September 18, 2024
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One day, my friend Stan picked me up for lunch and introduced me to a place called Mr. Chicken. Mr. Chicken was owned by a guy whose last name was almost unpronounceable, but who was known as “Buddy Chicken.”
Buddy was passionate about his chicken and his role in serving the very best. His business card even had his face on a Foghorn Leghorn body holding drumsticks and proclaiming, “Mr. Chicken, that fabulous fowl!”
Buddy stood at the counter. As we waited in line, I listened as customers placed their orders – 2 pieces, 3 pieces, 4 pieces, dark meat, white meat, combos with sides, sweet tea, soft drinks, pie, etc.
A young woman in front of us said, “I’d like a cheeseburger.” The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at Buddy. Buddy starred at her in shocked disbelief, clearly offended. He wrote down her order, passed it through the window to the kitchen behind the counter and motioned for her to take a seat.
After a short time, Buddy stepped up to the microphone and with annoyance in his voice announced, “Whoever the fool is who ordered this cheeseburger, your order is ready!”
I never tried one of Buddy’s cheeseburgers. I bet they were good, perhaps really good. But I had my own place when I wanted what I considered to be the best cheeseburger in town. When I wanted the best fried chicken, I ate at Mr. Chicken. Fried chicken was the main thing.
What are you looking for in a church? Who are you truly seeking?
There was a special place, where I learned about Jesus and His Truth. It was a place of cherished memories of friendships made and life events experienced. It was a place where the Word of God, written in the Bible and incarnate in Jesus, was the main thing – not people-pleasing or politics or power grabs or shenanigans or distractions that don’t have a thing to do with Jesus.
I hope you’ve found the church you need, a place where Jesus Christ, God the Son, is the main thing, served with passion, integrity and love. A place where the main focuses are your relationship with Jesus and the growth of your eternal soul, with an overflowing abundance of faith and hope and mercy and grace – and a great big helping of the Truth.
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Thank God!
QUESTIONS
Do you know Who you need? Who are you seeking?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help us to seek You above all else. In a world full of deceit, betrayal and distractions, help us to keep You at the center of our lives. Lead us to a place where You are honored, and Your Truth is proclaimed. Guide us to seek You with all our hearts, and grant us the wisdom to find You.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NRSV)
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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