The price of going to the barber was exorbitant in a particular city. Hardly anyone could afford a full treatment. However, a man came into a barber shop with a little boy and asked for the full treatment - shave, shampoo, manicure, haircut, etc. After the barber had finished with him, the man placed Little Johnny on the chair. "I'm going to buy a green tie to wear for the parade," he said. "I'll be back in a few minutes." When Little Johnny's haircut was complete and the man still hadn't returned, the barber said, "Looks like your daddy's forgotten all about you." "That wasn't my daddy," said Little Johnny. "He just walked up, took me by the hand and said, 'Come on, kid, we're gonna get a free haircut!'"
Well this week, I got my first, free haircut. The “DO” was looking pretty scraggily so Janice suggested that she take Graham’s beard trimmer to my head. She put all her creative juices to work and away she went. I thought to myself, “What am I going to do if this does not work out?” Not that I have to look fantastic, but hopefully respectable.
It is like the little story I read the other day about a new hair salon: “A new hair salon opened for business across the street from the well-established barber shop. They put up a big bold sign which read: “We Give $7 Haircuts!” Not to be outdone, the old master barber put up his own sign: “We Fix $7 Haircuts!” I guess, in my weakness, I wondered where I was going to get my “$7 haircut fix?” Forgive me Janice, I should have had more faith in your hair cutting skills.
Well, I have my new “DO” and I think it looks very good. Janice really did well. We had a few laughs and, this Sunday, you will be able to decide for yourself. Thank you, again, Janice. You are an artist with a trimmer!
Whenever I think of hair, my mind goes back to Luke 12:7 (NIV), “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Jesus is addressing His disciples in light of some of the realistic challenges and suffering they are going to face representing Him. His point is this: “I will be with you, in an intimate way (why He says that He knows the number of hairs they possess on their heads), so don’t worry. When the time is right I will be there and I will be give you the words to say and the strength you need. Trust me.
I think an important part of our Faith is music. The old hymn “Trusting Jesus”, by Edgar Stites, is one of my favourites. It sums up the beautiful truth: trusting in the one that knows us so well is the way to live each day. The burdens are sometimes heavy and the way not totally clear but Jesus promise is true, “And be sure of this I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:20 NLT) May the words of this beautiful hymn encourage, uplift and inspire you as we enter another weekend.
Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain:
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Trust Him my friends. He will not fail you! God bless you – Pastor Ralph
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