by George | Nov 5, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
May I Have Your Attention?
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Proverbs 19:21
A gentle rain began to fall as I was finishing my walk this morning. It felt good, but it served a greater purpose.
I had let my mind drift from praying and from listening to God.
The rain was a wake-up call.
So, I got to thinking… Maybe some of the things that have happened this year are a wake-up call for us.
Back in December, my mind was on 2020. Planning ministry events for the coming year. How could we do more in the coming year?
Plans were made, but sometime in March all of that changed, as we all started to “shelter in place” because of Covid 19.
There was an interruption to our “normal” lives.
We may never truly understand why this happened.
But, I wonder if God is trying to get our attention.
I believe as a nation, we have turned from God, and have gone our own way. Could it be that God has allowed this to happen to draw our hearts back to Him? (2 Chronicles 7:14)
This “interruption” has also got more of us spending more time with family at home. Reconnecting with them.
But for some, it has meant being separated from family for a long time. It has made us more creative, as we are now using things like FaceTime and Zoom to keep us connected.
Also, this “interruption” has made some of us more reflective, helping us to slow down, breathe, and enjoy simple pleasures.
So, when there is an “interruption” in life, don’t get upset. Maybe God is trying to tell you something.
Draw near to God, and… breathe.
by George | Nov 2, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
What’s Your Hurry?
“Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering.”
I Samuel 13:8-9
Without fail, whenever I got ready to leave my dad’s house he would say: “What’s your hurry?” Usually, I would reply: “Going to work.” Then he would say: “Be careful and have fun.”
So the question for all of us today is: “What’s your hurry?”
If it’s one thing that 2020 has taught us is how to slow down. (Especially the times of being quarantined in our dwellings!)
Slowing down sometimes can help reduce stress, clear our minds and sharpen our focus. When you slow down and listen for God’s voice, He will help you make right decisions.
“Haste makes waste” is an old saying that rings true today.
Saul was in trouble. The Philistine army was bearing down on him. He was waiting on Samuel to come and make a sacrifice to God. The troops were trembling in fear.
So, he offered the sacrifice. Saul wasn’t staying “in his lane.” A priest was supposed to offer sacrifices to God. As soon as he finished, Samuel arrived.
How much time did Saul save? Well, maybe a few minutes. But, he had made a hasty decision, which ultimately led to him losing the kingdom. God would choose David, “a man after God’s own heart.”
Saul looked at the circumstances instead of to God.
He felt like it was up to him.
Samuel is late.
I can’t wait on him.
Saul got in a hurry.
Saul got ahead of God.
Scripture reminds us to wait on God.
“Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14
So, what’s your hurry? Let’s pray and ask God to help us make right decisions. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
by George | Oct 29, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
The Lord is There
“All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.” Ezekiel 48:35
Just north of Rome, GA is a little town called Subligna. Years ago I heard a story about how Subligna got it’s name. (I don’t know if it’s a true story!)
One of the city’s founders last name was Underwood. He met with leaders of the city to decide on a name for the city. He proposed that the city be named after him. Underwood. The leaders balked at the idea. Mr. Underwood was undeterred. “How about a Latin name? Subligna!”
The leaders thought that was a good name. Definitely unique!
Sub means under. Ligna means wood.
So Mr. Underwood got his wish to have the city named after him!
The name of the city mentioned in Ezekiel’s prophecy today is “The LORD is there.” Ezekiel is phophesying about the end times, giving the Hebrews hope, in the midst of their captivity in Babylon, of their return, and restoration.
Biblestudytools.com says of the city:
“… but here it is called Jehovah Shammah”, the Lord is there, or dwells there; which is to be understood of his presence in it; not in a general way, as he is in all places, and with all his creatures, continually, constantly, and everywhere working in a providential manner…”
Not only is this a prophecy, but it is a reminder of God’s presence. HE IS EVERYWHERE! He is providentially working out the details of your life. (Romans 8:28)
He promises His followers:
“… lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Matthew 28:20
May you be comforted today in the assurance of God’s presence. “The LORD is there.”
