Wednesday in the Word

All of our prayers were answered. We had a clear sign that it was time to go. That sign came quite early in the morning, so there were hardly any other cars on the road and we had green lights all the way (one was maybe a little orange). We made it on time!

Sunday, Dale’s Sermon really gave us some things to think about. Do we serve for our own glory or are we serving because of our awe and respect for God? Or am I happy sitting on “my bench” keeping that spot warm while others around me are doing all the work?

However, many times I found myself not wanting to become a "shameless disturbance" (vs 8) to God. Especially when it came to issues or circumstances that I thought I could certainly handle myself.

Imagine your heart is like fertile soil. Things grow really easily in fertile soil. This is why the writer of Proverbs encourages us to keep wisdom (a.k.a. God’s truth) growing in the soil of our heart.

Every morning, the first thing I do before getting out of bed is put on my glasses. They clarify my blurred vision and bring my world into focus. Otherwise I’d be fumbling around, squinting to see what is around me, and stumbling into obstacles.

What are some of the benefits of being part of a church? I think any of us at Maranatha could spend a long time answering this question with a multitude of responses. One thing in particular that I wanted to focus on and encourage us all in, is solidarity.

Do we get ahead of God? Are we waiting for God’s timing, or are we causing ourselves more heartache and grief than is necessary? God’s timing is perfect, and he keeps his promises!!

However, we are reminded in the book of Esther that God is still seated on the throne. As He provided divine guidance and protective foresight for His people then, He is still doing so now in our world, in our country, and in our lives.

Depending on your experience, those two words may give you a full body shiver. Isn’t the weekend supposed to be a break from school? Isn’t school supposed to be for children? God has designed us to learn together in community. Notice Paul says in this Colossians passage, “we admonish and teach” so that “we present everyone perfect in Christ”. Yes, we follow Christ as individuals, but becoming perfect in Christ is also a group assignment.

Times of crisis serve as a wake-up call. They are God’s way of reminding us of our own humanity, that our time is limited and we need to be prepared.