Today’s Reading: John 1:35-42; Psalm 84

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. – John 1:35-37

In this passage, we see another way in which John the Baptist was able to prepare the way for the Lord. John’s investment in Andrew prepared him for the moment in which he had the opportunity to follow Jesus. He had a choice to make, but his heart was already in a place to leave everything behind and follow the Messiah. The seeds had been planted and his heart was eager to respond.

Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.
They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. – John 1:38-39

John’s disciples could have been satisfied with just listening to the teachings of Jesus and watching him perform miracles, but they chose more. They could have stayed comfortably with the teacher they knew and trusted, yet they took a step of faith and their world opened up to a whole new experience.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. – John 1:40

Andrew’s faith was strengthened by John’s faith and, because of Andrew’s faith, his brother Simon Peter was given the opportunity to face the One who would see him for what he would become rather than for who he was.

Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John – but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”). – John 1:41-42

RENAMED & REDEFINED

Jesus did not just rename Simon, he redefined him. Jesus knew that Peter was not perfect and he knew that he would one day betray him, yet he also knew that Peter’s faith would grow strong enough to stay true when many others would choose to walk away from Jesus.

Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”…
At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” – John 6:60,66-69

Father God, THANK YOU FOR RENAMING ME as your child — for seeing me for who I could become rather than for who I am. Help me to see myself through your eyes. Heavenly Father, just as I came to faith through the faithfulness of others in my life, I pray that my walk with you will help others find you. I pray that every seed planted, every conversation spoken, and every word written will prepare someone for that moment when they have the chance to follow you.

THANK YOU FOR REDEFINING ME, not according to all the mistakes I have made and will make, or where I come from or how I look, but by who you created me to be. You uniquely created me and now purposefully place me in the lives of others, and I desire to be used by you today in their lives. Amen.

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
They will continue to grow stronger,
and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. – Psalm 84:5-7

A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you. – Psalm 84:10-12

Today’s Reading: John 1:28-34; Psalm 144

God had a magnificent plan for John the Baptist, yet John remained humble. He was given the role of preparing Israel for the coming of their Messiah, he was given the honor of seeing Jesus revealed as the Son of God, and he was given the privilege of introducing the Lamb of God to the very people whose sins Jesus would die for.

John could have thought too much of himself but he knew he was also one who needed a Savior, and that knowledge kept him humble. He could have said, “Jesus is my cousin! God has chosen this relative of mine to bring salvation!” But instead he left himself out of the introduction and simply said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

It seems to me that John told half the story of Jesus’ baptism and Matthew told the other half. Therefore, I am going to combine both passages so that we can get an idea of how this took place:

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” – John 1:26-27

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.’” – John 1:29-31

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” – Matthew 3:13-17

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.’” – John 1:32-34

The language John the Baptist used when he referred to Jesus as “the Chosen One of God” and the language God used when He said “This is my dearly loved Son” is the same language used in Isaiah 42:1: “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.”

Just as God had a plan for John the Baptist, who remained humble in carrying out God’s will for his life, we should also remain humble. What God calls us to do, the position He places us in and the things He calls us to, NONE OF IT IS ABOUT US. It’s about Him – the Chosen One of God, the Dearly Loved Son. It was for our sins that Jesus died, and so we come to Him as a humble servant, ready to be used however He desires — for His glory and not ours.

Praise the Lord, who is my rock.
He trains my hand for war
and gives my fingers skill for battle.
He is my loving ally and my fortress,
my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.
He makes the nations submit to me.
O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them,
mere mortals that you should think about them?
For they are like a breath of air;
Their days are like a passing shadow. – Psalm 144:1-4

Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins.
Thank you for carrying my weaknesses and my sorrows,
for being pierced for my rebellion, crushed for my sins.
I am whole because you were beaten;
I am healed because you were whipped.
There have been so many times I have gone astray and left your path to follow my own, yet you willingly bore my sins and interceded for my rebellious heart. This morning I submit to your path and give you all the praise and glory for where this path takes me. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 1:19-28; Psalm 67

This was John’s testimony… — John 1:19

Each of us has a story. All of us are on a journey of grace — each uniquely loved by God and equipped by God to be used in the lives of others. John the Baptist’s story was one of confronting sin in the church and in the lives of individuals. He called others to repentance, pleading with them to clear the way for the Lord’s coming. Remove the obstacles and tear down the barriers; Jesus is coming. This is the mission God had called him to and he did it with both passion and boldness.

