Save Us From The Miry Pit!

Psalm 40:1-11 KJV; 2nd Sunday after Epiphany; David waited patiently and the Lord lifted him up. Let us wait on the Lord to pick us up when we fall into troubled times and periods of depressions for he surely will.

Blessings on Mother's Day

"The grass withers and the flowers fall,
   but the word of our God endures forever.”
                                                Isaiah 40:8 NIV

Many women will receive flowers day in thanks for their loving service as mothers. I am not sure how we came up with holidays like Mother's and Father's day; but, we have them just the same. Holidays come and go. Just like the flowers that fall; one day the holiday is here and the next day it is gone and nothing more than a fleeting memory. 

Most of the people that I have previously served probably remember that I have never really felt inclined to observe secular holidays in the church. Unless, someone reminds me that they are coming up, I usually do not even consider them. I do not remember them. My number one and only priority in the pulpit is to proclaim the word of God; to feed the sheep with the food (the Word of God) that will sustain their souls. 

May God bless all Mother's this day; but, let us not forget that we too are like the grass that withers and the flowers that fall without the word of our God. The word of God will endure forever as will all who believe that our Lord and Savior died for us that we might live eternally in the presence of God our Father. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Flowers are an awesome gift for mothers. But, what most Christian mothers would really like to see is her children worshipping the God whose word endures forever.

Renewed Strength

Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.
                            Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV

Life brings us a lot of challenges. They can seem overwhelming at times. There are even times I'd like to throw in the towel and walk away from everyone and everything. The only thing that can keep me going in times like that is faith in the unfailing and unending love of God. However, that faith must be nurtured. If I were to neglect studying and hearing God's word daily; if I did not spend many hours a day in prayer; my faith would fail me. I would surely fall. I depend on God's word and His promises for my very life.

In order to find the strength and desire to meet the day and any challenges the day might bring I turn to God's word and His presence. I need to be able to talk to him and listen to Him and trust Him. I need to be with the One who I can trust to truly lift me up above the challenges and sorrows of this world. 

We all grow weary and weak at times. Trust in and lean on the One who does not grow weak for His strength never fails Him or us. He will give us the strength to meet the challenges of the day ahead. Trust Him! 

God's Peace - Pr. J