Thoughts for Life: The Silent Sermon

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going.

After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.

Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.

The pastor made himself at home but said nothing.

In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs.

After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone.

Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation.

As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more.

Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.

The Pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave, he slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire.

Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.' "

The Silent Sermon as seen on GodVine 8/6/13

Google images added

Let’s pray:

Father, may we remember the object lesson given today. Bring to mind the seriousness of our neglecting our assembling together with other believers. When there's an impossibility to go, may we concentrate upon You, and prayerfully look forward to attending as soon as we can. When laid up with a physical problem, we ask for healing, as well as a way to hear Your Word, so we can be fed while absent from our church group.

We pray this in the lovely, magnificent, saving Name of Jesus. Amen

Today’s Bible verse: Jer. 65:4 (NKJV) "Blessed is the man whom You choose, and cause to approach unto You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your courts, of Your holy temple."

Today’s quote: Cathy Baker - “Reflect on the wondrous gift of time. Pull out a calendar or day planner and spend fifteen minutes considering all that's on your schedule for the upcoming two weeks. Consider marking which activities fill up your time versus those that fill you with life and provide opportunities to awaken to the wonder of God all around. Prayerfully consider what changes—including cuts and additions you need to make to your schedule—to awaken yourself to the wonder of rest and a healthy rhythm in your daily life.”

Our thoughts today: You can know who you are in Christ..go back to the cross.

- We can travail when we know God’s will.

- The fire of the Holy Spirit within us needs to be stirred up by worshipping Jesus daily. Hearing the truth of the gospel will keep us stirred up.

Tuesday's post: #29 Pastors are Beat Up C. Peter Wagner

Thursday's post: #30 Our Epidemic of Falling Pastors C. Peter Wagner

Saturday's post: What's in Your Sponge? Barbara Latta

Sunday's post: Discovering God's Will Dr. Charles Stanley

A popular post: BE STILL AND KNOW "I think I’ve made my relationship with Jesus far too difficult."