CLEAR THE WAY FOR THE LORD.

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” — John 1:19-20

It is almost as if John was saying — I know what you are trying to do, so let me save us both time and give you the answer you are fishing for. I am not who you think I am, who you want to make me, or who you fear me to be.

“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”
“No,” he replied.
“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”
“No.”
“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”
John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” — John 1:21-23

John stuck with the obvious. I am the man standing in the wilderness who was shouting ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming’ when you walked up and interrupted me. It is as simple as that. I am a man with a message. Don’t try to read between the lines. I am who I say I am. Don’t try to make me who I am not.

The religious leaders responded suspiciously. After all, if John wasn’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, why was he baptizing?

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”
This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing. — John 1:26-28

John’s message to the church at that time could be applied to the church today — You are so distracted that you are missing the presence of God. You are so worried about what I am doing that you aren’t paying attention to what God is doing. Do not focus on the preshow and miss the main event. I am who I say I am and I do what God tells me to do. It’s not about me; it’s about the One coming after me. He is worthy and I am unworthy.

REMOVE THE DISTRACTIONS AND LOOK FOR JESUS TODAY.

My prayer this morning is that I will recognize the Lord’s presence in the crowd. I want to see Him in the person standing beside me; I want to sense Him in the words of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to hear Him and be heard; I want to know Him and be known.

Father God, show me the fallen trees, rocks and debris in my life that need cleared away in order to be fully available to your presence. May I never look to others for my significance, but focus on who you have created me to be and what you are calling me to do, regardless of the opinions of others. Give me a voice of influence to spread your message to others. Amen.

May your ways be known throughout the earth,
your saving power among people everywhere.
May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you. – Psalm 67:2-3

Today’s Reading: John 1:14-18

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. – John 1:14

Full of love for his creation, Jesus became one of the created. He did not just appear, he grew in the womb of a young woman who had a heart for God. Knowing her heart was fully devoted to Yahweh, she was chosen to be the first to greet the Messiah. She fed him, took care of him, and raised him. With the heart of a mother, she loved the One who was full of unfailing love. Out of faithfulness to God, she raised the One who was full of faithfulness.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. – John 1:6-9

John the Baptist played a very important role in preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus. The prophets had told God’s people that a Messiah was coming, but time had passed and their hearts were not ready for his arrival. Someone needed to get their attention with the message of repentance.

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me. From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.” — John 1:15-18

Who prepared the way for you? Is there someone whose involvement in your life brought you to a place of readiness to receive Jesus? Last week, I shared the story of our neighbors inviting us to church, and how my life was changed by the gift of church shoes. Today I would like to tell you about my first pastor and the impact he had on my life.

When we started attending the Nazarene church in Bloomington, Indiana, we met Pastor Mark and Lucy Barnes. They mentored my parents and discipled them in their new faith, and they generously loved both me and my sister. When my father received his call into ministry, Pastor Mark gave him his first ministry assignment. And when the Barnes family moved to Alabama to pastor a different church, he invited our family to join them there. A year later we moved again when Pastor Mark was called to pastor in Rock Island, Illinois. My father served as his youth pastor for more than six years. Our families vacationed together and did life together.

So who was Pastor Mark to me? He was the patient pastor who let me come into his office to ask him questions when I didn’t understand what I was reading in the bible. He was the friend who made me laugh, and whose smile told me how much I meant to him. Under his preaching, I gave my life to Jesus and never turned back. He was the one who baptized me, and he was a great example of what it meant to respond in obedience to God’s call. Decades later, when Scott and I attended our first district superintendents’ gathering; he was there to hug me and tell me how proud he was of us both. He was like a father to me and I never once questioned his love for me.

