing.
3If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
4Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
5Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
6Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
7Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. (1 Cor 13, MSG)
Every time I am part of a wedding, I remember that my Savior's first miracle was at one. And I pray that somehow, as people gather to celebrate love - a love limited by a lifetime - that Love beyond all limits will find them.
Whenever two or more are gathered...
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Sacred Spaces
"Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs."
Psalms 66:4 (NLT)
The contrast could not have been more vivid.
As I walked through the church's fellowship hall, the gleaming chrome of the kitchen, sparkling tile floors, and long tables told of meals shared. In the same space was a fan of a hundred chairs, facing a stage where speakers, microphones, and percussion instruments said contemporary worship.
Coming out of there into the chapel was a shock to my soul.
While everything I left immediately behind me had the feeling it was interchangable - replaceable, what surrounded me now was timeless.
The vaulted ceiling's arches lifted spirits to the heavenlies. Echoes shouted from every window, every door. Old walnut paneling and pews were carved by craftsmen and worn smooth by generations. Coloring everything within the space was the stained glass window of Christ the Shepherd.
Of interest to preachers, there were two pulpits. But the space needed no words.
I could feel the need of the artist in stained glass to speak to a little girl, scared that her family was never going to be the same, to have Christ say to her, "I'll hold you like this lamb."
I could hear the passion of the craftsmen who constructed the mighty pipe organ resting in the loft to shout to all that would hear - "He is risen!"
I could see through the woodcarver's skill in his shaping of symbols of the faith surrounding the altar, his desire to show that the faith would endure forever.
Everything in this space seemed set apart for one purpose - to glorify God.
Friends, I am thrilled by modern expressions in music, in the arts, that bring glory to God and people closer to His arms. But is it only the preacher, the singer, the musician who can speak? Where are those who would praise God with the works of their hands and create such sacred spaces?
As we move forward into the future, let's not forget those places built to express an assurance that God has spoken and will speak to those who sincerely seek to hear His voice. We need more sanctuaries and less McChurches.
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.
"Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs."
Psalms 66:4 (NLT)
The contrast could not have been more vivid.
As I walked through the church's fellowship hall, the gleaming chrome of the kitchen, sparkling tile floors, and long tables told of meals shared. In the same space was a fan of a hundred chairs, facing a stage where speakers, microphones, and percussion instruments said contemporary worship.
Coming out of there into the chapel was a shock to my soul.
While everything I left immediately behind me had the feeling it was interchangable - replaceable, what surrounded me now was timeless.
The vaulted ceiling's arches lifted spirits to the heavenlies. Echoes shouted from every window, every door. Old walnut paneling and pews were carved by craftsmen and worn smooth by generations. Coloring everything within the space was the stained glass window of Christ the Shepherd.
Of interest to preachers, there were two pulpits. But the space needed no words.
I could feel the need of the artist in stained glass to speak to a little girl, scared that her family was never going to be the same, to have Christ say to her, "I'll hold you like this lamb."
I could hear the passion of the craftsmen who constructed the mighty pipe organ resting in the loft to shout to all that would hear - "He is risen!"
I could see through the woodcarver's skill in his shaping of symbols of the faith surrounding the altar, his desire to show that the faith would endure forever.
Everything in this space seemed set apart for one purpose - to glorify God.
Friends, I am thrilled by modern expressions in music, in the arts, that bring glory to God and people closer to His arms. But is it only the preacher, the singer, the musician who can speak? Where are those who would praise God with the works of their hands and create such sacred spaces?
As we move forward into the future, let's not forget those places built to express an assurance that God has spoken and will speak to those who sincerely seek to hear His voice. We need more sanctuaries and less McChurches.
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, November 24, 2004
Thanksgiving
Days remembered- with my family gathering in my aunts home, just across the street from the mill village that my family worked in, some all their lives. The home was filled with memories of others long gone but living on in stories told and anecdotes repeated in laughter. The table was filled with the best everyone could bring - but the side table was where my hopes lay - pecan pies, carrot cakes, and everything else.
Some years not everyone could be there. I can remember my cousin's being in Vietnam one year, and in Germany after that, serving his nation in the Army. Years later, another was off in Iraq, flying helicopters. Sometimes it was hard to believe we had chased each other through the living room just a few years earlier as boys.
A mixture of pride and fear crept over us those years, and the prayers at the table spoke of faith in a God bigger than our fears. This year is filled with uncertainty, as our nation is at war. Family after family will sit down to a table with empty chairs bearing witness. Our men and women are away, in harm's way. As we bow our heads tomorrow, many things have changed since I was a boy.
God hasn't.
Hebrews 6
When God wanted to guarantee his promises, He gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee-- 18God can't break his word. And because His word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable.
We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. 19It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God
Be thankful. Our God is faithful to care, to love, to save.
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.
Days remembered- with my family gathering in my aunts home, just across the street from the mill village that my family worked in, some all their lives. The home was filled with memories of others long gone but living on in stories told and anecdotes repeated in laughter. The table was filled with the best everyone could bring - but the side table was where my hopes lay - pecan pies, carrot cakes, and everything else.
Some years not everyone could be there. I can remember my cousin's being in Vietnam one year, and in Germany after that, serving his nation in the Army. Years later, another was off in Iraq, flying helicopters. Sometimes it was hard to believe we had chased each other through the living room just a few years earlier as boys.
A mixture of pride and fear crept over us those years, and the prayers at the table spoke of faith in a God bigger than our fears. This year is filled with uncertainty, as our nation is at war. Family after family will sit down to a table with empty chairs bearing witness. Our men and women are away, in harm's way. As we bow our heads tomorrow, many things have changed since I was a boy.
God hasn't.
Hebrews 6
When God wanted to guarantee his promises, He gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee-- 18God can't break his word. And because His word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable.
We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. 19It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God
Be thankful. Our God is faithful to care, to love, to save.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Beginning Again
Last week ended with a whine.
The whine could have emenated from the youth who were here at New Hope for a Friday night lock in. Or for those sleep deprived saints, Doug and Ellen Fannon who gave up some sleep to build relationships between kids and God. The day after, I'm sure the youth bounced out of bed and ran off to do stuff. The adults? Well....
But more than likely the whine came from me as I tried to eradicate several viruses, spyware, and even keyloggers that had invaded the church office PC. Every time someone opened a window in Internet Explorer, pop up ads ... popped up, layering the screen. Annoying. The computer ran so slow I thought I was back on my old Atari PC. Aggravating.
