Enter with thanksgiving

 

      4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving 

         and his courts with praise; 

         give thanks to him and praise his name. 

      5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

         his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Ps 100:4–5). 

Sometimes things in life make you appreciate and understand scripture more so than when had not experienced them.  Take for instance when scripture takes about that suffering produces patience strength and hope.  You and I can't really grasp the concept until we endure some type of suffering.

This pandemic COVID-19 has affected so many things in our lives; some of it we are currently recovering from and some, well, who knows when it will go back to normal.  Most churches have opened back their sanctuaries for in person worship, but some still have not.  My prayer in the midst of this shutdown of houses of worship is that when doors open back up that church goers would come to appreciate the significance and importance of being able to worship together in person.  I cannot speak for everyone but for myself, when we came back together on June 14 to resume worship my heart was overwhelmed with thanksgiving, praise, and joy.

I experienced this one other time, when after a major surgery I was unable to attend church for over 12 weeks of recovery.  Many of you may have experienced the same type circumstances, and can understand that feeling. You understand what it is to miss being in a house of worship.

Don't misunderstand me, the technology that has allowed us to worship virtually was a great short term solution.  I know people will say that they can worship at home on TV, internet, or radio.  There is some truth in that because yes you can.  However, there is not substitution to being around the people of God, for the worship of God, in the House of God.

There are still some that are unable to be in person for worship for many reasons.  For you know that we understand what you are going through, and know that you are missed and we look forward to the day that you can join us again.  Then you as well will experience the joy of entering with joy and thanksgiving in your heart.  But until then, stand firm, believe, and rejoice in knowing that this too shall pass.

Chris

What did you say?

 

If you been around for any length of time you know that even though you say something, repeat it, and repeat it again some people just don't hear it.  If you have children you know that you can have them look into your eyes and say something, and they will still come back later and say they didn't hear you.  Your probably familiar with the eyes glazing over and knowing that they are day dreaming about some distant world, what they want for snack, or what they thought someone said to someone at sometime.

We laugh as this is our children or grandchildren we are talking about, however did you know that we consistently do this to God.  God speaks to us every day, and yet we aren't listening.  We thought we heard something, and we go to Him and we ask, "What did you say?".  God knows it.... He knows we mean well..... He knows that its not always intentional......  As you can imagine as frustrated as we get with our own children/grandchildren God also does with us...

      11 “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. 12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts  to follow their own devices. 13 “If my people would only listen to me,  if Israel would only follow my ways, (Ps 81:11–13). 

If we would only listen to Him.  I mean really listen.  God is constantly speaking to us.  He always has our best interest at heart.  He is always trying to lead us in the path He has designed for us.  He has a perfect will for our life, however whenever we don't listen we miss the path.  If we would only listen, if we would only follow His ways.

So what would it take for you to listen?  What would it take for you to slow down for one minute of the day and listen to what He has to say.  It is important, no, it is of most importance that we listen.  Make that change, take time to listen...

Have a great day, Chris 

losing that foothold

 

      2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;  I had nearly lost my foothold (Ps 73:2). 

Sometimes being a Christian is like climbing a mountain.  It can be the hardest thing you have ever done, takes a lot of self-discipline and energy, but when you look down/back at how far you have come the view is so beautiful.  The problem is when we are climbing and our foot slips, or we nearly lose our foothold.  This happens so many times, we can feel like we are climbing and gaining so much ground, then our heart drops and breathing gets fast because we nearly slip.... nearly.   We nearly fall into our old habits, we nearly fall back into old routines, we nearly commit the sin that we battle so often.  Or maybe we did slip, maybe we did lose our foothold, maybe we did fall back, and we grab hold of whatever we can to stop from falling and losing our sanity.  We feel like we are hanging on by just a thread.  At that moment, or in that moment, that is when all the safety equipment comes into effect.  The safety is equipment is for us because no matter how skillful, careful, and experienced you may be anyone, and I mean anyone can slip.  

The psalmist here gives a narration of many troubles he had had (envy, ignorant, and being in vain), because of all this he nearly, be reminded of nearly, slipped.  But then he was reminded of the following:

      23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel,          and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you?  And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart         and my portion forever. 27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;          I will tell of all your deeds.  (Ps 73:23–28). 

Some truths found in these verses when you are climbing that mountain called life:

• God is with you and is holding your hand
• God is guiding you
• God is your strength and portion
• God is near, so it is good
• God is your refuge
• God is your story to tell

keep climbing you are safe with God!  

have a great day, Chris