Stressful Days

     Take a look around you.  No, I mean really take a look at the life situation of people today.  Do you see the struggle, the heavy load of life that so many are feeling?  If you watch the news, if you listen to people talk, if you just stop and look around, it is not long before you feel the weight of the load of stress people are experiencing today.  You might even say one of the great struggles today is moving through each day under the oppression of some difficult times.  I was reading in the Psalms when a verse just stood up and brought peace and joy to my spirit, and I want to share that with you:  Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

     It seems we have grown accustomed to looking to the government to solve our problems; and to some degree that happens.  BUT, we should never lose sight of the real source of help for our lives…the LORD. 

     Verse 10 is speaking about a personal relationship that is kept vital through contact.  Do you know the Lord by name?  Is your relationship one that is close enough to live in that trust?  Oh, this has such great meaning for you and I…the Lord has never forsaken those who SEEK him.  That word, “seek,” is an active verb, not a passive one.  It is your call to pursue, to seek, to commit to an intimate relationship with God.  That is found in prayer.  It is found in worship.  SEEK, daily!  Seek in those moments when you lack peace.  Seek in those times when you feel discouraged.  The Lord has never, never, never, forsaken those who seek him. 

A Distinguished Church

As a pastor I often think about what it is about the church that distinguishes it from any other organization.  People come into the group, set regular times to meet, follow certain customs, and so forth.  The same could be said about the pretty much any civic organization or club.  What is it that sets the church apart from any other group? 

     In my early morning reading one day last week, I read a statement that just answered that question in a powerful way.  It points to an incredible truth that could revitalize the life of any church, or perhaps even your personal faith.  The statement was made during a dialogue between Moses and the Lord: 

     Exodus 33:12 Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, `Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, `I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." 14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."

If anything will truly distinguish the church from other group it is in this…the presence of the Lord.  It is not programs or styles of worship.  It is a people gathered around one central factor…God’s presence.  And, it begins with one person in an intimate connection to the Lord, the kind of relationship that says I know you, and I know your name.  Today…have a blessed day walking in the Presence.

It's Monday Morning

Let me share a “brief” “short” word with you today.  I’m not sure what your Monday mornings are like, but if you are like most people…well, it’s Monday.  The weekend is gone…the busy-ness of the new week is facing you.  Maybe you feel overloaded with responsibilities, maybe stressed about some situation at work, or at home or church, maybe you feel a little discouraged.  Whatever that weight you are carrying may be, listen to these words and take a few moments to connect with God:

Psalm 5:1- Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.  2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.  3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Your relationship with God is the greatest source of strength you have…don’t neglect it.  Prayer is your contact point to share your needs, but also to listen.  Begin your day with God.  AND…don’t miss one great action step for you to take from these brief verses… develop a focus to "wait in expectation."  Have a wonderful day, living each moment in the expectancy of God’s grace and blessing.