The viruses and the spyware though, were extremely dangerous.
So I went to work, updating security, running anti-spyware software, editing the registry. The result? Almost all gone. But not all. So I kept at it, trying this solution after that one, in safe mode and not, until finally I had to admit defeat.
The only way to eradicate it all, is to start over with a fresh hard drive. Reformat and reinstall.
To begin again. I sure hate to have to do that.
We've been studying the book of Beginnings lately (Genesis), and at one point, God came to the same conclusion that I did Saturday night. But He wasn't talking about a tool like a PC, He was speaking of His creation. And he wasn't whining about it - He was hurting.
GOD saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil--evil, evil, evil from morning to night. 6GOD was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart. 7GOD said, "I'll get rid of my ruined creation, make a clean sweep... Genesis 6:5-6
Sin broke God's heart.
Folks, when I read that again a few weeks ago, even when I read it now - it brings me to tears.
Because I know God to be love beyond all concepts of love we humans are capable of understanding. He'll go anywhere, do anything to let people know just how much He loves them. The most famous verse in the Bible says "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son..."
Imagine how He must have hurt then, when man broke His heart.
Yet in His pain, he was merciful, seeing Noah (not a perfect man himself), as someone who He could continue to love - who hadn't given up on God. So God didn't give up on Him, instead, He re-created the world, and set Noah and family in it to try again. And then a couple thousand years later, a baby was born in Bethlehem for the purpose of saving the world. Hope was re-created in a manger. And God showed us how to live.
I want to ask you something. And you don't have to be a believer to answer this.
Given what you know about God, is your life pleasing Him, or is it breaking His heart?
Listen, God is still re-creating lives - if you'll surrender to His plan and purpose for your life. Get rid of all the "viruses" that keep you from enjoying the freedom that Jesus can give. Stop trying to live a good life and allow the Spirit of God to live in you and enable you to live a life beyond limits.
Give Jesus your heart.
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.
Last week ended with a whine.
The whine could have emenated from the youth who were here at New Hope for a Friday night lock in. Or for those sleep deprived saints, Doug and Ellen Fannon who gave up some sleep to build relationships between kids and God. The day after, I'm sure the youth bounced out of bed and ran off to do stuff. The adults? Well....
But more than likely the whine came from me as I tried to eradicate several viruses, spyware, and even keyloggers that had invaded the church office PC. Every time someone opened a window in Internet Explorer, pop up ads ... popped up, layering the screen. Annoying. The computer ran so slow I thought I was back on my old Atari PC. Aggravating.
The viruses and the spyware though, were extremely dangerous.
So I went to work, updating security, running anti-spyware software, editing the registry. The result? Almost all gone. But not all. So I kept at it, trying this solution after that one, in safe mode and not, until finally I had to admit defeat.
The only way to eradicate it all, is to start over with a fresh hard drive. Reformat and reinstall.
To begin again. I sure hate to have to do that.
We've been studying the book of Beginnings lately (Genesis), and at one point, God came to the same conclusion that I did Saturday night. But He wasn't talking about a tool like a PC, He was speaking of His creation. And he wasn't whining about it - He was hurting.
GOD saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil--evil, evil, evil from morning to night. 6GOD was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart. 7GOD said, "I'll get rid of my ruined creation, make a clean sweep... Genesis 6:5-6
Sin broke God's heart.
Folks, when I read that again a few weeks ago, even when I read it now - it brings me to tears.
Because I know God to be love beyond all concepts of love we humans are capable of understanding. He'll go anywhere, do anything to let people know just how much He loves them. The most famous verse in the Bible says "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son..."
Imagine how He must have hurt then, when man broke His heart.
Yet in His pain, he was merciful, seeing Noah (not a perfect man himself), as someone who He could continue to love - who hadn't given up on God. So God didn't give up on Him, instead, He re-created the world, and set Noah and family in it to try again. And then a couple thousand years later, a baby was born in Bethlehem for the purpose of saving the world. Hope was re-created in a manger. And God showed us how to live.
I want to ask you something. And you don't have to be a believer to answer this.
Given what you know about God, is your life pleasing Him, or is it breaking His heart?
Listen, God is still re-creating lives - if you'll surrender to His plan and purpose for your life. Get rid of all the "viruses" that keep you from enjoying the freedom that Jesus can give. Stop trying to live a good life and allow the Spirit of God to live in you and enable you to live a life beyond limits.
Give Jesus your heart.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
In Good Hands
Little girls gather around their leaders, kneeling before they pray. They are asked if there's anything God needs to hear about, anything that's weighing them down. One speaks, then another. In this place made holy by their heartcries, they speak, asking Jesus to hear their prayers. Sometimes if you were to hear them, they'd break your heart.
Who are they? Children of the age we live in. Most all from homes where divorce has been a visitor, many from where plenty has never shown up.
Who are they? The world would say nobody really. Everywhere they go they're really not heard. After all, they're children. Seen and not heard, speak when spoken too. Come back and see me when you grow up says the world.
But they are not in the world's hands. God's Son came so that they would have someone they could go to with their worries and their cares. Jesus hears every word.
He won't brush aside the bruised and the hurt
and He won't disregard the small and insignificant,
but He'll steadily and firmly set things right. Isaiah 42:3 (MSG)
That's just another reason I love Jesus so.
People achieve power, and they tend to forget where they came from. People achieve success, and poverty is something only "those people" get themselves into. We're quick to pass by on the other side unless it suits our fancy.
Thank God there's Jesus.
With the world to care for, with galaxies at His beck and call, He hears the heartbeat of those little children, and pauses, and cares. He stops for them, and acts on their behalf.
Just as He'll do for you.
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.
Little girls gather around their leaders, kneeling before they pray. They are asked if there's anything God needs to hear about, anything that's weighing them down. One speaks, then another. In this place made holy by their heartcries, they speak, asking Jesus to hear their prayers. Sometimes if you were to hear them, they'd break your heart.
Who are they? Children of the age we live in. Most all from homes where divorce has been a visitor, many from where plenty has never shown up.
Who are they? The world would say nobody really. Everywhere they go they're really not heard. After all, they're children. Seen and not heard, speak when spoken too. Come back and see me when you grow up says the world.
But they are not in the world's hands. God's Son came so that they would have someone they could go to with their worries and their cares. Jesus hears every word.
He won't brush aside the bruised and the hurt
and He won't disregard the small and insignificant,
but He'll steadily and firmly set things right. Isaiah 42:3 (MSG)
That's just another reason I love Jesus so.
