A Light at the End of the Faith-walk

After working for the past year every Sunday, I finally decided to be disciplined enough to visit with people that inspire me, and that I've promised to visit. 

Mr. James Davis was one that inspired me, and doesn't know that I'm blogging about him, so I can't get in trouble with him for boasting on him a bit. 

Mr. James always spoke to me at the store, always encouraged me, and never spoke harshly to me, of me, or of anyone when we spoke. He did however, invite me to church with every encounter. Today I honored that invitation. 

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him." Hebrews 11:6

I think it pleased God to see Mr. James' persistence pay off. I was in church and met a host of new friends. I met people genuine in their compassion, and enjoyed a great service at Friendship Baptist Church. 

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Mr. James hoped God would move me, because he hadn't seen me until today. Hahaha! Upon seeing me and hearing my testimony, Mr. James blessed me with more kind words and asked me to call him when The Lord blessed me to under-shepherd His people somewhere, so he (Mr. Davis) could come hear me speak. It puts chills on me that someone still sees me as a man of the Most High, or that someone sees just a smidgen of Gods' presiding in me at all. 

Before that I attended the early service at the Spruce Pine UMC where Pastor J taught about keeping the faith also. He reminded me that God makes a way out of no way. Pastor Jeremy taught from Exodus 14, using an analogy that referred to the Dukes of Hazard. Classic sermon, and I'll never look at the parting of the Red (Reed) Sea quite the same again. "Caught between a rock and a hard place, between the devil and the deep blue sea." Pastor J reminded us that even if some of us often have our backs against the proverbial wall that God is always faithful and delivers His children. 

It was great seeing some very familiar faces; my band instructors from school, one of my star soccer players (pastor's daughter), a former cohort (band member) from the Playhouse, and others from other walks in my life. I had great experiences in both church families. 

Following up church, I had a great time watching the Panthers beat up on the Lions and eating way too much of my grandmama's delicious Sunday Best, and spending time with my Baby Girl... Life is good! Now capping off a great day with a wonderful night! #SuperSunday with a #ProudPapa that wears the title each day and participates in #ADayInTheLifeOfAnImperfectChristian

Peace, blessings, and joy... That real PB&J!

Moving On Up...

The imperfect Christian was reminded that it is Ascension Day, or 39 days after Easter Sunday. Churches and individuals celebrate in different ways. I witnessed the "church crawl", in Mexico City, where people would go to the Cathedral and crawl for hundreds of feet all the way to the altar. Over a hundred meters or more on there knees on concrete. It is a very humbling experience!
To the understanding of the imperfect one, some Lutheran churches organize and worship with a special service where the Paschal (Easter) candle is extinguished and removed after the reading of the gospel on Ascension Day. Communion is not uncommon either. "Do this in remembrance," is written on a ton of AME church communion tables.

Ascension Day can be referenced back as far as circa 68 AD. It is one of the earliest known celebrations or Christian festivals after Christs' crucifixion, and resurrection. Jesus met with His disciples on occasion during the 40 days after His resurrection. It still blows the imperfect Christians mind to read about how the disciples had scattered in fear of their own lives, and Jesus showed up in the upper room where the door was locked! Can you imagine!? Scholars believe according to scripture that on the 40th day Jesus took them to the Mount of Olives, where they stood to bear witness of His ascending into heaven. "And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen." (Luke 24:50-53) NKJV

Ascension Day ends the Easter season and takes place ten days before Pentecost, which in case this year would be on June 12th. So with that said, Happy Day of Ascension, or Day or Hope, and Promise. He has gone to prepare a place for us. Until we meet in that place, and at that appointed time (that only He knows!) blessings to you all. I really want to go to Corcovado, and have my picture taken by the Redeemer statue! Oh yeah and hang out with Ronaldinho! LOL!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.9