Thought for the Week
This Thought for the Week consists of a video recorded yesterday morning at a local church. As part of a series on our Creator’s provision, and as a follow-up to the previous week’s message, “When God Doesn’t Provide,” I spoke about “When God Does Provide.” Spoiler Alert: In the hands of an infinite God, they serve the same purpose–a hard concept for us finite, time-bound beings to grasp.
The message runs about 26 minutes. Feel free to enjoy the music, but be warned: My opening and closing moments are kinda cringe-able! This was the first time (thanks, COVID) I’ve addressed a live group in two years. I also had a lot to live up to since my wife is a much-loved staff member at this church (at the second service I introduced myself as “Mr. Trudy”). Still, I do plan to do more speaking dates now that the pandemic is winding down. I’ll keep you posted on those so you can enjoy–or judiciously avoid–them. ;>) ~Mitch
To watch the message portion, start at 16:39 and end at 42:55.
Click here.
∞
Mitch Teemley 
Thanks for sharing ! Enjoyed seeing and hearing you . I need to watch your movie . Also I’m hoping to go to Niagara Falls next year. 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
It really is breathtaking, PK! We saw it from various viewpoints at Niagara Falls National Park (we were warned to avoid the cheesy-touristy surrounding area). The Park also has a boat that take’s you to the foot of the falls, which I understand is well worth doing. And the Canadian side is said to be even better, providing a more panoramic full view.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a very thoughtful sermon. Your right about the time. It flies by for me but for my young granddaughter, not so fast! Enjoyed listening to your semon!
LikeLiked by 3 people
So glad you enjoyed it, Mya.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed your speech very much! Very thought-provoking.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Q.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing this with us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My privilege, Joy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I listened, Mitch! You did well. I like what you said about them both being the same thing, from God’s perspective. He is always good, always providing something for us, just not always in a way we understand.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Indeed, Gabrielle (and thank you).
LikeLike
exodus 41:01-04 fear not
psalms 48 the lord is great
LikeLike
Great stuff, Mitch. Glad you got a chance to do that. I actually guest-preached at our church yesterday, too.
What I especially appreciated in your message was the point you made about faith being about much more than “being saved.” Your analogy that likened it to marriage or having a baby was really spot on. My United Methodist heart rejoiced at the “journey of sanctification” implied there. Bravo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, brother, and glad you got a chance to preach again too!
LikeLike
Well done Mitch! It’s true that God’s time is not our time. In fact it seems as if God sees all time at the same time, while we experience time in a strictly linear fashion. BTW, Paul did not write 2 Chronicles 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Robert!
LikeLike
P.S. Did I really say “2 Chronicles”? instead of 2 Corinthians? I hadn’t realized that until just now. Oy!
LikeLike
Inspiring sermon, Mitch. Especially the point you made that the Christian faith is more than being saved. That’s the first step but there’s so much more as you pointed out.
My husband and I haven’t returned to church yet since the pandemic hit. He’s immune compromised and, even though fully vaccinated, until covid #’s go down more, we’re still living quite cautiously. We watch our church service online Sunday mornings and also watch a friend preach at his church online either Sunday night or Monday morning. We couldn’t connect with our friend’s today through the internet for some reason. Logged onto WordPress and found yours. God provided what he wanted us to hear today. 🙂
PS: We watched Healing River last month and thought it was really good and enjoyed hearing today how God closed and opened the right doors for you. Our finite minds cannot not fully grasp all he’s doing in our lives but sometimes looking back we can see how the closed doors were for our greater good and his glory.
Keep up the inspiring work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Nancy. So glad God is at work in your lives, and that you have the wisdom to trust Him even when that work is hard to see. Trudy and I mostly continue to attend church online, as well, except when one of us is called to helped out with something.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great message, Mitch! If we could only see everything through God’s perspective …
I didn’t know (or forgot) the story about Healing River being postponed. God’s timing is always perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is indeed (and thank you, Mary).
LikeLike
Great topic
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I have time to myself, I look forward to listening
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job Mr. Trudy! Presentation-wise you were/are not cringe-worthy. If you call that rusty, prior to any future talks (where you expect to shine even more) you should consider handing out Ray-Bans. Content-wise, words that instantly come to mind: enlightening, relevant and inspirational.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thank you , Tom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
P.S. How about podcasting, right here, every Sunday?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well…
LikeLike
It was nice to see you. Thank you for sharing. Not at all “cringe-able,” as you described.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Michele ;>) Actually, I was referring to my delay in getting started and confusion after the message as to whether I was supposed to lead an “Affirmation of Faith,” which it turns out they only do at their other, more traditional services.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Got it! You have a calm and engaging stage presence.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done, Mitch! I particularly liked the analogy you used for how we perceive time differently in different situations or at different ages. Sound and solid theology all the way through, but more than that, a practical lesson in faithful living. I thought your wedding/marriage analogy was perfect, too. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Thank you for sharing this with us. It helps all of us who read your work to have a fuller picture of you.
If you ever plan to return to Southern California, I’d love to have you fill in for me on some Sunday morning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Steve. And, yes, I’d be honored to do so when I’m in SoCal again. Assuming things return to normal in 2022, I’ll be arranging some speaking dates.
LikeLike