Happy Eclipse Day.
I just made that up. No one has really said that to me. But lots of people are excited for what’s happening today.
Total solar eclipses occur every 18 months, but based on location, it could be centuries before the experience comes around again. By one estimate, Tennessee won’t have another total eclipse until 2153.
That’s why so many people will be looking up this afternoon. It’s a rare moment when we all set our eyes up and around. I expect more than a few people will fall silent at the wonder of day becoming night for just a little while.
This morning I read from Psalm 46 (NIV), “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth.”
Today is the Day
I heard about a 105-year-old man who has seen 12 eclipses in his lifetime. He is keenly aware that this might be his last. “They don’t come but every one or two, every couple of years…I may not see any more eclipses.”
Life is indeed brief. We only have a few short years to enjoy this life and fulfill our purpose. Psalm 144:3-4 (NLT) reminds us, “O LORD, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow.”
If you knew this day was your last, how would you spend it? Who would you call? How many hugs would you give? What would you take the time to enjoy?
While this day may be more unusual than most, every day is a gift. God allows us the freedom to choose what we will do.
So make it count. Love others well. Let your mind go up to the heavens. Walk in the light. Psalm 89:15 (NIV) says, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.”
Rise, Knoxville!
Yesterday I kicked off a new sermon series from the book of Acts. RISE is a church-wide emphasis after Easter to consider and act on what the gospel can do in hearts as well as throughout our city.
We have the greatest gift in the world through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are children of light, not darkness. But this light isn’t just for us. Our hope is to accelerate a movement of the gospel for the good of all of Knoxville.
Each sermon in this series will focus on one key practice of the early church from the Book of Acts that allowed them to have a major impact on individuals, cities, and cultures. This Sunday I will be preaching from Acts 3 with a message called “The Spirit of Power.” You can see more messages ahead by visiting fbcknox.org/rise.
Also, for the women in our congregation, be sure to register for the Ready to Rise Women’s Conference with special guest Jo Saxton on Saturday April, 27th from 9:00am-12:30pm. This will be an incredible day of encouragement as the women in our church and community come together. You can learn more at fbcknox.org/women. Invite a friend to come along!
I love you and I am praying for you this week. I’m so thankful that we are on the journey together of following “the Light of the World,” Jesus Christ. He’s helping us live in the light of His wonderful resurrection.
Have a great week —
Pastor Brent McDougal
(Vecteezy File Photo)