On July 24th, 2021, Reverend Mark Barnes quietly slipped away from this life and into the arms of Jesus. Over the next few months, I processed his role in my life and grieved my loss. I am eternally grateful for his investment in my life. I am thankful for the role he played in my journey of grace, and I miss him terribly. I wish I could have one more opportunity to tell him just how much he meant to me.

Who is your John the Baptist? Whose investment in your life prepared the way for Jesus to come in and do a transforming work in you? Can you look back and see how God used someone else to reveal Himself to you? Perhaps this would be a great day to thank them for the impact they have had on your life.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month — a great opportunity to let the pastors in your life know how much you love and appreciate all they do for the church, and for the impact they are having on your life. Let’s encourage our pastors this weekend and let them know their hard work is making a difference!

Today’s Reading: John 1:1-13; Psalm 16

Matthew started out his gospel story by listing out the paternal genealogy of Jesus, while Luke listed the maternal genealogy. In both, it was made clear that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He came from the family lineage of Solomon, son of King David. Matthew and Luke made known where Jesus came from, his earthly ancestry, but John made known that Jesus existed long before Abraham. He was there in the beginning when life was created.

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave LIFE to everything that was created, and his life brought LIGHT to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. – John 1:1-5

John does not use the name Jesus until verse 17; instead, he refers to God’s Son as the Word. WIth great intentionality, John starts his story of the life of Jesus by making clear that Jesus was present before God separated the darkness from the light on the first day of creation (Genesis 1:1-3). But he was not just a spectator on that day, Jesus participated in creation. In fact, all life was created through Him because he is the One who gave life to everything that was created. We would not be here, we would not experience physical life, if it were not for Jesus — the Word. But we would also not experience a rebirth or a second gift of life if it were not for the One who both gave us life and gave his life for us.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. – John 1:10-13

We experience new life in God when we accept what Jesus did for us on the cross. When we see the part we played in his death and believe that he rose from the dead, we accept that Jesus is the only pathway to life. We experience a new life because of the One who gave life to everything. His light shines into the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

JESUS, THE WORD, IS THE WAY TO LIFE.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

So why is this important for us to understand? What does the truth revealed in these verses mean to me today? Because, when I acknowledge that Jesus was involved in the creation of the world, I have a better grasp on his deity. I understand the following three truths:

Jesus is omniscient — he is all-knowing, which means he knows everything about me, everything going on in my life, and everything going on in the world that I am living in.

Jesus is omnipotent — he is more powerful than the darkness pressing in, than my biggest fears, and the obstacle that seems to be preventing me from moving forward.

Jesus is omnipresent — he is everywhere, which means I am never alone. Jesus is always with me, always aware of me, and always protecting me.

JESUS IS HERE. JESUS IS AWARE. JESUS IS ABLE.

When I live in this knowledge and recognize that he is the only way to the Father, it changes my perspective on my life. It gets my attention and draws my focus to the Light of the World — to the beautiful, magnificent Light of my World.

Jesus, we recognize you this morning as the Giver of Life. We thank you for each day you give us to experience life with our family and friends, and we praise you for the opportunity to experience new life through our relationship with you. You are the way to life, you are the truth that guides our life, and you are the source of life itself. We give you all the praise this morning as we recognize your gift of life and commit to keeping our eyes focused on you.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever. – Psalm 16:9-11

Today’s Reading: Psalm 6, 7, 10, 11

I trust in the Lord for protection.
So why do you say to me,
“Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!
The wicked are stringing their bows
and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.
They shoot from the shadows
at those whose hearts are right.
The foundations of law and order have collapsed.
What can the righteous do?” – Psalm 11:1-3

It would be easy to react to the schemes of the wicked and run from the threats of those who want to silence our faith, but God does not want us to live in fear. When we say that we trust in the Lord for protection, that faith can be evidenced in our reactions to the firestorm around us. While others are throwing their hands up in panic and asking where God is when we need Him most, we can have a calm assurance that our God is responding on our behalf. Our God is faithful and we can stand confidently and say — I trust in the Lord for protection!

THE LORD IS MY DEFENSE!

