James 1:2-4 (New International Version)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

For many years I have read and reread the stimulating sermons of J Wallace Hamilton. He was the dearly loved pastor of Community Church in Pasadena, Florida. He was called there in 1932 and long before the term “mega-churches” was common-place in America, he pastored one. ​Ushers counted 3,450 cars one Sunday with families sitting in them and listening to messages from amplifiers on posts and in the trees to this instinctive, brilliant, present tense truth teller. The building held about 1,500, but over 8,000 of his members never came inside.

I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine. Our discussion centered on the ordinance of communion. He explained, “Sunday morning is the highlight of my week because it means that I can partake in communion.” He went on to explain, “this activity is so enriching because I feel in touch with Christ, at this moment, more purely than any other time throughout the week.”

​Ever since The Message was published, I have been intrigued by Eugene H. Peterson and his writings. He insightfully shares about Jeremiah in his book Run with the Horses. Among the dramatic dialogues between Jeremiah and Jehovah, the LORD revealed that the divine purpose of Jeremiah’s life was to be found in knowing that God “gave” him to the nations.