GOD THOUGHT IT, JESUS BROUGHT IT, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WROUGHT IT.
It is 3:00 am, after a wonderful day in the Lord's House, and what a wonderful day it has been. Sunday had been a day of appreciation for the faithful church family we have had the privilege of serving for 44 years. I recall one of the pastor's who was loved by the church and the city he had served for many years. One lady speaking about him said, "he never knew my name, but he always knew my needs."
On the shared tombstone of my father and mother-in-love in the Rose Mound Cemetery in Waco, Texas, we had engraved the epitaph, THEY SERVED THEIR GENERATION BY THE WILL OF GOD. If someone came running up to him and told him that one of his faithful members of the church he served had just robbed a bank, he would answer the person like this, "Well, I bet he had a good reason." His love for the people he served in nearly 60 years of ministry was one of the greatest influences on my life. I have always been fascinated with the word CHARACTER. Through the years as I have officiated funeral services, I have read many of the tombstones. The words that have been written about them are engraved in to the stone. My father-in-law had character, it was carved into everything he was and indicative of the God he represented. His life message was used as an intro of a song used on his radio broadcast.
The devastation and the casualties of what is remembered as, The Waco Tornado of the 1950's, was hard to believe: 114 people were killed, 145 sustained serious injuries, 196 business buildings were destroyed completely, 396 business buildings were damaged so badly they had to be torn down. Gay Nell was 14 years old at the time. She played the organ at the funerals of 16 people she knew and that attended their church. Three members of one family owned a furniture store and they were taking shelter together when a roof beam broke and killed each of them together. They had three coffins in the altar area of the church that day.
The tallest building in town (and is still), the Amoco Building. It is a landmark in the Heart of Texas. Gay Nell's father broadcast his radio program out of that building. The week after this horrible storm had left the fury of it's impact behind, my father-in-law went into the lobby of the Amoco Building. He had his shoes shined, as he did weekly. As he was sitting in the chair this day, the man that shined shoes in the lobby looked up at Brother Weathers, and he begin to sing:
It is 3:00 am, after a wonderful day in the Lord's House, and what a wonderful day it has been. Sunday had been a day of appreciation for the faithful church family we have had the privilege of serving for 44 years. I recall one of the pastor's who was loved by the church and the city he had served for many years. One lady speaking about him said, "he never knew my name, but he always knew my needs."
On the shared tombstone of my father and mother-in-love in the Rose Mound Cemetery in Waco, Texas, we had engraved the epitaph, THEY SERVED THEIR GENERATION BY THE WILL OF GOD. If someone came running up to him and told him that one of his faithful members of the church he served had just robbed a bank, he would answer the person like this, "Well, I bet he had a good reason." His love for the people he served in nearly 60 years of ministry was one of the greatest influences on my life. I have always been fascinated with the word CHARACTER. Through the years as I have officiated funeral services, I have read many of the tombstones. The words that have been written about them are engraved in to the stone. My father-in-law had character, it was carved into everything he was and indicative of the God he represented. His life message was used as an intro of a song used on his radio broadcast.
The devastation and the casualties of what is remembered as, The Waco Tornado of the 1950's, was hard to believe: 114 people were killed, 145 sustained serious injuries, 196 business buildings were destroyed completely, 396 business buildings were damaged so badly they had to be torn down. Gay Nell was 14 years old at the time. She played the organ at the funerals of 16 people she knew and that attended their church. Three members of one family owned a furniture store and they were taking shelter together when a roof beam broke and killed each of them together. They had three coffins in the altar area of the church that day.
