 One Black Friday years ago, Tammy and I decided that for the first time we would get up early and travel to Menards, for an item we wanted that was deeply discounted. We walked in the front door, saw every cash register line full…all the way to the back of the store. We turned around, walked out, and drove home. Later that afternoon, we returned and got the item we left behind, and the lines were back to normal.
Depending on who you listen to, there are numerous stories on how the term “Black Friday” came into being. Among the stories, many believe that Black Friday is the one day of the year when retailers make so much money that rather than ending the year in the “red,” it causes them to be in the “black.” I believe that the most important Black Friday ever, saw the purchase of the most extravagant gift. People were “in the red,” with debt so high, they saw no hope of ever getting out. The debt was sin, and the future seemed hopeless. Then, Jesus Christ, the Son of God died on a cross on the first “Black Friday.” For everyone who repents of their sin (debt), and trusts in the Savior who gave His life for them, Black Friday becomes the day people’s debts are forgiven. For the first time in their lives they find themselves out of debt. Submit your life to Jesus today, and let the benefit of Jesus’ Black Friday become your Good Friday!
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 Last Thursday night at a Waffle House, a man & woman in a nearby booth had nothing positive to say about anything. They complained of harassment when the waitress came “too early” to their table for their order. They complained about the order not being right, and threatened to call the police on the waitress! As I think about their conversation, it was evident that they were miserable. Were they unthankful because they were miserable, or were they miserable because they were unthankful?
I contend that they were miserable BECAUSE they were unthankful! In the past few years, Tammy and I have had some great trials and tribulations. It’s been nearly 14 years since Tammy was first diagnosed with breast cancer, and nearly 4 years since she was told she was in Stage 4…not curable! Yet, rather than focus on that news, we have focused on the goodness of God and the hope that He brings (that the doctor’s diagnosis & assessment are not the last word). Today, Tammy’s doctor calls her, her star patient, because in the doctor’s eyes Tammy is doing unexpectantly great! At this point, the last 3 PET scans have shown no malignancy! While we are so very grateful for God’s sustaining and healing power, we were also so very grateful BEFORE we received this wonderful news. God is our Creator, and loves us immensely. His abiding presence assures us we are not alone! We are His and are here to serve Him—it is a work that matters for eternity. If the worst that can happen to us is we get to go to heaven to be with Him for eternity, then we are among the most blessed people! Make sure to consider that for which you have to be thankful. When negative things come your way, don’t let the earth’s dark clouds make you think that the Bright Son of God is not shining! What you choose to dwell on will affect your attitude, which will determine if you are full of joy and thankfulness, or frustrated, miserable, discouraged, hopeless. Choose to be thankful! 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV) says, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” |
AuthorPastor Brent Oliver grew up in Kokomo, Indiana and is an Ordained Minister through the Assemblies of God. Before embarking on God’s plan to establish a church in Delphi, Pastor Brent served in both Peru and Logansport, Indiana encompassing over 29 years of fulltime ministry. His vision and creativity has been the benchmark for the growing ministry at Delphi First and after 23 years, his passion and leadership could not be stronger. Archives
May 2019
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