Jesus Changed Me
Grandmother Patsy returned home from Covenant Church this past Sunday with her granddaughter.
“Do you want me to change your diaper?” Patsy asked.
”No,” the little girl said.
“Are you sure. I can change your diaper before we prepare lunch,” Patsy said.
“No,” the answer came again, “I do not need a change. Jesus changed me in the nursery at church!”
Summer draws to a close. Soon it will be Fall. Crops in the fields will be harvested. Winter will come.
Jeremiah the Prophet observed that summer is ended, and we are not saved (Jeremiah 8:20).
A time of refreshment is good. I know that in most of history and in most of the contemporary world vacations are not afforded by much of the earth’s human population. Nevertheless, time off, away, a break is important.
With humor I watch as coastal people leave for mountains for a break. Folks in the mountains leave for the coast to take a break. My mother-in-law in seeing cars going to-and-fro would observe: “What can’t folks just stay where they are and be happy?”
Happy seems to be somewhere else. Happiness seems to be doing what we do not normally do. Happiness seems to be when we are enjoying what is normal to other folks where we think things are unusual.
My hope is that as folks travel they think about the goodness of God. My hope is that as folks travel they realize that the world is a mission field. Don’t do on vacation what would be a sin at home. Don’t treat Sundays as a party day while on vacation. Don’t spend money for worthless ventures and trinkets on vacation.
Vacation is not a time to act as if the brain is fried and the body is entitled. Vacation is a time to collect the mind and spirit and ponder issues of life. Enjoy, yet be pure. Have fun, yet be holy. God does not stay behind when you go on vacation. He goes with you. He sees you. He is with you. He knows your thoughts. You are accountable.
When you get home God and Church should be high on the priority list. Bringing tithes and offerings and praising God for the wealth that allows vacations is a means of gratitude to God for blessings.
When home serve the Lord with the same excitement you vacationed. See the beauty of investing in the lives of others.
Vacations are a privilege. Remember that with privilege comes responsibility. Remember that Jesus will come without notice—regardless of whether we are on vacation or at home. To be ready for His coming is our ultimate goal.
I sure do look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Hope you had a wonderful vacation. Hope Jesus has changed you.
Much love,
Pastor Bare
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20