People achieve power, and they tend to forget where they came from. People achieve success, and poverty is something only "those people" get themselves into. We're quick to pass by on the other side unless it suits our fancy.
Thank God there's Jesus.
With the world to care for, with galaxies at His beck and call, He hears the heartbeat of those little children, and pauses, and cares. He stops for them, and acts on their behalf.
Just as He'll do for you.
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, November 17, 2004
Is that okay?
My father in love is a precise builder. He's a great man, a true believer in Christ, and a model for me. I thank God for him often, and he's a big supporter of my work for God, and for me. Our relationship has grown much deeper over the years.
When I was placed into that wonderful family through marriage, one of the main objects on my agenda was to make sure he felt his daughter had chosen well. So I tried to hang around and help him as he built things. Did I mention he's a precise builder? The old "measure twice, cut once" really applies here, and in those early days, he started me out by allowing me the honor of holding the end of the measuring tape.
Not the one that has the numbers that count - I'm talking about the bare metal end.
Yep, the one that most of the time no one needs to hold.
I can remember hoping that one day he'd trust me enough to measure for him, or even actually cut the wood we were working with. But until that day I'd hold the end of the ruler, as well as I possibly could.
Sometimes I'd even ask him, "is that okay?"
My goal was to please him, and for him to place his trust in my work. (And eventually, he did)
Some of you have noticed that I haven't been writing as often lately. There have been some physical reasons - PC troubles galore, tiredness, even a little illness on my end. But mostly it's been because I really feel the need to listen far more than speak right now.
My core belief is that God loves me so much that He hasn't just overlooked my sins and shortcomings, but He has paid a terrible price for them. Having done that, He hasn't set me adrift and said "okay, now live better!" Instead, He's stayed close, keeping an intimate connection with me through His Word, His Spirit, and the events around me. And out of deep gratitude and love for Him and what He's done for me, I am to live my life to please Him.
It's so easy to just live mindlessly, never really stepping back and asking yourself - "Am I pleasing God?"
You get up and head out for work, for school, or an appointment. You are around people all day, speaking with them about shared interests, work issues, overdue library fees, doctors bills or whatever. Your words, your actions, your attitudes speak to them about who you are, about what you value, about what you believe in.
Was it pleasing to God?
Here I'm not talking about "being a good person", "treating others like I want to be treated", "trying to live a good life", or any of those things we say when we are walking around the edges of a God honoring life. One man that did that to the max was Paul. Here's what he said about that kind of living.
I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. Philippians 3:10
See friends, at the end of the day, everything outside of being right with God and living the Life is second class stuff. Don't you want to go all the way with Christ?
I'm sure some of you do. I know I do.
And sometimes I just have to step back from the work and ask Him - "Is that okay?"
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 father in love is a precise builder. He's a great man, a true believer in Christ, and a model for me. I thank God for him often, and he's a big supporter of my work for God, and for me. Our relationship has grown much deeper over the years.
When I was placed into that wonderful family through marriage, one of the main objects on my agenda was to make sure he felt his daughter had chosen well. So I tried to hang around and help him as he built things. Did I mention he's a precise builder? The old "measure twice, cut once" really applies here, and in those early days, he started me out by allowing me the honor of holding the end of the measuring tape.
Not the one that has the numbers that count - I'm talking about the bare metal end.
Yep, the one that most of the time no one needs to hold.
I can remember hoping that one day he'd trust me enough to measure for him, or even actually cut the wood we were working with. But until that day I'd hold the end of the ruler, as well as I possibly could.
Sometimes I'd even ask him, "is that okay?"
My goal was to please him, and for him to place his trust in my work. (And eventually, he did)
Some of you have noticed that I haven't been writing as often lately. There have been some physical reasons - PC troubles galore, tiredness, even a little illness on my end. But mostly it's been because I really feel the need to listen far more than speak right now.
My core belief is that God loves me so much that He hasn't just overlooked my sins and shortcomings, but He has paid a terrible price for them. Having done that, He hasn't set me adrift and said "okay, now live better!" Instead, He's stayed close, keeping an intimate connection with me through His Word, His Spirit, and the events around me. And out of deep gratitude and love for Him and what He's done for me, I am to live my life to please Him.
It's so easy to just live mindlessly, never really stepping back and asking yourself - "Am I pleasing God?"
You get up and head out for work, for school, or an appointment. You are around people all day, speaking with them about shared interests, work issues, overdue library fees, doctors bills or whatever. Your words, your actions, your attitudes speak to them about who you are, about what you value, about what you believe in.
Was it pleasing to God?
Here I'm not talking about "being a good person", "treating others like I want to be treated", "trying to live a good life", or any of those things we say when we are walking around the edges of a God honoring life. One man that did that to the max was Paul. Here's what he said about that kind of living.
I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. Philippians 3:10
See friends, at the end of the day, everything outside of being right with God and living the Life is second class stuff. Don't you want to go all the way with Christ?
I'm sure some of you do. I know I do.
And sometimes I just have to step back from the work and ask Him - "Is that okay?"
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, November 11, 2004
Remembrance
In the society in which we live, there are few times when we pause - much less stop.
But we stop today.
No mail. No banks.
Federal employees and many others have the day off from work. Someone must think it's important we remember. It's Veterans day.
Originally, it was put into place to remember the day the guns fell silent in France in the year 1918. But years later that was amended to include veterans of all wars. The date's been changed a couple of times, but we've finally settled on the original date used. So we stop and remember all the brave young men and women that have served.
I suspect many of those who served never got the thank you they deserve. America can be fickle in our praise. We are apt to follow the sound of the guns, awarding heroes wreaths to those who met the enemy in combat, and much less to those who never had to go to battle. My friend who retired from the Air Force recently flew hundreds of hours in defense of our nation. But he never fired in war. He was ready. His life was on the line.
For that I say, "Thank you."
All of you who served.
All of you who pledged "to support and defend the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic." Thank you.
All of you who left home and family to provide protection for my home and my family while we enjoyed the freedom and security your vigilance gave.
Thank you.
It is true that
"...the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends." John 15:13
While thousands lost their lives in the service of our country, millions offered their lives, willing to do whatever it took to keep America safe. That willingness can't be bought. But it does have a price.
And today, a grateful America stops to remember.
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.
In the society in which we live, there are few times when we pause - much less stop.
But we stop today.
No mail. No banks.
