Tuesday, February 16, 2016

For in Him All Things Were Created - Part 1


Colossians 1:16
For in him all things were created; things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

In my second novel, Redemption, in the Adventures in The Glade series, Pastor Mike Russell delivers a sermon based upon the scripture quoted above.  I invite you to read Part 1 of his words as he attempts to explain the miracle now known to Nantahala United Methodist Church as "Mad Squirrel Sunday."  Part 2 will follow on the next installment of Meditations of My Heart.

~

"Once again, allow me to warmly welcome you all to Nantahala United Methodist Church.  As many of you in attendance today are new to our congregation, let me begin by saying I was not here last week as I had a family emergency.  Considering what happened to Pastor Williams, I must confess I'm glad I wasn't."

Hearty laughter filled the sanctuary.  When the noise subsided, Mike continued.

"However, I was apprised of the situation by a flood of phone calls and emails from our church members, something I sincerely appreciate, so thank you to all who contacted me.  So many of you asked what I thought about a 'mad,' larger-than-life squirrel appearing out of nowhere and vanishing before your eyes.  'What could it be?'  'Where could it have come from?'  'How could something like this creature even exist?'

"As I perused your questions, I admit I was just as mystified as you were.  I simply had no answer to give.  Then as I was reading the assigned scripture for today in order to prepare this sermon, my eyes fell on this verse from Colossans.  If you brought your Bible today, please turn with me to Colossians 1:16 and follow along as I read the passage aloud."

Pastor Mike paused until the rippling and rustling of turning pages ceased.  He cleared his throat, making Davy think of Reverend, and began:

"For in him all things were created; things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."

Mike paused for a moment, allowing the words of scripture to sink into the congregation's heads before he spoke again.  

"God's creation is vast, and what we know about it, in our limited human capacity, is only the tip of the iceberg.  He has created not some things, but ALL things in heaven and on earth; the things we can see and the things we can't.  We needn't have much faith to believe in the things we are able to see, but it takes great faith to believe in the things hidden from our eyes.  Let me ask you all a questions.  Do you believe in angels?"

Nods and murmured "yeses" answered him.

"So do I, but I've never seen one.  How about the Holy Spirit?  Can I see Him?  No, but I believe in my heart of hearts He is guiding me, and I hope you, in your daily walk with the Lord."

~

How do you see the Holy Spirit guiding your walk with the Lord?

Prayer:  Father, thank You for your marvelous creation, for all those things, seen and unseen, that propel us toward a life lived in accordance with Your will.  When our faith wavers doubts enter in, wrap us in Your strong arms of certainty and assurance, that we might know the power and presence of Your love and, in turn, pass that love on to others.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

13 comments:

  1. Hi Martha! I just marvel at your faith. You write so beautifully about truths, and how we all founder sometimes with things we believe, but can't see. That is a challenge for today's Christians, now more than ever.
    I know that the Holy Spirit is with me especially when I get confirmation of something I am thinking or feeling. It's so great to know that I'm on the right track, such a comfort!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement, Ceil! You know, I often write about the very issues with which I struggle in my faith walk, and find it serves to bolster my faith and renew my spirit.
      And there isn't a better feeling than getting that affirmation from the Holy Spirit when our thoughts and feelings are simply spot on, aligned with God's will for our lives. Such a comfort, indeed!
      Love and blessings!

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  2. What a gift my sister in the Lord, thank you for putting your faith out there through your books. God has blessed us with so many good Christian writers.

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    1. Thank you, dear Betty, for your kind words and compliments here. Yes, I thank God each and every day for the talent He has given to me, and I love to spread His love through my words.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. What a gift my sister in the Lord, thank you for putting your faith out there through your books. God has blessed us with so many good Christian writers.

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  4. Martha, you are so richly gifted with putting words together, giving fresh insights on spiritual truths.

    I simply trust the Holy Spirit to guide me each day--to open the Scriptures up to me in fresh ways. In some way, I think the Holy Spirit fuels my hunger and desire for more, ever more of the Lord.

    Love and blessings!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kim, for your sweet compliment here!
      Yes, I agree with you that when we simply trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us, He will fuel our hunger and desire to grow closer to the Lord. It's a win-win situation, for sure!
      Love and blessings!

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  5. There is no doubt in my mind or heart: though unseen He is alive and well in my heart.

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  6. Love reading a bit of your fiction writing. mad squirrel? How interesting. I love how you weave your faith into the story. well done, good friend

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    1. Jean, I do hope you will read my novels. I would absolutely LOVE your take on them. When you visit my website, it may seem as though these are only for young people, but they are not. All my adult friends who have read them rave about the stories. Hope you will read them soon!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  7. I am moved beyond words... it is at times when I feel my faith is shaking I seek faith in your words <3

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    1. Oh, Privy, you are too kind! I write out of my own need to strengthen my faith as I do for others. It's a marvelous way to stay close to God.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete

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