I was so blessed by Joel Osteen's sermon today. He recited the poem (below) by heart. I had never heard it before and later found it on this website. I love it and it put's some things into perspective. Today's message was about unconditional love. The following are from my notes: God 's love is inclusive, not exclusive. God's circle of love is wide and far-reaching. I'm going to love you even if I don't agree with you or your decisions. Every person is on a journey. Right now they are not where they are going to end up. They are still on the potter's wheel. The areas you happen to be strong in - didn't just happen - that's the mercy of God. God can use you to plant seeds in another's heart. Your love, your friendship, your encouragement is a part of the plan God has for their life. So, don't have a 'holier than thou' attitude, take off the judgemental glasses, because if not for the grace and mercy of God, you could be right there where they are - right there in their shoes. But the fact is, you haven't walked in their shoes. You haven't lived in their house. You didn't grow up with the people who lived there. You don't know their story. So you don't know everything you think you might know. And God is counting on us to make a difference. Everytime we show love, not criticism, not judgement, we sow seeds that never die. We don't have to 'straighten everyone out' - we just have to sow the seeds. And you'd be wise to learn to love that person you think is so off course in life - you may be surprised one day to see them as your next door neighbor in heaven! There's going to be a lot of people there that we're not expecting. "By this will all men know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35. God's mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. The love and mercy of God is wide - not narrow. John 7:24 says, "Be honest in your judgement of people. Do not decide at a glance, superficially, or by appearances. Do not judge, lest ye be judged." - Simple, huh? - I haven't always been mindful of these lessons but am going to strive to be better tomorrow...and the next day...and the day after that. If you do nothing else, please read the poem below. I think you'll like it and a smile may even creep across your face at the end. :)
Heaven's Surprise
I was shocked, confused, bewildered as I entered Heaven’s door, Not by the beauty of it all, nor the lights or its decor. But it was the folks in Heaven who made me sputter and gasp– The thieves, the liars, the sinners, the alcoholics and the trash. There stood the kid from seventh grade who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor who never said anything nice. Herb, who I always thought was rotting away in Hell, Was sitting pretty on cloud nine, looking incredibly well. I nudged Jesus, ‘What’s the deal? I would love to hear your take. How’d all these sinners get up here? God must’ve made a mistake. ‘And why’s everyone so quiet, so somber – give me a clue.’ ‘Hush, child,’ He said, ‘they’re all in shock. No one thought they’d be seeing YOU!’
~ Poem By Rod Hemphill ~
