March 14, 2019 (Thursday)
The photo below was taken in recent years. It’s part of Berlin, Nevada, a thriving gold-mining town from 1896-1911, producing 48,080 ounces of gold, which was worth almost one million dollars, but currently would be worth almost 62 million dollars. Today it is one of the Nevada ghost towns. Its glory is in what it once was–what it used to be. Its gold produced thrilling experiences which now are only sweet memories.
This causes me think of Christians who no longer go to church, pray or serve the Lord. That thought reminds me of a sermon illustration I’ve used many times. It goes like this:
A man had a wonderful blessing in Christ. He wrote out the story of what he called his “blessed experience” and frequently read it to his friends. One day when a visitor came to his home he said to his wife: “Would you mind going upstairs and getting my blessed experience? I have not seen it for some time.” When the wife returned she reported, “I’m sorry, my husband, but the rats have eaten your ‘blessed experience.” I need to ask myself, ‘Is my Christian testimony about what God once did in my life, or is it also about what He is doing today?
Mosie Lister
How long has it been since you talked with the Lord
And told him your heart’s hidden secrets
How long since you prayed how long since you stayed
On your knees till the light shone through
How long has it been since your mind felt at ease
How long since your heart knew no burden
Can you call him your friend
How long has it been
Since you knew that he cared for you.
How long has it been since you knelt by your bed
And prayed to the Lord up in heaven
How long since you knew that he’d answer you
And would keep you the long night through
How long has it been since you woke with the dawn
And felt that the day’s worth the living
Can you call him your friend
How long has it been
Since you knew that he cared for you.
Simon Peter promised never to deny his Lord, but, much to his surprise he did the unthinkable. When he realized what he had done, he was overcome with regret. Later the Lord met him on a beautiful beach, and led him to renew his love for his Savior. We are saved by grace, and, if necessary, renewed by grace.