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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: At the Pulpit (11/15/07)
Gathered by the pond, a flock of geese had assembled on a chilly November morning. As we drove home from church my daughter and I noticed this flock all in one spot which is unusual for them. The geese are normally scattered throughout the Veteran’s Memorial park. We drive by this little nature wonder almost everyday. The green trees. The flags on special holidays. The bridges that go over the pond. The amazing river which places a calmness upon the area. It’s an awesome sight to see no matter the season, but today it seemed different. It was as if the geese had gathered for a purpose. They seemed to be contemplating the day ahead of them and listening to God.


It was my teenage daughter who had noticed this occurrence and wondered if they were gathered for church. I wasn’t sure how to answer her pondering thoughts. Do not all creatures praise God? Do they not all know from whence they came? Here we are in a world so caught up in the physical structures of church that looking on this simple gathering may seem rustic and foreign. Birds flock together all the time in places, whose to say they are not gathered in worship? All creatures were created by God, not just us, it would only make sense they too would have a feel for the greater power within them. But where is the pulpit? Where is their attention focused?


What is a pulpit anyway? A structure for the pastor? A stand for the worshipers? Is it a place of grace? A place of honor? I believe it is all these things and so much more. What if there was no church building? Where would the pulpit be? It would be the central focus of the service. It would be the place believers would place their full attention. The pulpit would be where God used people for His purpose. Maybe it’s the same with the geese. They were all gathered together in a group, possibly believing there is more to this life than just swimming, eating and raising their young. God was their pulpit.


What if we were the geese this morning? I guarantee we would be complaining about the coldness and the having to stand on the frosty grass. We would be squawking about how junior was flapping his wings and not standing in one place. We would complain we couldn’t hear the words because of all the cars passing by. Then there would be the one goose who thought he was better than the rest and the annoyances would begin. God would hear all this and not be pleased.


Instead He would like us to see the beauty which surrounded us. The fresh air. The colors of fall. The sounds of the water. The beauty in each one of us. Take away the structure of the church and this is what we have in our vision. So today I ask you, are you the pulpit? Are you the vessel by which God is trying to speak? If we step back and look at the big picture, it’s all about God. He wants to be the focal point in our lives. He desires us to show others the same thing. He wants us to open the eyes of those who do not yet believe.


So today, be the goose in the cold. Step out in faith and be a focal point for God. Let Him use you as a pulpit. Don’t complain about the conditions, God will take care of everything, just be yourself and show how to believe in God. Let the words you speak create an atmosphere for God to work in. Flap your wings with pride knowing the creator of this earth is behind you. Be thankful for all things for He has provided you with all the tools necessary to build a center for Him. No matter where you are, you can be the pulpit. Flap your wings in praise, not your beak in complaints, God is watching. He needs a pulpit.
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This article has been read 1218 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
jo kopatz
11/22/07
I really enjoyed reading your article. It's so naturally written; the word that comes to my mind is, charming!
Josiah Kane
11/23/07
An intriguing title and captivating story. Could we really do worse than the animals?… It is a scary thought. How do geese sing hymns or preach?
Marita Vandertogt
11/23/07
You moved nicely from the geese to us, and being God's pulpit. This is a solid piece, tying all your points together to a good conclusion. Just a suggestion - and very minor - midway through you direct a lot of questions toward the reader. I found those just a little distracting, but overall the piece is well written, very tight, and gives me something to think about today as I step out into a cold wintery one. Good job!
Marita Vandertogt
11/23/07
You moved nicely from the geese to us, and being God's pulpit. This is a solid piece, tying all your points together to a good conclusion. Just a suggestion - and very minor - midway through you direct a lot of questions toward the reader. I found those just a little distracting, but overall the piece is well written, very tight, and gives me something to think about today as I step out into a cold wintery one. Good job!
lucie buchert
11/25/07
I thought this piece was very thought provoking. What an interesting way to think of preaching or being in church as a flock of geese. Some very good points here.

-Lucie
Sharlyn Guthrie
11/29/07
I enjoyed the conversational stye of your devotional piece. Nice message, too.
Dee Yoder
11/29/07
Some good suggestions in your devotional. I like the analogy to the animals praising God. Why not? Maybe we'll find out when we get to Heaven!