Federal employees and many others have the day off from work. Someone must think it's important we remember. It's Veterans day.
Originally, it was put into place to remember the day the guns fell silent in France in the year 1918. But years later that was amended to include veterans of all wars. The date's been changed a couple of times, but we've finally settled on the original date used. So we stop and remember all the brave young men and women that have served.
I suspect many of those who served never got the thank you they deserve. America can be fickle in our praise. We are apt to follow the sound of the guns, awarding heroes wreaths to those who met the enemy in combat, and much less to those who never had to go to battle. My friend who retired from the Air Force recently flew hundreds of hours in defense of our nation. But he never fired in war. He was ready. His life was on the line.
For that I say, "Thank you."
All of you who served.
All of you who pledged "to support and defend the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic." Thank you.
All of you who left home and family to provide protection for my home and my family while we enjoyed the freedom and security your vigilance gave.
Thank you.
It is true that
"...the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends." John 15:13
While thousands lost their lives in the service of our country, millions offered their lives, willing to do whatever it took to keep America safe. That willingness can't be bought. But it does have a price.
And today, a grateful America stops to remember.
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, November 10, 2004
Semper Fidelis
Today marks the 229th birthday of the Marine Corps. Even as I type this, "America's 911" is engaged in fierce fighting in Fallujah, Iraq. Millions of men and women have served their country as Marines in its history, with valor and with distinction. In many of the most famous battles the world associates with Marines though, they were outnumbered and outgunned - yet they triumphed.
How?
It begins with a simple Latin phrase that every Marine boot learns. "Semper Fidelis" - always faithful.
Everyone understands what "always" means, but the depths of "faithful" are less frequently explored. At it's root there are words associated like "steadfast", "fidelity", "loyal". But it can also mean "closeness to the original", or "a faithful translation of the original."
Think about it with me. For 229 years, men and women have pushed themselves through demanding training, forced themselves into harm's way, bled and died always seeking to remain faithful to the Corps - to the original vision of what being a Marine means. Their fidelity to that vision, and their dogged perseverance in teaching it to successive generations has given us a group of people whose faithfulness extends past their active service into their entire lives. "Once a Marine, always a Marine."
We can learn from that folks.
Our original was Jesus Christ. He patterned for us a way of life - of relating to God and to men and women so different and yet so right that people have been giving Him their lives for over 2000 years. His followers have faced matyrdom, mutilation, and every torture known.
From His death on a cross to now though, His disciples rise each morning with a renewed committment to make a difference that day for Him. Their goal - to be always faithful to the One who gave them new lives, and to pass His teachings to the next generations.
They sometimes fail. But He never does.
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalms 136:1 (NLT)
God is always faithful.
He was faithful yesterday; He's faithful today. What He's promised, He will do. May His unfailing love find you today.
Semper Fidelis, and God bless the Marine Corps.
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 marks the 229th birthday of the Marine Corps. Even as I type this, "America's 911" is engaged in fierce fighting in Fallujah, Iraq. Millions of men and women have served their country as Marines in its history, with valor and with distinction. In many of the most famous battles the world associates with Marines though, they were outnumbered and outgunned - yet they triumphed.
How?
It begins with a simple Latin phrase that every Marine boot learns. "Semper Fidelis" - always faithful.
Everyone understands what "always" means, but the depths of "faithful" are less frequently explored. At it's root there are words associated like "steadfast", "fidelity", "loyal". But it can also mean "closeness to the original", or "a faithful translation of the original."
Think about it with me. For 229 years, men and women have pushed themselves through demanding training, forced themselves into harm's way, bled and died always seeking to remain faithful to the Corps - to the original vision of what being a Marine means. Their fidelity to that vision, and their dogged perseverance in teaching it to successive generations has given us a group of people whose faithfulness extends past their active service into their entire lives. "Once a Marine, always a Marine."
We can learn from that folks.
Our original was Jesus Christ. He patterned for us a way of life - of relating to God and to men and women so different and yet so right that people have been giving Him their lives for over 2000 years. His followers have faced matyrdom, mutilation, and every torture known.
From His death on a cross to now though, His disciples rise each morning with a renewed committment to make a difference that day for Him. Their goal - to be always faithful to the One who gave them new lives, and to pass His teachings to the next generations.
They sometimes fail. But He never does.
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalms 136:1 (NLT)
God is always faithful.
He was faithful yesterday; He's faithful today. What He's promised, He will do. May His unfailing love find you today.
Semper Fidelis, and God bless the Marine Corps.
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, October 05, 2004
Critics and Believers
Today I was doing some work on the computer that involved combining a large amount of text together. Everything was going well I thought, until suddenly a gray box popped up on the screen and said:
There are too many spelling and grammatical errors in this document for Microsoft Word to continue displaying them. Spellcheck and grammar check have ceased.
It was a busy day, with a lot going on, and the work I was doing was important. So I ignored it and continued. I wrote a little more, moved some text around, and hit enter, saving it under another name. Everything was fine.
I wrote a few more words and there it was again.
Now I wanted to talk to the PC, man to machine. Something like...
"Excuse me? Am I being insulted by a machine? Is what you are saying that I am hopeless, that I will never get it right, and so there's no point in your continuing?"
But I just saved it to yet another name and continued doing what I was doing. Everything good so far.
I hit enter.
The message popped up again. Microsoft had given up on me.
Aren't you glad God isn't like that?
Everybody's your friend when life is good, when your work is praised, when there's money in the bank and all your kids are doing great. When you are doing the right things right - life's a cinch.
But what happens when trouble comes? Whether you had a hand in it, or not - trouble is trouble. The Bible never leads us on by helping us pretend trouble isn't part of life.
Psalm 34:19 (Msg)
Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.
But the Bible also never ceases to remind us we never go through trouble alone.
God is with us. Every time. He never gives up on us.
Psalm 91:14 (Msg)
"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
But to really make progress, you've got to put your trust in someone other than yourself, in something other than your own skills, your own abilities. You've got to learn to trust God. He believes in you, now focus your attention on believing in Him and living for Him.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Today I was doing some work on the computer that involved combining a large amount of text together. Everything was going well I thought, until suddenly a gray box popped up on the screen and said:
There are too many spelling and grammatical errors in this document for Microsoft Word to continue displaying them. Spellcheck and grammar check have ceased.
It was a busy day, with a lot going on, and the work I was doing was important. So I ignored it and continued. I wrote a little more, moved some text around, and hit enter, saving it under another name. Everything was fine.
