The Plan of Excellence...
Yesterday, as the time for chapel was quickly approaching, I debated whether I would continue working in my office in an attempt to catch up on the many things that needed my attention, or whether I would take the much needed respite and attend the service as usual. But despite the many things that needed my attention, I decided to attend the chapel service as usual, and now, I am so glad that I did.
As I entered the sanctuary of Sligo, I was extremely surprised when I discovered that the speaker for the day was none other than the Chairman for Washington Adventist University's Department of Music, Dr. James Bingham. For a split second, I thought that this might be a presentation on some aspect of music performance or something along those lines. But to my amazement, it wasn't anything of the sort. Instead, it was Dr. Bingham's personal testimony on the power of God to carry out His plan in the lives of those who are willing to work toward excellence as they prepare to use their God-given gifts to the His glory. Dr. Bingham's message was rooted in the all familiar verse of Jeremiah 29:11:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
I must say that I have heard many sermons as well as commencement addresses on this topic, but hearing Dr. Bingham's story for the first time was truly an inspiration to my soul. Thank you Dr. Bingham for the seeds that you planted in our hearts. I pray that the story of how God directed your life will take root in the hearts of our students, and that ultimately they will bear the fruit of excellence.
Charles A. Tapp
Senior Pastor
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