Short Devotion: In God's Hands

Deuteronomy 33:3            Surely it is you who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand. At your feet they all bow down, and from you receive instruction.

On Sunday mornings in many churches, young families come down to the front of the sanctuary to hear a story, sing a song, and say a prayer. One of the best family church songs is the old spiritual, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Kids love it and it’s always delightful to watch them with their parents sing together while doing the exaggerated actions to the words of this well-known simple song.

It's through those simple worship moments that the meaning, the unity, and the purpose of the church are experienced. We are called as a holy people, held in God's hands, worshiping His Son Jesus, and constantly guided by the Holy Spirit. We are made simply to enjoy God and to glorify the Lord forever. God’s words are spoken to every generation, and our faith is positively built up through the singing of simple songs that reach into our hearts and minds, our spirits and souls, which we will enjoy forevermore.

In my mind, I have this picture of everyone gathered together in glory, and we're all looking at the Earth, which is gently cupped in God's great hands. At that moment in eternity, wouldn't it be wonderful to sing the old spiritual and to truly experience it at the same time?

Sometimes, we feel isolated and all alone in this world. Sometimes, we just want the Earth to stop spinning, so that we can jump off. But in those moments of loneliness and vulnerability, we can also choose to remember that the Creator we worship loves people, just like us, holding them dearly in God’s hands.

Prayer:          Lord God, You are the One who created everything, and we live on such a tiny part of this gigantic universe. With all that is continually going on throughout the cosmos, we marvel that You love us so deeply and keep us in Your Holy Hands. Be with us this day and embrace us within Your everlasting arms. In Jesus' Name, we gladly pray. Amen.

 

Midweek Message: Strong Fortresses

Psalm 31:2b Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. (NIV)

Dear Friends,

My wife and I returned home from Europe recently. We had an amazing cruise vacation around the Mediterranean. We saw ports, towns, and cities in Italy, Croatia, Monaco, France, and Spain. It was a wonderful trip, filled with many happy memories and beautiful experiences. We know that jetlag will kick in soon, but we are grateful to have taken the opportunity to go and see different places, eat some new foods, and speak in different languages including a little Croatian!

In most of the ports on the Mediterranean Sea, there is usually a formidable fortress overlooking the harbor. This reminds us that throughout history, the Mediterranean has seen many conflicts. A lot of the ports also have narrow winding streets which were used to hide the inhabitants from invaders, as well as entrapping pirates and other conquerors from pillaging their towns. These days, those fierce-looking castles still experience many foreign invaders, usually carrying cellphones to take photos of the stern stone walls. Instead of being impenetrable powerhouses, the fortresses are now largely welcome centers and magnificent museums where tour groups and their guides gather to marvel at the structures and hear about their history.

At one time, large churches were also formidable buildings which were meant to make people feel small and vulnerable, sinful and unworthy. These fortresses of faith often presented a stern type of Christianity which sadly is still experienced in some congregations today. Thankfully, places like our own church, have become wonderful welcome centers and sanctuaries of refuge for the marginalized and victimized, as all as for the lonely and lost, where everyone is accepted as a child of God’s grace and truly loved by Christ.

May God’s grace be with you and all your loved ones.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: Play Joyfully

Psalm 33:3 Sing to God a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (NIV)

Yesterday, the whole world was stunned with the news of Dolly Parton’s death. She was such a joyfully charismatic person, whose songs brought a great deal of happiness and meaning to millions of people across the globe.

For those of us who live in East Tennessee, it feels as though a dear and beloved family member has passed away. Dolly’s commitment to the folks who live in this region was wonderful to behold. She never forgot her humble roots and her international success meant that she could invest in the lives of East Tennessean families and children with her book ministry. Dolly cherished the richness of her own education and wanted to ensure that millions of children throughout various states were sent a book to read each month.

Dolly’s talents have been admired and celebrated since she was a teenager. Her positive attitude endeared her to many Americans. Her passing made us realize how much we all loved her as a person, as well as a performer. She was a National Treasure and one whom we will all dearly miss. She treated everyone as a child of God’s grace and showed us what really makes America great – compassion, tolerance, faith, and love.

Every year, Evelyn and I go to Dollywood in the Fall. It’s not just a beautiful season, but Dollywood is such a charming place to walk around, to see other people, to go on the rides, and, of course, to listen to the music being played all over the park. Dolly’s legacy will continue there for years to come and the good folks in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville will always be grateful for what she accomplished as an artiste, a Tennessean, and a Christian.

Just like the psalmist of old, Dolly sang joyfully to God and played skillfully. We have all been truly blessed by a remarkable woman.

May God be with you all.

Pastor John