"A place to find peace from all the cares, concerns, and conflicts of the world."
Dateline: Minneapolis
I came across a quote by Gipsy Smith, Sr. that is quite relevant to today's church, "The Lord's weather never interferes with the Lord's work." A quick search on Gipsy Smith revealed that he lived from 1860-1947. The book from which I read the quote was copy written in 1945. My conclusion- this quote was spoken prior to 1945.
Imagine the differences between our world and the world in which Gipsy Smith first uttered these words. Most likely, this quote was spoken during the time in which the world was reeling and desperate due to the great depression and fearful and uncertain due to global war. Today, (lest I proceed to give an exhaustive list of examples) let's just say we have it better in just about every way than someone living from 1860-1947. This being so, Gipsy's quote should ring even more true to us, perhaps even a bit prophetic...
When I was called to serve at New Hope Baptist Church, I took no issue with the churches "we never close" policy. After all, I came from working in movie theatres and 24/7 gas stations (both of these never close). I distinctly remember when the movie theatre was the only place in the mall open past 8PM and on Holidays. Today there are many times the mall is open longer hours (sometimes all night) to accommodate shoppers and generate sales. Movie theatres today also frequently host midnight showings. Could you imagine the uproar if a theatre delayed the premiere of the first installment of the new Hunger Games movie due to weather? It is quite apparent that business owners across this country have decided that, "the Lord's weather never interferes with OUR work." As for me, I agree with Gipsy. You can find me every Sunday and Wednesday doing what God called me to do- preach the Word of God.