God is my shield,
saving those whose hearts are true and right.
God is an honest judge.
He is angry with the wicked every day.
If a person does not repent,
God will sharpen his sword;
he will bend and string his bow.
He will prepare his deadly weapons
and shoot his flaming arrows. – Psalm 7:10-13

When we are faced with the criticism of the culture around us, it is easy to get discouraged and feel alone. When we are persecuted for our faith and friends start walking away, we feel the weight of our losses. Emotions rush in and we grieve the loss of our reputation and favor. But the Lord, our protector, is also our comforter. He knows our struggles, hears our prayers, and responds to our broken hearts.

THE LORD IS MY COMFORTER!

Go away, all you who do evil,
for the Lord has heard my weeping.
The Lord has heard my plea;
the Lord will answer my prayer. – Psalm 6:8-9

The Lord is king forever and ever!
The godless nations will vanish from the land.
Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.
Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.
You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed,
so mere people can no longer terrify them. – Psalm 10:16-18

I am so grateful that God is in control. He knows our hearts and He knows the hearts of our enemies. He is the One who searches our heart and examines our intentions. We can trust Him to bring justice and to shine truth on all the false allegations and untruths. Being a follower of Christ is not always going to win us popularity, but we can rest knowing that God is our Defender, our Comforter, and our Judge.

THE LORD IS MY JUDGE!

End the evil of those who are wicked,
and defend the righteous.
For you look deep within the mind and heart,
O righteous God. – Psalm 7:9

But the Lord is in his holy Temple;
the Lord still rules from heaven.
He watches everyone closely,
examining every person on earth.
The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked.
He hates those who love violence.
He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked,
punishing them with scorching winds.
For the righteous Lord loves justice.
The virtuous will see his face. – Psalm 11:4-7

Lord, we trust in you for protection. Thank you for being a Faithful Defender of your children. We feel your compassion and thank you for hearing our prayers. May truth be revealed and may you be glorified in our lives. Reveal in us anything that needs corrected, and give us peace when we are innocent of all the world tries to accuse us of. Examine our hearts and lead us in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalms 17, 55, 61 & 93

Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!
Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. – Psalm 55:1-2

O Lord, hear my plea for justice.
Listen to my cry for help.
Pay attention to my prayer,
for it comes from honest lips. – Psalm 17:1

In his distress, David often cried out to God for help. When he was troubled, his first response was to pray to the God He knew was both capable and willing to rescue him. If your heart is heavy this morning, I pray that these scriptures will remind you that we serve the God who saves. Over and over again He is there to be our shelter during moments of uncertainty or distress.

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! – Psalm 61:1-4

What are you going through right now? What challenges is this season of life bringing? Are you struggling with a decision, hurting from a broken relationship, or conflicted on what action you are supposed to take next? God created you for a relationship, and he wants you to cry out to Him. He is listening to you seven days a week, 24 hours a day!

But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me.
Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. — Psalm 55:16-17

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings. – Psalm 17:6-8

Father God, we thank you for hearing our cries for help. Not only are you there to listen to our worship and to receive our confession, you are there to comfort us when the circumstances of life are weighing heavy. You invite us to pour out our hearts to you, and then you remind us that you are BIG! You are mightier than the waves crashing in on us; You are higher than the biggest mountains we must climb. Thank you for spreading your wings to create a plate of shelter and protection. Thank you for being the unshakable God who consistently steadies us when the ground around us feels unsafe. We love you!

Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial.
You yourself are from the everlasting past.
The floods have risen up, O Lord.
The floods have roared like thunder;
the floods have lifted their pounding waves.
But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore—
the Lord above is mightier than these! – Psalm 93:2-4

Today’s Reading: Luke 10:38-42

I love to get a new pair of running shoes. I cannot say I love how much I have to pay for the new shoes, but I love slipping them on and then taking a lap around the store to see if they are the right shoes for me. I love the mornings when I can slip on my running shoes and go for a short morning walk. It helps me feel alive to go out and enjoy the fresh morning air.