I wrote a few more words and there it was again.
Now I wanted to talk to the PC, man to machine. Something like...
"Excuse me? Am I being insulted by a machine? Is what you are saying that I am hopeless, that I will never get it right, and so there's no point in your continuing?"
But I just saved it to yet another name and continued doing what I was doing. Everything good so far.
I hit enter.
The message popped up again. Microsoft had given up on me.
Aren't you glad God isn't like that?
Everybody's your friend when life is good, when your work is praised, when there's money in the bank and all your kids are doing great. When you are doing the right things right - life's a cinch.
But what happens when trouble comes? Whether you had a hand in it, or not - trouble is trouble. The Bible never leads us on by helping us pretend trouble isn't part of life.
Psalm 34:19 (Msg)
Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.
But the Bible also never ceases to remind us we never go through trouble alone.
God is with us. Every time. He never gives up on us.
Psalm 91:14 (Msg)
"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
But to really make progress, you've got to put your trust in someone other than yourself, in something other than your own skills, your own abilities. You've got to learn to trust God. He believes in you, now focus your attention on believing in Him and living for Him.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Training
Bobby's been coming to church a week now, and from what I can tell, he seems to be enjoying it. Playing with the other little ones does seem to take a lot out of him though, as I noticed Sunday morning he slept through my entire sermon.
But what do you expect from a dog?
Yes, Bobby's a dog. It's not unusual for us to have some dogs show up on Wednesday night with their owners. In fact, last night we had four in all. But Bobby has been very consistent in his attendance, and as his pastor, I wanted to commend him.
Really though, the praise should go to Ellen Fannon, as she is the one who's bringing Bobby with her to church. While he's here, Bobby learns about obedience, about how to get along with others, and experiences things he otherwise wouldn't.
Bobby's learning about life, and his caregivers are seeking to teach him while living it.
We have other little ones here whose parents haven't understood that lesson yet. At New Hope, we've always been thrilled to be a part of teaching children and youth about life, and especially about life in Christ. It's exciting to see them learn and grow.
But we only have them for a couple of hours a week. Given that, it is pretty hard for us to change the habits that form the rest of the week. Unless the parents are teaching about living the Christian life while living it, the kids will forget how to really live. That's why the Bible is so insistent on how to teach your children.
Deut. 6:4-7 (Msg)
Attention, Israel!
God, our God! God the one and only!
[5] Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
[6] Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you [7] and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.
How do you get the wisdom of God inside your children?
By living the life in front of them - everywhere you go. It's impossible to give away what you don't have yourself, so let them see you reading your Bible, and praying to God in praise of His goodness, mercy, and grace. Show them about how much God matters to you by being faithful in worship and Bible study.
Teach the children of how great God is - how loving - how wise by using the creation He has provided and through life situations you encounter. Show them God's love in the rainbow, in a flower, even in His providing us with faithful companionship through pets like Bobby. Let them see you relate to others out of Christ's love to you.
Train them in the ways of God, and His path will be easy for them to find when He calls for their life commitment to Him.
Bobby's life's work is to be a therapy dog, giving aid and comfort to people in need. He's learning how to treat people by being with them.
God's clear intent for we humans is that we learn about Him by doing the same.
Grace!
David
Bobby's been coming to church a week now, and from what I can tell, he seems to be enjoying it. Playing with the other little ones does seem to take a lot out of him though, as I noticed Sunday morning he slept through my entire sermon.
But what do you expect from a dog?
Yes, Bobby's a dog. It's not unusual for us to have some dogs show up on Wednesday night with their owners. In fact, last night we had four in all. But Bobby has been very consistent in his attendance, and as his pastor, I wanted to commend him.
Really though, the praise should go to Ellen Fannon, as she is the one who's bringing Bobby with her to church. While he's here, Bobby learns about obedience, about how to get along with others, and experiences things he otherwise wouldn't.
Bobby's learning about life, and his caregivers are seeking to teach him while living it.
We have other little ones here whose parents haven't understood that lesson yet. At New Hope, we've always been thrilled to be a part of teaching children and youth about life, and especially about life in Christ. It's exciting to see them learn and grow.
But we only have them for a couple of hours a week. Given that, it is pretty hard for us to change the habits that form the rest of the week. Unless the parents are teaching about living the Christian life while living it, the kids will forget how to really live. That's why the Bible is so insistent on how to teach your children.
Deut. 6:4-7 (Msg)
Attention, Israel!
God, our God! God the one and only!
[5] Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
[6] Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you [7] and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.
How do you get the wisdom of God inside your children?
By living the life in front of them - everywhere you go. It's impossible to give away what you don't have yourself, so let them see you reading your Bible, and praying to God in praise of His goodness, mercy, and grace. Show them about how much God matters to you by being faithful in worship and Bible study.
Teach the children of how great God is - how loving - how wise by using the creation He has provided and through life situations you encounter. Show them God's love in the rainbow, in a flower, even in His providing us with faithful companionship through pets like Bobby. Let them see you relate to others out of Christ's love to you.
Train them in the ways of God, and His path will be easy for them to find when He calls for their life commitment to Him.
Bobby's life's work is to be a therapy dog, giving aid and comfort to people in need. He's learning how to treat people by being with them.
God's clear intent for we humans is that we learn about Him by doing the same.
Grace!
David
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Just another day
I had just finished my daily devotional time and thought I'd spend a moment checking in with the world. In today's environment, that means the internet, and for me it's navigating to Google's news page.
There's a picture of two smiling former hostages as they arrived home in Italy.
Another of Prime Minister Tony Blair of England - and he's not smiling as he fights for his political life.
One of the private spacecraft that successfully slipped the bonds of earth today out west.
And one of a baby, injured in a rocket attack on an Israeli town.
Just another day.
Hate and heartache, laughter and joy, delivered from all over the world and refreshed every few minutes.
On second thought, maybe I'm not through with my devotionals after all.
How about some good news?
Romans 3:25-26 (Msg) (emphasis mine)
God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear.
God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured.
This is not only clear, but it's now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.
So the next time you read too much of today's "news", remember this verse. While the world seems to rush to spread the news about what's going wrong, God continually is setting things right between people who believe in Jesus' sacrifice and Sonship and Himself.
Just another day of God's love reaching past our failures and drawing us into His love.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
I had just finished my daily devotional time and thought I'd spend a moment checking in with the world. In today's environment, that means the internet, and for me it's navigating to Google's news page.
