Two Sundays ago, during our 9am service, we had a medical emergency. I’m grateful to report
that the individual involved is alright, able to laugh about the situation, and grateful for those
who jumped into help.
They don’t train you in seminary for a situation like that. Yet, while it was playing out, I was so
grateful to watch the Church fill the room with prayers, love, and understanding. When that
service ended, it was clear to me that the Church had just taught a better lesson than I ever
could!
Years ago, I pastored a Cowboy Church down in Texas, and one of the elders of that church is a
man named Don Jones. When I picture what a cowboy looks like, I picture Don. He’s a tall,
tough-looking man, with an unwavering heart for Jesus. Don is one of the wisest men I’ve ever
known.
During my five years with the Cowboy Church, I can remember Don on numerous occasions
pulling me aside and saying, “Don’t forget, the best sermons are lived, not preached.”
After our service with the medical situation, I remembered Don’s words. Hopesters jumped in
to serve how they could, they prayed, and they loved a family well. In that moment, it was what
was most important! Ten years from now, no one will remember what songs were sung or what
scripture was taught, but they will remember when a church cared well for someone in need.
We can listen to good teachings and read inspirational books, but the actions of our life will
always tell the more powerful story! I truly believe there’s a place for good sermons, but a
more powerful message is taught through the way we live our lives.
I’m reminded of Paul’s words written to the church in Corinth. “You yourselves are our letter,
written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ,
the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets
of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Cor. 3:2-3)
Thank you, Hopesters, for telling a story with your life that lifts up Jesus! Thank you for trusting
in Jesus and living a life of light for all to see!
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and
gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1-2
Peace,
Nick
that the individual involved is alright, able to laugh about the situation, and grateful for those
who jumped into help.
They don’t train you in seminary for a situation like that. Yet, while it was playing out, I was so
grateful to watch the Church fill the room with prayers, love, and understanding. When that
service ended, it was clear to me that the Church had just taught a better lesson than I ever
could!
Years ago, I pastored a Cowboy Church down in Texas, and one of the elders of that church is a
man named Don Jones. When I picture what a cowboy looks like, I picture Don. He’s a tall,
tough-looking man, with an unwavering heart for Jesus. Don is one of the wisest men I’ve ever
known.
During my five years with the Cowboy Church, I can remember Don on numerous occasions
pulling me aside and saying, “Don’t forget, the best sermons are lived, not preached.”
After our service with the medical situation, I remembered Don’s words. Hopesters jumped in
to serve how they could, they prayed, and they loved a family well. In that moment, it was what
was most important! Ten years from now, no one will remember what songs were sung or what
scripture was taught, but they will remember when a church cared well for someone in need.
We can listen to good teachings and read inspirational books, but the actions of our life will
always tell the more powerful story! I truly believe there’s a place for good sermons, but a
more powerful message is taught through the way we live our lives.
I’m reminded of Paul’s words written to the church in Corinth. “You yourselves are our letter,
written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ,
the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets
of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Cor. 3:2-3)
Thank you, Hopesters, for telling a story with your life that lifts up Jesus! Thank you for trusting
in Jesus and living a life of light for all to see!
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and
gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1-2
Peace,
Nick