What Did You Say?

What Did You Say?

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!

Matthew 11:15

Over time, the well-used hymnals in the old church had worn out. The congregation really needed to purchase a new set of hardcover songbooks for the sanctuary, but it was a small church with limited resources. So purchasing new books out of the church treasury was simply not an option.

After discussing the issue in a business meeting one Sunday afternoon, the leaders of the congregation decided the only way to solve the problem was to ask each person in the church to purchase at least one hymnal. Since the individual books were not too expensive, that seemed like a reasonable solution and one they thought would be acceptable to the members of the church.

The elderly minister was asked to make the announcement at the next church service, which he agreed to do. In the later years of his ministry, the old Southern preacher had become slightly hard of hearing, which created some interesting scenarios. At the next service, the minister informed the congregation that the new hymnals were being ordered and would be purchased individually by members of the church. He said he hoped the members would support the effort with joy so their singing praises to God could continue.

When the minister had finished his announcement, the deacon of the church arose to remind the audience that the following Sunday was the regular day for blessing new infants born into their congregation during the past year.

The minister, not hearing clearly what the deacon had said and thinking he had made reference to the hymnals, hastily added, “All you who haven’t any can get as many as you want for seventy-five cents each by calling me.”

Dear Lord, please help me to hear your Spirit clearly when you speak to me. I want to be in tune with your will and your plan for my life. Amen.