There are times when I choose to wear my running shoes all day. These are usually the days when I have a lot of distance to cover and I need a shoe that will help me get through the day’s events, like traveling through airports or running errands. And I must admit, there are days when I wish I could wear my running shoes all day, but unfortunately the required attire for my schedule will not allow it.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Do you find yourself on the go, running from this to that, in need of a good pair of running shoes? Does life have you so busy that you find yourself on your feet more than in your seat? It seems to me that most of us fill our schedules tightly enough that we miss the opportunity to just sit at the feet of Jesus and consider all of His blessings.

“When will you stop running?
When will you stop panting after other gods?
But you say, ‘Save your breath.
I’m in love with these foreign gods,
and I can’t stop loving them now!’” – Jeremiah 2:25

As Americans, we are guilty of running after all of the things our culture offers us. We find ourselves chasing after status and promotion; we are surrounded by messages that we need the newest technology or the most recent fashion. We never intend to chase after the things of the world, but it’s easy to get caught in the trap of wanting more.

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. – Ecclesiastes 6:9

God, show me the ways in which I am chasing after the things of this world. Help me to rearrange my schedule to make you a priority each day. When I am tempted to work long and hard, may I hear your voice calling me to slow down and spend time with you. When I find myself wanting all of the things this world says I need in order to be happy, help me to be satisfied by all I am receiving from my relationship with you. May I chase after your heart every day without chasing after the temporary pleasures of this world.

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-10

Have you ever heard the analogy that a busy person wears a lot of hats? It is simply another way to say someone plays a variety of different roles in their life. The hat we wear at work may be very different from the hat we wear at home or at church. On any given day, an individual can easily play a dozen roles in the lives of other people. Let’s consider changing that analogy from hats to shoes. This morning, let’s talk about our platform shoes.

Throughout history, individuals have been wearing platform shoes for various reasons. For many of us, platform shoes take us back to the fashion of the 1970’s when it was popular to wear shoes that added a couple of inches to your height. The platform shoe was a fun fashion statement, whether you were headed to the disco or going to work. These shoes allowed you to stand taller, be more visible, and gain confidence.

WE ARE MORE VISIBLE WHEN WE WEAR OUR PLATFORM SHOES.

Consider the “platform shoes” we wear when we are asked to play a role in the Sunday morning service. Whether you are making announcements, leading worship, or preaching the sermon, when you step onto the platform, you are stepping into a role. You now stand taller than most of the people in the room; you are more visible and the pressure of all eyes being on you is felt immediately.

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when we wear our platform shoes. We have all seen the comical videos of runway models trying to keep their composure while struggling to stay upright in their fancy stilettos. Many of us have stories of tripping or falling because we chose to wear the tall shoe or the slick shoe instead of the safe shoe. The shoes may be beautiful but it is easy to find ourselves flat on our face with little to no warning.

It is a privilege to be in ministry, an honor to step onto the platform, but with it comes responsibility and the need for intentionality. If I’m not careful, I can stumble, causing others to do the same. Paul describes himself to Timothy as chosen to the message of faith and truth (1 Timothy 2:7). He was called, and he was given a purpose. When we are chosen to lead others in worship, we are called to provide an atmosphere where God has our full attention and the Spirit has permission to do a work in our lives. When we are called to preach, God gives us a message for His people. We often have no idea what those in the congregation are feeling or going through, but the Spirit gives us the words to speak specifically into each heart across the room.

But it is easy for me to get in the way of accomplishing that purpose. I want others to experience Jesus but, when I stand on the platform, THERE I AM! My presence, with all my humanity and imperfections, can easily become an obstacle or distraction to others. How can I authentically lead others to the throne if they are distracted by the way I live my life?

“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” – 1 Timothy 2:8

My attitude can easily be a distraction to myself and to others. My ability to truly worship God is limited when I am struggling due to a conflict with another person. How can I experience the joy of the Lord when I am angry with someone else or refuse to forgive them? How can others believe that my worship is authentic if they know I am steeped in conflict or quick to run my mouth about someone else. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with grace, I must take care of that strained relationship with someone else in the congregation. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with mercy, I need to stop gossipping about those I am trying to lead to the throne of God.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. – 1 Timothy 2:1

Whether we like it or not, what we wear when we are on the platform can be a distraction to the main purpose of the service. Paul points out that our appearance can get in the way; it can be a distraction or become a roadblock to someone fully experiencing God’s presence or worshiping God (1 Timothy 2:9-10). It is important that what you wear does NOT get more attention than what you are saying!

