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The Best Tool for Staying Awake
I was almost finished cutting the lawn
when I saw him. Whether the noise of the
mower spooked him out of some shady hiding place or he was just out for an
afternoon stroll, I don’t know. But he
decided to head in the other direction, for which I was very thankful! See...my afternoon surprise visitor was a
rather hefty looking skunk with the potential to do some substantial nasal
damage. We have seen skunks in other
places this summer but this one was right behind my shed…right in my
backyard. You might not be surprised
that I cut the remainder of the lawn with a greater vigilance and awareness of
a potentially dangerous enemy. I got
thinking later, “Why does it take a close brush with disaster before we are
really alert?” That fits not just with
skunks but with spiritual dangers too. I
think of Peter’s description of Satan in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be self controlled and
alert. Your enemy the devil prowls
around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Did you ever notice what comes right before
that verse? 1 Peter 5:7 is just as
familiar… “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” There is definitely a connection. Prayer is not just a vehicle to unload our
problems, concerns, and worries on God…it might also be the most effective
smelling salts around for the spiritual dangers in our lives. Satan and his forces are wandering all over
your backyard…and our church family.
Don’t be afraid…but pray…a lot. Turning
to and trusting in our Heavenly Father is the best way to both stay alert…and
find help. Praying may be the very best
thing you can do to cause Satan to wander away and look for an easier
target. So keep at it…keep praying!
Author: Pastor
7/30/2010
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Cry for Help
I was sitting across the table
from a young boy the other day. He had a
big cinnamon roll on his plate for breakfast.
He put out his hand, which was about half the size of the delicious
pastry, for a piece to shove into his mouth.
The problem was there were no pieces cut-up that he could grasp. He looked up thoroughly distraught over his
predicament, but knowing exactly where to cry for help. “Mama, Mama!”
The boy knew the one who had helped him in the past and was certain that
same one would be there for him now.
“Mama!” That simple cry brought
help from one much wiser and more capable; one that could make it all
alright.
When life gets difficult what is
your reaction? Do you attempt to bring
about a solution on your own, certain you can do it without anyone else? Do you simply give up knowing there is certainly
no hope for success? Do you become angry
at yourself, the world or God for what’s going on?
There is a better way. Psalm 18:6 says, “In my distress I called to
the LORD; I cried to my God for help.
From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His
ears.”
God, the all-powerful One – the
One who knows the best solution for your situation – the One who cares even
more than any earthly father ever has or could – God is there for you. As one worship song goes,
“My Savior, He can move the
mountains, My God is mighty to save, He is Mighty to save.” (Mighty to Save by Hillsong Australia).
If God created the world by speaking
it into place, could He not help you?
When you are in distress, don’t get discouraged or think you are alone. Cry out to the One who can save you. If you know Him then you will have no reason
to fear or be discouraged by any circumstance that comes your way (Deuteronomy 31:6, Matthew 28:20).
Author: Pastor Layton
7/23/2010
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Upcoming Events
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| 8/2/2010 - 8/6/2010 -- |
Vacation Bible School |
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| 8/29/2010 -- |
Church Picnic at River Country Campground |
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