There's a picture of two smiling former hostages as they arrived home in Italy.
Another of Prime Minister Tony Blair of England - and he's not smiling as he fights for his political life.
One of the private spacecraft that successfully slipped the bonds of earth today out west.
And one of a baby, injured in a rocket attack on an Israeli town.
Just another day.
Hate and heartache, laughter and joy, delivered from all over the world and refreshed every few minutes.
On second thought, maybe I'm not through with my devotionals after all.
How about some good news?
Romans 3:25-26 (Msg) (emphasis mine)
God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear.
God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured.
This is not only clear, but it's now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.
So the next time you read too much of today's "news", remember this verse. While the world seems to rush to spread the news about what's going wrong, God continually is setting things right between people who believe in Jesus' sacrifice and Sonship and Himself.
Just another day of God's love reaching past our failures and drawing us into His love.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
After The Storm
We're coming up on two weeks since Hurricane Ivan passed by, and it seems we are in a holding pattern. Due to the widespread devastation, there are more roofs damaged than roofers to repair them. And too, all the piles of limbs and leaves still line the streets. It will be weeks before all that is cleared.
It was easy to spot that damage after the storm. You could see which shingles were missing - which limbs and leaves were at your feet. But that wasn't all the damage.
After every storm, it takes a while for some of the hurts to reveal themselves.
This morning as I rolled to a stop at church, I looked over at our oak tree. Everything you could every want in a tree - it is. Beautifully shaped, huge trunk, large low branches just perfect for children's adventures. More than once a member has driven up on Wednesday night to find their pastor up a tree - rescuing a little one who went up a little too far.
At first glance after the storm, it looked fine - a few missing leaves. But today, some of the broken branches have revealed themselves with brown leaves among the green. Hidden before, though hurt, now the full extent of the damage is in plain view.
Maybe you've gone through a storm yourself recently. It wasn't your first one, and you've learned over the years what you need to do to get well. But this time, healing didn't come.
Or perhaps an event from your past, that you thought had long been dealt with - now haunts your thoughts again.
It's time then for a visit from the Master Gardener as revealed to us in John's gospel, chapter 15.
John 15:4-5 (Msg)
"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
[5] "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing.
If you are dry right now, maybe it's because your relationship with Christ has been damaged by the storms. Or perhaps an old wound, never fully healed, has been uncovered by the winds of life.
Come to Jesus.
Give your hurts to Him.
The life you want - the life full of all the things that matter - only comes through Him. When no one else can spot your hurts - He sees them and seeks to heal - if you'll come to Him.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
We're coming up on two weeks since Hurricane Ivan passed by, and it seems we are in a holding pattern. Due to the widespread devastation, there are more roofs damaged than roofers to repair them. And too, all the piles of limbs and leaves still line the streets. It will be weeks before all that is cleared.
It was easy to spot that damage after the storm. You could see which shingles were missing - which limbs and leaves were at your feet. But that wasn't all the damage.
After every storm, it takes a while for some of the hurts to reveal themselves.
This morning as I rolled to a stop at church, I looked over at our oak tree. Everything you could every want in a tree - it is. Beautifully shaped, huge trunk, large low branches just perfect for children's adventures. More than once a member has driven up on Wednesday night to find their pastor up a tree - rescuing a little one who went up a little too far.
At first glance after the storm, it looked fine - a few missing leaves. But today, some of the broken branches have revealed themselves with brown leaves among the green. Hidden before, though hurt, now the full extent of the damage is in plain view.
Maybe you've gone through a storm yourself recently. It wasn't your first one, and you've learned over the years what you need to do to get well. But this time, healing didn't come.
Or perhaps an event from your past, that you thought had long been dealt with - now haunts your thoughts again.
It's time then for a visit from the Master Gardener as revealed to us in John's gospel, chapter 15.
John 15:4-5 (Msg)
"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
[5] "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing.
If you are dry right now, maybe it's because your relationship with Christ has been damaged by the storms. Or perhaps an old wound, never fully healed, has been uncovered by the winds of life.
Come to Jesus.
Give your hurts to Him.
The life you want - the life full of all the things that matter - only comes through Him. When no one else can spot your hurts - He sees them and seeks to heal - if you'll come to Him.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Friday, September 24, 2004
"Blue is my favorite color"
Mark 10:15 (Msg)
"Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."
While I was checking the mail this morning, a mother and her daughter walked by. I had seen them in the neighborhood, so said hello and asked how they made out in the hurricane.
The mom then explained...
about the loss of power,
the loss of everything they had in the freezer,
the loss of income since her business was closed for a few days,
and the loss of shingles from their roof.
Then she said:
"We went and got tarps from FEMA to cover the damage until the roofers get around to us. They don't look too good, that blue really sticks out on a gray roof."
Her daughter looked up and me and smiling said, "blue is my favorite color."
Sometimes children teach their parents, if we'll listen.
Think about it.
The mom was telling me about things that had happened, lamenting really, about losses that had occurred. She was working in the past, from what was wrong.
Her little girl, like all children, was living in the now. And that folks, is where we have to live too.
We've been given today - because today is all we can handle. So find a reason to praise God in the midst of wherever you find yourself.
"Blue is my favorite color."
Mine too.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Mark 10:15 (Msg)
"Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."
While I was checking the mail this morning, a mother and her daughter walked by. I had seen them in the neighborhood, so said hello and asked how they made out in the hurricane.
The mom then explained...
about the loss of power,
the loss of everything they had in the freezer,
the loss of income since her business was closed for a few days,
and the loss of shingles from their roof.
Then she said:
"We went and got tarps from FEMA to cover the damage until the roofers get around to us. They don't look too good, that blue really sticks out on a gray roof."
Her daughter looked up and me and smiling said, "blue is my favorite color."
Sometimes children teach their parents, if we'll listen.
Think about it.
The mom was telling me about things that had happened, lamenting really, about losses that had occurred. She was working in the past, from what was wrong.
Her little girl, like all children, was living in the now. And that folks, is where we have to live too.
We've been given today - because today is all we can handle. So find a reason to praise God in the midst of wherever you find yourself.
"Blue is my favorite color."
Mine too.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Starting Over
Sitting here today, my first day back after Ivan ravaged the Gulf coast, I can look out and see trees stripped of their foliage, and some of their fellows lying broken around them.
Looking past them, I can see homes missing considerable amounts of shingles.
