A Message From Your Pastor
It is Monday morning, and the weathermen are telling us this afternoon could be bad. Anxiety is high as all indications point to the very real possibility that in a few hours, we might experience and event like we’ve not had in a while. Schools are dismissed. Lines are forming at the gas pump and grocery aisle. Individual plans for severe weather are being reviewed. People are telling the stories of where they were in May of 1999 and 2013. And for people of faith, this is also a day of prayer. And so, in light of the moment, may I make a few suggestions that bring your prayers into focus?
1. Lord, keep my eyes on you. A lot of things could possibly take place in the next several hours. Yet, whatever the day holds, we trust in the One who holds us in His hands. Regardless of how the weather unfolds, we place our faith in the God who is faithful to His promise. When all is said and done, His protection far exceeds the power of any storm or disaster that may take place.
Psalms 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2. Lord, please calm the storm. Having faith in God means we also trust Him to hear us. We don’t control Him; we don’t decide for Him. We trust Him. And so we ask. We ask in sincerity and honesty of heart. And our Heavenly Father responds to the prayers of His children. May the power of God be made known this day in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
Matthew 8:26 He *said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.
3. Lord, give me wisdom in my preparation. Several things can be done when the water is calm that can make the hour of the storm easier to bear. Take a moment and ask our Father to provide clarity and understanding as you get ready. Ask him to set confusion and chaos to the side and to order your steps in these moments of preparation.
Acts 8:31 And he said, "Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
4. Lord, let me see the needs of others. How like the heart of our Savior to think of the needs of others rather than ourselves. What better time to show His love and compassion than in the midst of crisis and concern. Ask the Lord to open your eyes and heart to those around you and give your opportunity to be His hands and feet in their lives.
Philippians 2:4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
5. Lord, show me what to do tomorrow. While the Monday looks to be eventful, we do well to also remember that dawn will break on Tuesday. We don’t know what that day will look like, but we pray to the One who does. Should disaster be ours that day, pray now for the Lord’s provision of the hour. Should our neighbor experience his or her own pain and grief, ask the Lord to use you as a minister of grace and a help to those in their time of need.
Luke 10:33 "But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion,”
We are not alone. We stand firm in the love of God and the fellowship of His people. And as you pray, understand you are not praying alone. Together, in Him, we find strength and hope in the midst of our journey. It is a joy to be your pastor!
Bro. Dave
