A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.
(Our hostesses Charlotte & Ginger bring forth Spiritual Sunday @ http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/)
It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the firey sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday'. We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken. The Lord is my Shepherd ----- that's a Relationship! I shall not want ----- that's Supply! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ----that's Rest! He leadeth me beside the still waters -----that'sRefreshment! He restoreth my soul ----- that's Healing! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness --that's Guidance! For His name sake ----- that's Purpose! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death--that's Testing! I will fear no evil ----- that's Protection! For Thou art with me ----- that's Faithfulness! Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me -----that'sDiscipline! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies------that's Hope! Thou annointest my head with oil ----- that'sConsecration! My cup runneth over ----- that's Abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life----that's Blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -----that'sSecurity! Forever ----- that's Eternity! Face it, God is crazy about you!
*** Go to Dec. 3rd post to enter GIVEAWAYs***
A wonderful post Marydon! ~tina
ReplyDeleteVery touching story!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a another keeper Marydon. What a sweet subtle approach that Pastor had. I always love the fact the Bible says in Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (NIV)
ReplyDeleteThank you Marydon-I'm searching for the right place to go again-I needed to hear this sermon!
ReplyDeleteMarydon, this is the way my dad would have done it for sure! He passed on his visual method of teaching to us and I was so grateful for it when my oldest was born deaf. I continue to use it, and it really has more impact. I will remember this one- it may come in handy later on in life.
ReplyDeleteHugs- Tete
That's a very touching story! No words are needed in this case, but it said so much!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this Marydon! I am going to send it to my friend at Church to put in our weekly Messenger! Have a blessed Sunday! HUGS!
ReplyDeleteOh my dear Marydon. How richly you have blessed me with this message this morning.
ReplyDeleteHow thankful I am to know you!
Keep on shining your light.
That was GREAT! I attended a Christian school for elementary and one of the teachers taught us the same principle using BBQ brickets. I've taught that same story to my grandkids. This story adds an extra sweetness to the principle and I'm going to have such fun sharing it during reading activities for grandparents and grandchildren with my grandkids. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks again for the delightful giveaway. Speaking of giveaways, SandwichINK.com has one for Amazon gift certificates along with a great caregiving Holiday party. It's open to all, even if you aren't in a caregiving season at the moment. :)
Christmas blessings! :)
Wonderful post! blessings,Kathleen
ReplyDeleteCan't say any more to that...it's perfect.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marydon. Take care and have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you for this post and for this song...It is wonderful...I think that you are a person who is sending your light to the next person and the next and brightening our lives.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Cindy
ANEN! I feel that less is so much more.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Ginger
Touching story - I needed that today. sandie
ReplyDelete