The tallest building in town (and is still), the Amoco Building. It is a landmark in the Heart of Texas. Gay Nell's father broadcast his radio program out of that building. The week after this horrible storm had left the fury of it's impact behind, my father-in-law went into the lobby of the Amoco Building. He had his shoes shined, as he did weekly. As he was sitting in the chair this day, the man that shined shoes in the lobby looked up at Brother Weathers, and he begin to sing:
ONLY BELIEVE, ONLY BELIEVE
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, ONLY BELIEVE
ONLY BELIEVE, ONLY BELIEVE
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
ONLY BELIEVE
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, ONLY BELIEVE
ONLY BELIEVE, ONLY BELIEVE
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
ONLY BELIEVE
This is how he opened and closed each of his daily broadcasts, and the Shoe Shine man had listened to the messages. Not only had he listened, he got the message.
Just think, it is one thing to hear, but another thing to get it. For "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." When it comes to believing, we choose to believe it is a choice. In spite of the devastation and chaos, we too must choose to believe, "for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of the Lord."
One of the best ways for me to really take hold of something in my faith life is to place emphasis on truths, which help me celebrate what I have learned about and from the Lord Himself, such as: THE FATHER THOUGHT IT, THE SON BROUGHT IT, THE HOLY SPIRIT WROUGHT IT.
Biblical References of "Wrought"
The meaning of the word wrought in the Bible can be illustrated through several key biblical references:
Psalm 139:14 - "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Here, "WROUGHT" can be interpreted as the divine craftsmanship involved in the creation of human life, affirming the belief that each individual is intentionally and purposefully created.
Isaiah 45:7 - "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things." This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty in all aspects of creation, showcasing that everything "WROUGHT" by God is under His control and authority.
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." In this New Testament reference, the term "HANDIWORK" can be viewed as synonymous with "WROUGHT," indicating that believers are crafted by God for specific purposes.
Spiritual Relevance of "Wrought"
Understanding the meaning of the word wrought in the Bible carries significant spiritual implications for believers. It challenges Christians to recognize that their lives are not random, but purposefully crafted by God. This realization can enhance one's sense of identity and value in Christ.
Moreover, the concept of wrought, encourages individuals to engage in their spiritual gifts and talents actively. Just as God wrought the universe with intention, believers are called to use their abilities to serve others and glorify Him. Colossians 3:23-24 states, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the meaning of the word wrought in the Bible reveals a deep connection between divine creation and human craftsmanship. It invites believers to appreciate the artistry of God's work in their lives and encourages them to participate in the ongoing act of creation through their own efforts and talents. By understanding this term's biblical significance, individuals can gain a greater appreciation for their purpose and calling in the grand tapestry of God's plan. - copied
I WANT TO CLOSE THIS CHAPTER WITH A BEAUTIFUL STORY, AND BEFORE YOU READ IT, UNDERSTAND THIS STORY IS TRUE:
Who's Your Daddy?
A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, "I hope he doesn't come over here." But sure enough, the man did come over to their table.
"Where are you folks from?" he asked in a friendly voice. "Oklahoma," they answered. "Great to have you here in Tennessee." the stranger said. "What do you do for a living?" "I teach at a seminary," he replied. "Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really great story for you." And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple. The professor groaned and thought to himself, "Great... Just what I need another preacher story!"
The man started, "See that mountain over there pointing out the restaurant window. Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, Who's your daddy?' "Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question, 'Who's your daddy?'
He would hide at recess and lunch time from other students. He would avoid going in to stores because that question hurt him so bad. "When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?' But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd.
Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, "Son, who's your daddy?" The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, "Who's your daddy." This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy, "Wait a minute!" he said. "I know who you are. I see the family resemblance now. You are a child of God. With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, "Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it."
With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, "Who's your Daddy?" he'd just tell them, "I'm a Child of God." The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, "Isn't that a great story?"
The professor responded that it really was a great story!
As the man turned to leave, he said, "You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!" And he walked away.
The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over and asked her, "Do you know who that man was who just left that was sitting at our table?"
The waitress grinned and said, "Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper. He's the former governor of Tennessee!"
Someone in your life today needs a reminder that they're one of God's children!
