Good Morning Everyone,

It's good to greet you on January 15th. We had a little bit of bad weather yesterday morning. There were several of our people who did not make it to God's house and we missed them. But for those who were in attendance, we had a great time. Even with the bad weather, we had over 100 in worship and 91 in Sunday School. I enjoyed preaching on Gideon and his seeking reassurance with a fleece. God never minds being tested as long as we plan to obey. Don't forget that. Sunday night, Pastor Shawn and the College and Career class had the service. The music, testimonies, and message were a blessing.

In a nut shell, Pastor Shawn preached on Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai with a glow on his face.
You find the story in Exodus 34. He had been in God's presence so long that his face shown with the glory of God. You might say his face was "Son Burned." He had a glow about him which caused the people to be afraid of him. I believe that every time we are with God, we are changed a little more, and that change is for the good. We could call it "experiencing the shine." Do you know that facial expressions reveal a lot? Does your face say anything or communicate anything about your faith? It should. I have literally looked at people and can see kindness in their eyes. I've seen compassion in people's eyes.

The story is told of a cold bitter evening in Northern Virginia many years ago. The old man’s beard was glazed by winter’s frost while he waited for a ride across the river. His body was getting numb from the frigid north wind. He heard the hooves of horses galloping along the frozen pathway.

He anxiously watched as several horsemen rounded the bend. He let the first pass on without an effort to get his attention. Then another one and another. Finally the last rider neared the spot where the old man sat like a frozen statue. As this one drew near, the old man caught the rider’s eye.

The old man said, "Sir, would you mind giving an old man a ride to the other side? There doesn’t seem to be a passageway by foot." The rider replied, "Sure thing." Seeing the old man was unable to lift his half frozen body from the ground, he helped the old man onto the horse. He took the man not just across the river but to his destination which was just a few miles away.

Just as they neared the tiny cottage, the horseman’s curiosity caused him to inquire. "Sir, I noticed that you let several other riders pass by without making an effort to secure a ride, then I came along and you immediately asked for a ride. I am curious why on such a bitter night you would wait and ask the last rider. What if I had refused?"

The old man looked the rider straight in the eyes and replied, "I have been around these here parts for a long time. I reckon I know people pretty good," the old timer continued. "I looked into the eyes of the other riders and immediately saw that no one was concerned about my situation. It would have been useless to even have asked for a ride, but when I looked into your eyes, kindness and compassion were evident."

"I knew then and there that your gentle spirit would welcome the opportunity to give me assistance in my time of need. Those heartwarming comments touched the horseman deeply."

"I am most grateful for what you have said," he told the old man. "May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion." With that Thomas Jefferson turned his horse around and made his way back to the White House.

I want to encourage you to have the "God Look" about you You'll always look different when you get close to God. You'll have a new smile, a new attitude, and a new outlook upon life. My advice for today is, EXPERIENCE THE SHINE.

Till next time, Pastor Don

P.S. Next Sunday morning we have a speaker from the Gideons coming who will be sharing a little bit about getting God's Word out. I believe it will be a blessing for all of us.

Cartoon of the Week: THE CHRISTIAN HAIRDO
 

 

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