I know of one grandfather who, when his first grandchild was born, stood on the street corner in his small town and waved cars over to the curb so he could tell them the wonderful news. That is the kind of joy we can't describe and feels so good we think we will burst happiness.
RICHARD NIELL DONOVAN, a retired Disciples of Christ clergyman, has been publishing SermonWriter since 1997.
It is good to be part of a family where you can help with the cooking, gardening, or other chores. You will find work that suits you and experience the good feeling of knowing you can take care of yourself. The Bible teaches us to work and not become "…weary in doing well" (3:13).
The Bible teaches us that God's time is different from what we experience. Think about the way things grow. A seed is placed in the ground and then there is a period of waiting. When the time is right a bit of green will pop out of the soil and, even then, the plant must have time to grow and develop into a tasty vegetable or a lovely flower. Like a plant that takes time to grow, we learn that "The Lord… is patient with you" (each one of us). God gives us time to accept his love and understand our faith, to really know what we believe.
Paul talks to a group of new Christians. They are just learning how to live with God's love. They are just like us. Paul encourages the new Christians and tells them that God loves them. He says God comforts and gives hope that will last forever.
Paul tells us that before he became a Christian he mistreated others and did some bad things. I think Paul was mad at God and the people of God's church. When Paul accepted God's love, he received God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness, or what we also call grace, is offered to people who don't deserve it. Don't you think this is a good example of how people can be recycled?
We call this a first hand account – something you see and hear and experience. When you actually see something happen you believe it! You know what you saw and heard and believe to be true. The disciples give a first hand account of seeing the majesty of Jesus and hearing God's voice say: "This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."
Your faith is what you believe about God. It is important to remember that we are rich in God's love and when we show that love to one another, faith and love flourish and grow. Like the dandelion, many seeds of faith and love are produced.
When love is present, we know it and feel it. It is like listening to a lovely orchestra where all the musical instruments fit together and make music that causes our hearts to sing.
The Bible tells us that "if we receive the witness (testimony) of men, the witness (testimony) of God is greater"(5:9). The Bible teaches us that what we hear from other people may not be clear, but what we learn from God is always true. God's message is love. As we read the Bible and pray, we learn about God's love and accept that God's testimony is true. His words are something we can count on. They are true. Believe it.