- Copied from Scopes
PROVIDENTIAL PURPOSE CAN BE RELEASED THROUGH YOUR WORDS, FOR AS I HAVE SAID, "WE ALL ARE JUST ONE REVELATION AWAY FROM A BREAK THROUGH."
Pastor Cleddie Keith
Just think, it is one thing to hear, but another thing to get it. For "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." When it comes to believing, we choose to believe it is a choice. In spite of the devastation and chaos, we too must choose to believe, "for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of the Lord."
One of the best ways for me to really take hold of something in my faith life is to place emphasis on truths, which help me celebrate what I have learned about and from the Lord Himself, such as: THE FATHER THOUGHT IT, THE SON BROUGHT IT, THE HOLY SPIRIT WROUGHT IT.
Biblical References of "Wrought"
The meaning of the word wrought in the Bible can be illustrated through several key biblical references:
Psalm 139:14 - "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Here, "WROUGHT" can be interpreted as the divine craftsmanship involved in the creation of human life, affirming the belief that each individual is intentionally and purposefully created.
Isaiah 45:7 - "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things." This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty in all aspects of creation, showcasing that everything "WROUGHT" by God is under His control and authority.
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." In this New Testament reference, the term "HANDIWORK" can be viewed as synonymous with "WROUGHT," indicating that believers are crafted by God for specific purposes.
Spiritual Relevance of "Wrought"
Understanding the meaning of the word wrought in the Bible carries significant spiritual implications for believers. It challenges Christians to recognize that their lives are not random, but purposefully crafted by God. This realization can enhance one's sense of identity and value in Christ.
Moreover, the concept of wrought, encourages individuals to engage in their spiritual gifts and talents actively. Just as God wrought the universe with intention, believers are called to use their abilities to serve others and glorify Him. Colossians 3:23-24 states, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the meaning of the word wrought in the Bible reveals a deep connection between divine creation and human craftsmanship. It invites believers to appreciate the artistry of God's work in their lives and encourages them to participate in the ongoing act of creation through their own efforts and talents. By understanding this term's biblical significance, individuals can gain a greater appreciation for their purpose and calling in the grand tapestry of God's plan. - copied
I WANT TO CLOSE THIS CHAPTER WITH A BEAUTIFUL STORY, AND BEFORE YOU READ IT, UNDERSTAND THIS STORY IS TRUE:
Who's Your Daddy?
A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, "I hope he doesn't come over here." But sure enough, the man did come over to their table.
"Where are you folks from?" he asked in a friendly voice. "Oklahoma," they answered. "Great to have you here in Tennessee." the stranger said. "What do you do for a living?" "I teach at a seminary," he replied. "Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really great story for you." And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple. The professor groaned and thought to himself, "Great... Just what I need another preacher story!"
The man started, "See that mountain over there pointing out the restaurant window. Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, Who's your daddy?' "Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question, 'Who's your daddy?'
He would hide at recess and lunch time from other students. He would avoid going in to stores because that question hurt him so bad. "When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?' But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd.
Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, "Son, who's your daddy?" The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, "Who's your daddy." This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy, "Wait a minute!" he said. "I know who you are. I see the family resemblance now. You are a child of God. With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, "Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it."
With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, "Who's your Daddy?" he'd just tell them, "I'm a Child of God." The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, "Isn't that a great story?"
The professor responded that it really was a great story!
As the man turned to leave, he said, "You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!" And he walked away.
The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over and asked her, "Do you know who that man was who just left that was sitting at our table?"
The waitress grinned and said, "Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper. He's the former governor of Tennessee!"
Someone in your life today needs a reminder that they're one of God's children!
- Copied from Scopes
PROVIDENTIAL PURPOSE CAN BE RELEASED THROUGH YOUR WORDS, FOR AS I HAVE SAID, "WE ALL ARE JUST ONE REVELATION AWAY FROM A BREAK THROUGH."
Pastor Cleddie Keith