David Richardson

Let me just put it to you straight:  it was a fantastic Thanksgiving break around here.  How about a brief summary?  Here goes…

[1]  Wednesday Night Before Thanksgiving - First Baptist Church of Sebring served a delicious turkey dinner to needy people from the community.  I was proud to see so many volunteers show up and help out.  Joe Delph did a fine job of organizing this event.  It was a great opportunity to make new friends, share some tasty food, and present the gospel message.  Pictured below is the crowd getting ready to eat their meal, and me giving a gospel presentation with the help of a Spanish translator.

[2]  Thanksgiving Day - We got together with one of the families in the church.  They had a GIGANTIC gathering with about 130 of their relatives.  They had enough food to fill up a table that was about 70 feet long.  What a meal!  Later that day, we had a blast racing through trails and creeks on 4-wheelers.  It was a Thanksgiving that we will never forget, and we truly do appreciate the Hancocks inviting us over for a special time.  Pictured below is the table, and our family on the 4-wheelers.

[3]  Friday After Thanksgiving - In my opinion, Disney World is the greatest place on earth.  Yeah, I know it’s expensive and the lines get long.  But it still is a magical place that brings out the kid in all of us.  We hit the Magic Kingdom for a day and had a tremendous time.  Can’t wait to go back!  Pictured below is our family in front of the castle.

[4]  Saturday After Thanksgiving - We capped off a perfect break by watching the Gamecocks beat the Tigers, and the Gators beat the Seminoles.  Both games made us very, very happy!

Holidays usually are not perfect.  I fully understand that.  But this one was pretty close!

*  Magnificent!!  That is all I need to say about today at First Baptist Church of Sebring.

*  We had 1 blended worship service this morning, and it was truly a celebration.  Big crowd too.

*  I liked how folks from the 8:30 service and the 11:00 service had such positive attitudes about coming together.  It shows a lot of spiritual maturity and wisdom.  Proud of you all.

*  We baptized 6 people today.

*  Yes, our Hispanic Pastor baptized 3 of them, while speaking Spanish.

*  I baptized 2 of them – a married couple.  What a thrill to baptize a husband and a wife.

*  Joe Delph, our Youth Pastor, baptized 1 of them.  I liked how Joe did his.

*  Unforeseen “disaster” of the day:  I baptized folks with the shirt I was going to preach in.  I thought my shirt would stay dry with my waders on…but I was wrong.  My shirt got soaked, and I only had a few minutes before it was time to preach.  One of the women loaned me a hairdryer, which I used to dry the front of my shirt.  It worked good enough, and I was able to reach the pulpit in time.  Next time, I will be wearing a different shirt.  Ha!  Ha!

*  Let me give a shout out to my lovely wife:  Babe, I’m proud of you for giving a children’s sermon today!  I was in the back drying my shirt, but several people told me after the service that you did a really good job.  Way to go!  God continues to do neat things in  you and through you…and it’s fun to watch.  That’s just one more reason I love ya!

*  Blended our musicians from both worship services…and they really sounded great.  Very worshipful and uplifting!  Just for the record:  Amazing Grace is the greatest song ever written.  Ever.

*  David Thomas is a solid worship leader.  I continue to be impressed.  God’s given him something special.

*  I preached on “Snakebites And Desperate Looks” out of Numbers 21:4-9.  Looking to Jesus on the cross saves our souls, just as looking at the snake on the pole saved their lives.  It’s cool how so many things in the Old Testament foreshadow what is in the New Testament.

*  We had communion.  That never, ever gets old.  The older I get, the more I appreciate it.

*  4 kids walked the aisle today to say they have trusted in Jesus as their Savior.

*  Tonight was our Hanging of the Green.  The best one of those I’ve ever experienced.  Had a great time with our church family!  Afterwards was a finger food fellowship.  At the end of the evening, a good crowd of people formed a line and helped move parts of our singing Christmas tree to the sanctuary.  Here are some of the helpers:

*  This week, I’ll be sharing updates and pictures of what we did over Thanksgiving break.  I’ll just say this:  it was one of the best times of our lives!

*  Peace out!

As I wrap up this 2009 Thanksgiving Day, I thought I’d list what I’m thankful for.  Here goes:

*  God’s amazing grace.

*  My awesome wife who also is the best friend I’ve got!  Lara is the love of my life.  Next to getting saved, marrying her is the best thing I’ve ever done.

*  My 4 amazing kids.  Katie, Lizzie, Rachel, and Emerson are such a joy.  They bring a smile to my face, and I’m so happy to be their dad.  I love them greatly.

*  My parents and my brothers.  God allowed me to grow up in a good home as a child.  I’m proud to be the son of Wade and Diane, and I’m proud to be the brother of Condy and Wyman.

*  Being called to First Baptist Church of Sebring, Florida.  The opportunity for me to come here is truly a blessing from above.  What a thrill and an honor.

*  The good staff I serve alongside at First Baptist.

*  Loyal friends who can be trusted.  I can count on them being there through thick and thin.

*  Delicious food and sweet tea!

*  My health.

*  Good books.

*  New beginnings.

*  Our beautiful home.

*  The gift of life.

Thank you, God, for your many blessings!

Would you like to be a friend that is appreciated by others?

In 2 Timothy 1:16-18, Paul expresses his gratitude for Onesiphorous for the  following reasons:

[1]  He Was An Encourager – Paul said in verse 16 that “he often refreshed me.”  Every encounter he had with Onesiphorous left Paul in better shape.  Do people benefit from being in  your presence?  When it comes to dealing with others, you are either a blessing or a burden.

[2]  He Was Loyal. Paul said in verse 16 that he “was not ashamed of my chains.”  Onesiphorous did not abandon Paul, who had been arrested.  Can people count on you for sticking around when their lives are a mess?  Your family and friends need you to be true to them through thick and thin.

[3]  He Was Proactive. Paul said in verse 17 that “he eagerly searched for me, and found me.”  Onesiphorous sprung into action and aggressively looked for Paul for the purpose of ministering to him.  Do you make a conscious effort to bless other people, or do you passively sit back and wait for them to make the first move?  Love is proven when effort is exerted.

Interestingly enough, the name Onesiphorus means “bringing advantage, beneficial.”  That makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?  Friendship with him brought advantages and benefits to Paul.  Can that be said about you by those who know you best?

May the example of Onesiphorous become a reality in your life.  Be an encourager.  Be loyal.  Be proactive.  When you do, others will be glad that God brought you into their lives.