And on a brilliantly beautiful afternoon, the air that normally would be filled with the sounds of children at play across the street at Valparaiso Elementary is quiet. They are absent today, many of their families still coping with a loss of power, damage to their homes, spoilage of food and a loss of income from being laid off, as businesses struggle to recover as well.
It's like the whole area is having to learn how to start over.
I'm no stranger to that process. Over fifty years ago, my father and mother anticipated the delivery of two babies. Yet when the twins were born, (my older brothers Michael and Mitchell) due to complications from my Mother carrying them too long, they both died within a week of their birth.
Devastated doesn't begin to describe what my parents experienced.
My mother is in heaven now, but while she lived she very seldom ever talked about it. Oh, she might mention "the twins", but briefly, and quickly move on. It was a deep, lasting hurt that never really went away.
So many people never recover from such a wound. Marriages, even whole lives, just wither and die.
But not when you find the will to start over.
My Mother told me she found that will in Jesus Christ.
One day we were talking, and I brought up the loss of my brothers. She reached over and opened up her Bible and read me this.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
She told me she took God at His Word and started over.
I cannot imagine how much courage it took for her to do that. But whatever amount it took, her God supplied it.
How do I know?
Because 51 years ago today, in the afternoon, my mother's third child, also a boy, was born.
She named him David Anthony Wilson. (My middle name is the same as my brother that I will meet someday in heaven.)
Friends, I don't know what you are facing today. But I know this - the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and yes, the God of Lodie Marie Bowden Wilson (and her sons) is big enough, strong enough, and cares enough to help you start over.
When you do, that's when you understand how deep God's love really is. Start over.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you
Sitting here today, my first day back after Ivan ravaged the Gulf coast, I can look out and see trees stripped of their foliage, and some of their fellows lying broken around them.
Looking past them, I can see homes missing considerable amounts of shingles.
And on a brilliantly beautiful afternoon, the air that normally would be filled with the sounds of children at play across the street at Valparaiso Elementary is quiet. They are absent today, many of their families still coping with a loss of power, damage to their homes, spoilage of food and a loss of income from being laid off, as businesses struggle to recover as well.
It's like the whole area is having to learn how to start over.
I'm no stranger to that process. Over fifty years ago, my father and mother anticipated the delivery of two babies. Yet when the twins were born, (my older brothers Michael and Mitchell) due to complications from my Mother carrying them too long, they both died within a week of their birth.
Devastated doesn't begin to describe what my parents experienced.
My mother is in heaven now, but while she lived she very seldom ever talked about it. Oh, she might mention "the twins", but briefly, and quickly move on. It was a deep, lasting hurt that never really went away.
So many people never recover from such a wound. Marriages, even whole lives, just wither and die.
But not when you find the will to start over.
My Mother told me she found that will in Jesus Christ.
One day we were talking, and I brought up the loss of my brothers. She reached over and opened up her Bible and read me this.
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
She told me she took God at His Word and started over.
I cannot imagine how much courage it took for her to do that. But whatever amount it took, her God supplied it.
How do I know?
Because 51 years ago today, in the afternoon, my mother's third child, also a boy, was born.
She named him David Anthony Wilson. (My middle name is the same as my brother that I will meet someday in heaven.)
Friends, I don't know what you are facing today. But I know this - the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and yes, the God of Lodie Marie Bowden Wilson (and her sons) is big enough, strong enough, and cares enough to help you start over.
When you do, that's when you understand how deep God's love really is. Start over.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Picking Up the Pieces
1 John 4:12 (Msg)
No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!
Back in the office this evening checking on the buildings. As I walked around the place on the map called New Hope Baptist, I picked up shingle after shingle. The roof didn't really fare too well under the 100+ mph winds.
But the church did just fine.
After talking to almost every family both before and after Ivan came through, I've not heard of any injuries except for one broken ankle, suffered by Susie Finlayson, characteristically for her, suffered while trying to help someone else.
During the storm, people were calling offering to share homes, power, food, hot water, whatever anyone needed. After, people were calling just to check on one another.
Yes, the buildings may have suffered, but the church is doing just fine, even becoming more complete in Christ's love.
Please keep praying for those affected throughout the South by Ivan.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
1 John 4:12 (Msg)
No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!
Back in the office this evening checking on the buildings. As I walked around the place on the map called New Hope Baptist, I picked up shingle after shingle. The roof didn't really fare too well under the 100+ mph winds.
But the church did just fine.
After talking to almost every family both before and after Ivan came through, I've not heard of any injuries except for one broken ankle, suffered by Susie Finlayson, characteristically for her, suffered while trying to help someone else.
During the storm, people were calling offering to share homes, power, food, hot water, whatever anyone needed. After, people were calling just to check on one another.
Yes, the buildings may have suffered, but the church is doing just fine, even becoming more complete in Christ's love.
Please keep praying for those affected throughout the South by Ivan.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
There's power, and then there's POWER
We are still experiencing pretty gusty winds of I'd guess 50 mph, but it's nothing like it was last night, when the power of Hurricane Ivan came and took our electricity but left our house.
I've seen tropical storms before, but a hurricane - that's a whole different kind of power.
With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. 2 A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2 (MSG)
There's power than can kill the body, but no power that can touch the soul of one who has given their life to Jesus Christ.
Look to that power as you deal with the storms of life.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
We are still experiencing pretty gusty winds of I'd guess 50 mph, but it's nothing like it was last night, when the power of Hurricane Ivan came and took our electricity but left our house.
I've seen tropical storms before, but a hurricane - that's a whole different kind of power.
With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. 2 A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2 (MSG)
There's power than can kill the body, but no power that can touch the soul of one who has given their life to Jesus Christ.
Look to that power as you deal with the storms of life.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Keepers and Leavers
Ivan bears down on the Gulf coast as I write this, and we're still here. But literally millions of people have evacuated the area, hoping to find places of safety.The stories coming out tell of some people in panic mode, not being able to take everything with them and having to make tough choices. I've seen vehicles leaving that looked a little like they were moving away for good, with furniture and appliances piled high in the back of the vehicle. Animal welfare shelters are full with animals that have given their owners uncompomising devotion and unconditional love. But when push came to shove.. their owners decided they weren't worth keeping or were too much trouble to take.
What do you take and what do you leave?
Do you grab the TV?
What about the PC?
Maybe the pictures?
What about those golf clubs, the jet ski or atv?
People that have been through a few of these storms talk about how they realized what really mattered to them. Jesus gave us insight into what those choices say about those that make them.
