Sunday, July 1, 2007 will always be the Sunday of Surprises for Beth and me.  I have never been so snookered, tricked, and shocked.  My jaw is still sore from swallowing hook, line, and sinker!  I know that God is truly a God of miracles, because only God could allow the most awesome Church family in the world, and my most awesome wife in the world to keep a secret from the preacher.  I’m serious.  That in and of itself is truly miraculous.
          I have never been so humbled, felt so undeserving, and utterly speechless as I was on Sunday afternoon.  It’s scary that my wife, my staff, and church family could pull the wool over my eyes for such an incredible expression of love.  I am so grateful for the privilege of playing just a little part in what God is doing at First Baptist Seminole.  I tried to think of the reason why my church family would present me with such a sacrificial gift.  I knew it couldn’t be because they despise my green Nissan.  I knew it couldn’t be because they didn’t get a laugh out of watching me packed in the cab with my boys on the way to school like a can of mustard-soaked sardines.  So I decided to just face the fact that I am loved, and that is one of life’s most humbling experiences. 
          As I reflected on this incredible Sunday, any words I could say or write seemed futile to express my heart.  One of the things that God has magnified for me through this experience is how difficult it is for us to receive love, especially the love of God.   I John 3:1 says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!  Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”  Before the special surprise Sunday, I recognized that the great spirit of unity and love in our church is a wonderful blessing from God.  More than anything, I am so excited about the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing people and families to a new life in Jesus Christ.  I am so grateful to be a part of a church family where I can experience the power of the love of God at work. 
          I know that so many people at FBC were involved in presenting me with the new pick up, and words simply are not enough to express my humble gratitude.  As the boys and I took a little drive Sunday afternoon, they asked what we were going to name the truck.  “Big Bertha?”  “Sally?”  I suggested we name it “God’s Truck” and let it be used for the Kingdom of God.  I guess if God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, then He can provide a preacher a truck to be used for the Kingdom!  To God be the glory; He is worthy!   Psalm 29:2 says, “Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” 

Category : Tommy Talk