The Charge Today’s Devotional is offered by Dave Williams.

When Trudy and I lived in Raleigh we were members of a Presbyterian church. Dr. H. Edwin Pickard, the senior pastor, was a learned, scholarly sort. I found his sermons to be thoughtful and inspiring. For the first time in my life, I consistently looked forward to attending church.

My favorite part of his Sunday morning service came at the very end. He would raise his right arm and recite what I thought was a benediction (a divine blessing), but in hindsight, I now think of it as more of a charge (an exhortation to do the will of Christ as you go about your life). I liked the charge so much I asked Trudy to cross stitch and frame it and hang it where I could see it every day before I went out into the world. Now, forty-two years later, the words are still a great inspiration to me. They come from the last chapter of 1 Thessalonians. My hope is that you will also take inspiration from “The Charge” as we near the final days of this Advent Season.

Go forth into the world in peace;

be of good courage;

hold fast to that which is good;

render to no one evil for evil;

strengthen the fainthearted;

support the weak;

help the afflicted;

honor all persons;

love and serve the Lord,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thank you,
Dave Williams December 20, 2017