Cause to Pause

In our current culture we raise and wave the banner of God's love, which is SO worthy to do so. But we often forget our God is so HOLY. May we echo the Pastors' words in Hebrews; "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." (12:28-29). That alone is cause to pause. Reverence and awe.

 

Holy Expectation

30 Second Bible Study: King David wrote, "Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5:2-3, NIV). Scholars believe David wrote this when running from his "wanting to de-throne the King" son, Absalom. David didn't just pray, he leaned in. He leaned forward. Anticipating God's response. He did so in the morning - early. May we too lean in with such eagerness. First thing. Holy expectation! Happy Sunday. 

 

I'm wondering. Where are our older folks? 50+ in age? Why don't we see them on the platforms anymore? Paul wrote "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6). That good work is NOT done yet. God said, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you" (Is 46:4). God sustained. God is still sustaining. They have something to say, wisdom to share - to encourage, to teach.

Do It Afraid

Multiple times we read in the bible, “Do not be afraid." Afraid of people. Afraid of circumstances. Afraid of what people will say and do. Each instruction speaks to the fear – yet – continues with instruction. Sometimes we must “Do it afraid!”  Stepping out in faith does not mean there is not some level of fear. Apprehension. Pause. We cannot, must not allow fear to paralyze us. To Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Elijah, "Do not be afraid." Hezekiah "He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him (2 Ki 18:6) Yet it was told him "Do not be afraid" (19:6). And to Daniel "Do not be afraid." (10:12).  And Stephen giving his speech, (Acts 7) I’m sure his heart was racing.  Were they men of faith?  Yes.  They did it afraid, in and through the fear.  Do it afraid.

 

Quietly

"Let all that I am wait QUIETLY..." Wow, what a challenge. If you are like me, I tend to always be fiddling with stuff. Crackling - noisy stuff. Stuff that is full of complaint and self focused. Yes, I am noisy. May I lay it all down and come to God empty handed (best plan for a noise-less encounter). Quietly.

 

Guarding

30 Second Bible Study: "Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Pro 4:23, NIV). Besides, paying close attention and learning good judgment and not losing sight of wisdom, (context of the Proverb) we are to guard, we are to protect our heart. Our heart (our inner man; our mind, will and emotions) is vulnerable. It HAS to be protected. Guarding is a God quality, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble..." (Ps 32:7a) And not to mention, (but I will, because I NEED it) “Set a guard, O LORD over my mouth, keep watch over the doors of my lips." (Ps 141:3). Guarding and protecting is a shared responsibility, God does His part and WE do ours. Guarding.

 

Your Listing

 

Esther 'sacrificed' - she went before the king to speak on behalf of her people without an invitation (punishable by death) she survived and the King granted her request. Ruth 'loved' her mom in law and followed her to a new country, people, God and found Boaz (King David's great-grandparents). Martha 'served' those who studied at Jesus' feet. Hannah 'prayed' for a child and believed God to provide (thus Samuel). Mary 'believed' the angel and summitted her will to being Jesus' mom. Miriam 'danced' and lead others in worship as they left Egypt and escaped the Egyptian army.

What will be YOUR listing...