SO HOW DO I LOOK IN MY PLATFORM SHOES?

Am I wearing them well, or am I a disaster waiting to happen? Am I standing in the way of the message God wants His people to hear today? Is there anything about how I live my life or how I have handled myself over the last week that will keep my siblings in Christ from hearing God because all they can see is me? Is my last social media post louder than the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life?

The one who speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; the one who serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies. Our desire should be that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. — 1 Peter 4:11

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Do you have a favorite gift – a gift that you will forever remember because of how the giver’s love was expressed through the giving? Can you think of a gift that forever changed your life? One of my favorite gifts I have ever received was a pair of church shoes. I know, it doesn’t sound like that significant of a gift, but this gift perhaps changed my life more than any other physical gift I have ever received. In order to tell you about this gift, I have to tell you about two very special people.

There are people in this life that we cross paths with, and then there are people we meet and the trajectory of our life is forever changed. Ron and Donna Pate changed my life forever. They crossed a busy street in Bloomington, Indiana, knocked on our door, and invited our family to church. When my mother politely declined, she invited them over to their house for sweet tea and a game of cards. This invitation expressed a desire to get to know my parents. Again, she invited them to church, and they politely said no.

After many attempts, Donna changed her invitation to a request to take my sister and me to church with them. My mom made up a reason why that Sunday wouldn’t work…and the next Sunday…and the next Sunday. Then my mom used the excuse, “Sherry doesn’t have any church shoes.” Before the day was over there was a knock on the door. Donna stood there with a pair of church shoes. The next day, my sister and I went to church – I wore my new shoes.

I was young but I remember being really scared when she dropped me off at my class. I also remember LOVING church! We went back week after week and soon my parents started coming too. There at Bloomington First Church of the Nazarene in Indiana, they accepted Christ as their Savior and were soon working with the youth group. My father lefta job he loved and his doctoral program at Indiana University, and he accepted a call into full time ministry. In 2010, Pastor Larry Fortado retired after 33 years as a pastor. The friendship Ron and Donna offered changed our family forever!!!

There are two parts of this gift of church shoes that stand out to me. First of all, these shoes represent a life brought up in the church with godly parents. Because of the influence of my parents, I too accepted Christ as my Savior. From a young age, I loved God and would tell people I wanted to be a pastor’s wife when I grew up. Eventually I made a full commitment to Christ, experiencing sanctification. My relationship with God has continued to grow little by little each day of my life. I am now married to an incredible man who serves the God he loves, and we have three beautiful daughters who love Jesus! All three of our girls are pursuing God’s call on their life and we could not be more proud. The impact of the gift of my first church shoes continues generation after generation.

The second part of this gift of shoes is the first-hand knowledge that I have the potential to forever change someone’s life, just like Ron and Donna Pate forever changed mine. This part is about opportunity. Donna had an opportunity and she took it. Now I have opportunities in my life. What will I do with them?

Remember this — a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Donna made a decision in her heart – she decided to cross the road, she decided to keep coming back, she decided our family was worth the cost of a pair of shoes. Donna was not rich but God supplied her with what she needed to obey Him. God provided the seed and Donna obediently planted it.

Two good things result from this ministry of giving: 1.) I received a new pair of shoes and the experience that would last a lifetime and 2.) I have a lens through which I can look at the opportunities around me. And in all things, God receives glory for everything He accomplishes through me in the lives of others. I thank God for this gift – the gift of church shoes – it is too wonderful for words!!!

On November 12, 2014, I attended the funeral for this precious woman who changed my life with an opportunity and a gift. That day, I stood with my parents and sister before the caskets of both Ron and Donna Pate as we said goodbye to a couple who made sure I knew I was loved by them and loved by God. Together we expressed our thankful hearts for the courage of a woman who dared cross a busy street to once again invite a young family to their church.

The gift of opportunity is extended to each of us today. What will we do with the opportunities God gives us before this day is over? What gift can we extend in love that will forever change someone’s life. Today is the day. What will you do with it?