Keep Watch!

Remember the old song, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus?” I can’t remember how old I was when the cords of that tune resonated in my ear drums. It happened at Second Church of Christ in Danville Illinois. Cindy and I were both exposed to that message and received the constant reminder to keep the main thing—the main thing. Over the years, I am sorry to say there were times when I looked away, but I rejoice in the truth that my heavenly Father was ready to have me back. Now, I want to make sure I keep watch and do not allow the big temptations to drive a wedge between God and me. If you are like me, the big challenges are not as big a worry as the little subtle worries that sneak up on me. Think back just a few months with me. Remember how on June 27, 2008 the community of Winfield was flooded when a levee broke.  It had been previously secured by hundreds of townspeople, volunteers, and National Guardsmen.  They spent days bolstering the levee with sandbags but it was all for naught.  A muskrat, which officials said was either digging for food or building a den, burrowed a hole through the levee.  The small tunnel created by this 5-pound creature was just enough for the waters to seep through and then burst the levee.  Sometimes it's the things that seem so small that cause the greatest damage, so don’t overlook their potential danger.

Long ago Solomon warned about the dangers of "little foxes" (Song of Songs 2:15) and the 720 people in Winfield, Missouri know what he meant. 

 

For us this week, may we stand firm in our faith and keep watch over the little and big challenges before us which would love to come in and tear down what the Lord is building up.

Have a blessed Labor Day as you enjoy the company of each other and the Lord.

 

Mike

 

 

 

Be Blessed!

Lifting each other up is the key to finding an elevated countenance coming to rest in our own spirit. The more we choose to look to the needs of other people to see how we might assist them and their day, the more the Lord will bless us beyond measure. For years, my friend Brad has reminded me that one of the things he enjoys doing is to make my role in ministry easier and the burdens lighter. Imagine what life might be like if we carried that mindset into all the places we traveled and with whomever we met.

 

It has been noted that everyone in the world is under-encouraged. I find that to be true. Since that is the case, it would be wise to remember the words of Mother Teresa.  She stated, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are endless." (Men of Integrity, March/April 2007)

 

Why not let today be one of the first days to be the one lifting up the cares and burdens of others, knowing full well the Lord will use you to strengthen those He puts in your path. Then, as we close our eyes at the end of the day, we will be able to reflect on the power of the One who chose us to make a difference in the life of another.

 

Be blessed this week as you encourage others.

Mike

 

 

Total Trust

I know some of you do better with this than others. I know there are times when we win and times we face failure. There are situations where this is so simple; then there are days we can not see any way through. By now you may have figured out I am talking about trusting in the Lord. Scripture enlightens us and even challenges us to trust in the Lord with everything we are and have. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Jesus gives us every reason to trust in him. He said he would never stray away from us. (Matthew 28:20) So, why is it so difficult to totally trust in the Lord? Could it be we would like to test the waters of self-sufficiency? Maybe you are like me and sometimes become impatient? Perhaps we have tried and things didn’t work out like we thought they should? I only know that the true avenue to peace comes by trusting the Truth, Jesus. I heard this song of truth today and wanted to share part of it with you.

 

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, And to take Him at His Word; just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

 

Have a blessed day as you place your trust in the One who is always there, and more than you will ever need.

Mike

 

 

 

 

Listening Closely

How do we find out what God wants us to do? It is true that the Lord has a plan for each of us, so how do we connect to that plan? Well, the key is to connect to the One who has the plan. For generations God has been interacting with his kids. The way we find out what is happening to our own family members is to stay close enough to them to hear their hearts. The same thing is true with our Father in heaven.

 

God uses different ways to speak to us. He used a donkey to talk to Balaam, but that doesn’t mean we all need to go buy a donkey. Peter, James and John had an awesome encounter with God on a mountain, but we don’t have to go to the Smokies to hear the voice of God. But we do have to be still and know who God is and wait to hear the holy voice of heaven come and speak to us. The deeper our relationship, the easier it is to hear what the Designer has to say. The way of the Lord is always the best way; we learn that from Isaiah 55, so what a great day to start finding the plan the Creator has for you.

 

Mike