Excerpts From: The Messenger |
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"Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
The story is told of a little boy who was given a priceless possession. It was his deceased grandfather's beautiful gold pocket watch. My, how he treasured it! It was to be a lifelong reminder of his dear grandfather and his love for him.
One day, while playing at his father's ice plant, he lost the watch amid all the ice and sawdust. He searched and searched, but could not find the watch. He became frantic. But then he suddenly realized what to do. He stopped scurrying and scratching around and became very still. He just listened, and in the silence he heard the watch: tick, tick, tick. He found his treasure by becoming quiet!
Friends in Jesus Christ, we also have a wonderful and priceless possession. The Bible says, "This precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies" (2 Corinthians 4:7).
This priceless possession and treasure within us is none other than God Himself, the Holy Spirit, who dwells there! This treasure within us brings pardon, peace, purpose, and power. He brings joy and love, for both himself and others. He brings guidance. Our family, friends, fellowship at the church these are priceless gifts from God. These are things that money cannot buy.
School is out and planning a trip may be in, or you are just like me, you have a long "honey do list" or maybe some summer project you would like to work on. These and others are all legitimate, but we may not hear or sense his presence if we are always scurrying around in this life, our hearing impaired and his voice obscured by the incessant noises of the world, some of them coming from our own mouths, our radios or other sources.
Like the little boy, we need to stop and listen. We may even need to shut up! Like the old saying "stop and smell the roses". God wants to talk to us, and God can only do that when we stop scurrying around and listen. "Be still, and know that I am God! The Lord Almighty is here among us" (Psalm 46:10-11).
Whatever our summer endeavor is, be encouraged and remember that our "closet" can be the quietness of our heart. In that quiet place, at home, office, or our automobiles, or garden or in the garage, let us be still, know that He is God, and let us listen for Him.
Have a blessed summer and a safe journey.
Pastor Samuel King-Kabu
Pastor@st-ansgars-montreal.ca
There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning!"
A single raindrop doesn't believe it's to blame for the flood.
A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the bible means. It means Basic Information Before Leaving Earth!"
A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business!"
A gracious lady was mailing an old family bible to her brother. "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk. "Only the Ten Commandments," answered the lady.
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St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal