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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
"God's New Thing"
April 21, 2010
Three weeks ago I wasn't even thinking about buying a new car. Then a
whirlwind blew my way and I ended up with a 2010 Toyota Corolla. My
youngest daughter Rachel got her learner's permit. My second daughter,
Sarah, had a little problem with her car and it got us thinking. Then my
friend, Ray Deptulski, told me about all the deals that were available on the
new cars he sells at Charles Toyota.
I drove that new car off the lot a week ago and my life has changed
dramatically. I am a new person. I get more exercise now because I park as
far away from other cars as possible. I know the whole inventory of auto
accessories stocked by Benny's, Walmart, AutoZone and Advance Auto
Parts.
I've also become obsessed with gas mileage. There is a new feature on
this car that monitors the mileage you are getting. I like that. Of course,
Lori reminded me that taking long trips to nowhere just to increase my gas
mileage doesn't really serve the purpose. But for a preacher it does have it's
benefits.
As I was driving down the highway to nowhere, averaging 36 miles to the
gallon, it struck me that I was being as much of a zealot as a new Christian
convert. I was so enthusiastic and excited that I was striving to enjoy every
moment. I was doing a lot of little things to maximize my experiences. I just
wanted to hold on to the high of my new state of being.
It is the same for every new Christian. Their faith is so real. Jesus is alive
in a way that can't be described. They can't wait to come to church.
Worship is exciting every week. The messages are always so relevant. The
communion with the people in the pews is much anticipated.
Then something happens. The mysterious becomes commonplace. The
brilliant begins to lose its luster. The extraordinary becomes routine. If we
are not careful there is a tendency to return to the old familiar ways and
leave our new found faith behind altogether.
Maybe that's why God said that he was going to make all things new.
That's why He gives us those serendipitous moments where we get a taste
of what it is like to be excited about life and its blessings. He wants to
remind us of the glory He has in store for us. He inspires us to remember
what it is like to live with love and joy in our hearts.
So whether it is a new car, a new person in your life, a new job, I hope
you will remember to look up and thank God for the gift of faith that makes
all things new.
God bless. See you in Church. Cal.
April 21, 2010
Three weeks ago I wasn't even thinking about buying a new car. Then a
whirlwind blew my way and I ended up with a 2010 Toyota Corolla. My
youngest daughter Rachel got her learner's permit. My second daughter,
Sarah, had a little problem with her car and it got us thinking. Then my
friend, Ray Deptulski, told me about all the deals that were available on the
new cars he sells at Charles Toyota.
I drove that new car off the lot a week ago and my life has changed
dramatically. I am a new person. I get more exercise now because I park as
far away from other cars as possible. I know the whole inventory of auto
accessories stocked by Benny's, Walmart, AutoZone and Advance Auto
Parts.
I've also become obsessed with gas mileage. There is a new feature on
this car that monitors the mileage you are getting. I like that. Of course,
Lori reminded me that taking long trips to nowhere just to increase my gas
mileage doesn't really serve the purpose. But for a preacher it does have it's
benefits.
As I was driving down the highway to nowhere, averaging 36 miles to the
gallon, it struck me that I was being as much of a zealot as a new Christian
convert. I was so enthusiastic and excited that I was striving to enjoy every
moment. I was doing a lot of little things to maximize my experiences. I just
wanted to hold on to the high of my new state of being.
It is the same for every new Christian. Their faith is so real. Jesus is alive
in a way that can't be described. They can't wait to come to church.
Worship is exciting every week. The messages are always so relevant. The
communion with the people in the pews is much anticipated.
Then something happens. The mysterious becomes commonplace. The
brilliant begins to lose its luster. The extraordinary becomes routine. If we
are not careful there is a tendency to return to the old familiar ways and
leave our new found faith behind altogether.
Maybe that's why God said that he was going to make all things new.
That's why He gives us those serendipitous moments where we get a taste
of what it is like to be excited about life and its blessings. He wants to
remind us of the glory He has in store for us. He inspires us to remember
what it is like to live with love and joy in our hearts.
So whether it is a new car, a new person in your life, a new job, I hope
you will remember to look up and thank God for the gift of faith that makes
all things new.
God bless. See you in Church. Cal.
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
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