The One Thing...

Sometimes when I look out at the congregation from the pulpit, I feel like Oprah during her “Oprah’s Favorite Things” episode.

But rather than receiving some temporary gift, “You get a car. And you get a car. And you get a car,” I get to say “Jesus loves you! and Jesus loves you! and Jesus loves you!” over and over again and it never gets old. This blessing is much greater.

As I look out on our congregation, I see folks struggling with age, families struggling with grief, widows and widowers, parents who have lost children, people missing old friends because of distance or conflict, husbands and wives suffering marital stress, men and women seeking love, children neglected by parents but loved by grandparents. It’s a big list. And everyone I lock eyes with needs to hear the message: “Jesus loves you.”

Sometimes it’s the aforementioned folks who shuffle in with the weight of circumstances on them. Sometimes it’s people who are drifting in their faith and need the reminder that God sent Jesus to save them from themselves. Sometimes it’s those who are apathetic to the Bible and church and “spiritual” things altogether.

Regardless of what people drag into the building with them, the hung up or the down trodden need the same message: “Jesus loves you.”

Romans 8:28 reminds us, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” That’s a tough thing sometimes, but it is the hope we have. Moreover, it is the hope we need.

Every time I step into the pulpit, the circumstances of peoples’ lives keeps me keenly aware of the need for hope. Not some short-term hope of comfort in this life and not the hope that God can heal sickness, but the hope that our God is for us (Romans 8:31).

I get the privilege every week to step behind a pulpit and deliver that message like Oprah giving gifts to her audience, freely and without cost. I get to remind the broken-hearted that the Creator of the universe drew near. I get to steer those adrift in the seas of desperation and grief to the safe Harbor from the storms of life. I get to share the most incredible news with people unsteadied by diagnoses that shake the very ground beneath their feet.

In a moment of confusion and disbelief, Jesus tells his disciples, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27, CSB) The message doesn’t change, it doesn’t fade, it doesn’t exhaust itself, it doesn’t age, it doesn’t shift, it doesn’t mutate.

It is as immutable as the One who provides its comfort and strength.

Though the message itself doesn’t change, its effect does. The more time you spend considering the message, it grows in its efficacy to bring hope and peace, increasing its sway and import, because of its unchanging nature.

In a world where life changes in a second, holding steadfast to the message of hope, the gospel of Jesus Christ, bolsters you amidst the ever-changing by securing your future and providing a sanctuary and refuge in which to hide yourself.

Remember, Jesus loves you.

~SDG~

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Greetings, friends.

I’m sitting in a coffee shop at this moment, pondering where I was a year ago. It was just about a year ago that I submitted my final manuscript for The Blueprint of Grace.

It’s been an amazing time hearing from people about how the book has helped them consider their faith journey. Which is refreshing to know because that’s why I wrote it in the first place. I’ve been blessed to have it publish and be out in the world and I’m grateful for those who have read it. If that’s you, would you head over to Amazon and give it a review here?

If you’ve not read it and are struggling with how the message of the gospel should shape your life moving forward, consider picking up a copy either at Amazon or at Wipf & Stock’s website, here.

I don’t know what lies around the corner for me with future book projects, but this was a labor of love on your behalf.

Whatever may come, may Jesus be the hero of your story.

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Photo by Jan Zinnbauer on Unsplash