34 Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be. Luke 12:34 (NLT)
The choices you make at times like this really offer a window into your heart.
Maybe this is the time to take a look at just what your "valuables" are.
And the only way to do that is to begin with your relationship with God. Is it something you can take or leave? Or is it the one relationship that every single value comes out of and is evaluated by?
Take time today to remind yourself of what really matters.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Ivan bears down on the Gulf coast as I write this, and we're still here. But literally millions of people have evacuated the area, hoping to find places of safety.The stories coming out tell of some people in panic mode, not being able to take everything with them and having to make tough choices. I've seen vehicles leaving that looked a little like they were moving away for good, with furniture and appliances piled high in the back of the vehicle. Animal welfare shelters are full with animals that have given their owners uncompomising devotion and unconditional love. But when push came to shove.. their owners decided they weren't worth keeping or were too much trouble to take.
What do you take and what do you leave?
Do you grab the TV?
What about the PC?
Maybe the pictures?
What about those golf clubs, the jet ski or atv?
People that have been through a few of these storms talk about how they realized what really mattered to them. Jesus gave us insight into what those choices say about those that make them.
34 Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be. Luke 12:34 (NLT)
The choices you make at times like this really offer a window into your heart.
Maybe this is the time to take a look at just what your "valuables" are.
And the only way to do that is to begin with your relationship with God. Is it something you can take or leave? Or is it the one relationship that every single value comes out of and is evaluated by?
Take time today to remind yourself of what really matters.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Storm Warnings
Here on the Gulf Coast, we are under the gun for Hurricane Ivan. As it approached today, the people in our area reacted in different ways. Some took it very seriously, boarding up windows, buying large quantities of bottled water, and making sure their vehicles were full of gasoline. Others didn't really seem to do anything, And then there were those who I saw headed to the beach with surfboards resting on the roof of their car.
I'm sure every one of them knows of the hurricane. After all, the TV, radio, and every other media outlet was blaring the latest predictions of intensity and landfall. Watching what Ivan had done in Jamaica, the Caymans, and Cuba gave everyone a glimpse of the seriousness of the storm.
They were warned.
As a pastor, I see a lot of storms.
When people decide to live life outside God's will, they place themselves in real danger. Many if not all know better. They've been in Bible Study, heard hundreds of sermons. But all of those don't seem to affect their daily lives. Jesus acknowledged the problem and the results.
24 "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit— but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
26 "But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. 27 When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."
Matt 7:24-27 (MSG)
Friends, Bible trivia is a game. Bible study and prayerful application of what you learn to your daily life - that's real. Don't be fooled into thinking the storms won't come - they will. Take time each day to open your Bible and pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you to higher ground.
Build your life on the Rock of God's Word.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Here on the Gulf Coast, we are under the gun for Hurricane Ivan. As it approached today, the people in our area reacted in different ways. Some took it very seriously, boarding up windows, buying large quantities of bottled water, and making sure their vehicles were full of gasoline. Others didn't really seem to do anything, And then there were those who I saw headed to the beach with surfboards resting on the roof of their car.
I'm sure every one of them knows of the hurricane. After all, the TV, radio, and every other media outlet was blaring the latest predictions of intensity and landfall. Watching what Ivan had done in Jamaica, the Caymans, and Cuba gave everyone a glimpse of the seriousness of the storm.
They were warned.
As a pastor, I see a lot of storms.
When people decide to live life outside God's will, they place themselves in real danger. Many if not all know better. They've been in Bible Study, heard hundreds of sermons. But all of those don't seem to affect their daily lives. Jesus acknowledged the problem and the results.
24 "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit— but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
26 "But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. 27 When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."
Matt 7:24-27 (MSG)
Friends, Bible trivia is a game. Bible study and prayerful application of what you learn to your daily life - that's real. Don't be fooled into thinking the storms won't come - they will. Take time each day to open your Bible and pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you to higher ground.
Build your life on the Rock of God's Word.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
A Rising Tide
One of the miracles of last week was in the approach of Hurricane Frances to the Gulf Coast. After battering across Florida, it popped out into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and it appeared that Florida's panhandle would feel the power that destroyed so much property on the way here.
Yet just as Frances approached, it slowed. Not a lot, but enough that when it hit the coast, it hit at LOW TIDE. So a storm surge that could have carried millions of gallons of water over the beaches and into homes and businesses was nullified. There's no power at low tide.
For those who feel that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness seems to have degenerated into tiredness, debt, and just trying to make it through another day,
For you who feel living a life of faith and trust is far too hard most times,
I suggest to you that maybe in your efforts to do it your way, you are living at low tide.
Doesn't mean God's power isn't available to you, just that you want it your way, on your timing, and God doesn't answer to your whistle or whine.
Notice in the verses below Who is supposed to do the heavy lifting.
Hebrews 13:20,21 (Msg)
May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole...
Now put you together,
provide you with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
What looks so hard without God, is so simple when He's in control. Remember, His power flows into and through our weaknesses. It's not about us. It's about Him - always Him.
Do this. Pray at the beginning of each day, and before each challenge you face during it, for the power of God to be released in and through your efforts to make Him proud.
Let God be God.
You'll be amazed at the power of Love's rising tide.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
One of the miracles of last week was in the approach of Hurricane Frances to the Gulf Coast. After battering across Florida, it popped out into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and it appeared that Florida's panhandle would feel the power that destroyed so much property on the way here.
Yet just as Frances approached, it slowed. Not a lot, but enough that when it hit the coast, it hit at LOW TIDE. So a storm surge that could have carried millions of gallons of water over the beaches and into homes and businesses was nullified. There's no power at low tide.
For those who feel that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness seems to have degenerated into tiredness, debt, and just trying to make it through another day,
For you who feel living a life of faith and trust is far too hard most times,
I suggest to you that maybe in your efforts to do it your way, you are living at low tide.
Doesn't mean God's power isn't available to you, just that you want it your way, on your timing, and God doesn't answer to your whistle or whine.
Notice in the verses below Who is supposed to do the heavy lifting.
Hebrews 13:20,21 (Msg)
May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole...
Now put you together,
provide you with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
What looks so hard without God, is so simple when He's in control. Remember, His power flows into and through our weaknesses. It's not about us. It's about Him - always Him.
Do this. Pray at the beginning of each day, and before each challenge you face during it, for the power of God to be released in and through your efforts to make Him proud.
Let God be God.
You'll be amazed at the power of Love's rising tide.
Grace!
David
This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.
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