He Does

Today’s Devotional - April 1, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

You may be feeling the toll of headlines. Recent news indicates our coronavirus journey has a way to go yet. You may find yourself bumping into the edges of your own emotional margin now that we are a few weeks into this new season.

I’ll offer two points of perspective. The little perspective and the big perspective. Neither of which you can get from the news. 

The little perspective. Right now, I’m not aware of a local family with members who are very ill. Our friend Audrey is recovering as is her son-in-law Steve. Phillip North is feeling better. (To our knowledge, none of them had coronavirus) There are reports of positive tests for COVID 19 in our area, but I haven’t heard of anyone that is super ill. The reality is that, right now, you’re not sick. In the middle of this real concern, you are surrounded by healthy people. 

The big perspective. For those who are in Christ, we have a sure hope and foundation that’s not in this world. The bobbles of the world remind us that we serve a King who is preparing an eternal, better, place for us. Except our relationship with the Lord and our relationships with each other, everything we know here is temporary. Our mission, here is to be disciples of Jesus and to make more disciples of Jesus. This is your present, but not your future. 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. - Psalm 46:1-5

Opportunities are rising for all of us. So far, we’ve started conversations with people around us. We’ve practiced new ways of connecting. We’ve been reminded that we are made for community and we look forward to getting to have normal gatherings again. 

When margin wears thin, we must look further back into our pantry. We must draw a little more from our relationships. We must reach a little deeper into ourselves… and we press a little further into faith. 

This is the place we measure the depth of our wells. There will be points of discomfort. We might pull up mud instead of fresh water. Choose to experience this as the helpful life-test that it is. See where you want to be stronger and go deeper. Notice the wells in your life that haven’t been drawn from in a while.

Today, ask yourself some questions… and then talk to Jesus about what you discover. What am I feeling today? What is heavy to me? Over the last two years, what do I wish I’d been doing to be more ready for today? Jesus, what do you think about these things? Lord, do you really have my life in your hands?

Hint: He does. 

Today’s Song: It Is Well with My Soul

Arranged by David Wise and recorded on cell phones by Nashville vocalists.

Here are the original Lyrics for this hymn

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.


Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Follow

Today’s Devotional - March 31, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20

Simon (Peter) and Andrew were doing what they knew. They were fulfilling the only destiny they were aware of at that point in their lives. Perhaps they’d longed for something different, but it had already been long and there had been nothing different. 

Suddenly, a rabbi walks up. Looks and what they are doing and invites them to follow Him and become fishers of men. “Suddenly” had just landed. 

Simon and Andrew’s response gives us some clues about their heart condition prior to that moment. - Immediately they left their nets - They were ready to go. now.

Can you remember a moment… whether big or small… where it seemed the Lord was asking you to change direction? It may be been really small, like, “Put this book away, and go to sleep.” Or might have been pretty big, “Do you really think a romantic relationship with him (or her) will lead you closer to Me?”

Did you respond immediately? What was your response?

Whether in large or small things, a disciple is the one that follows their teacher and master. 

Where is Jesus going right now, today? Are you going there too?

Pray with me - “Jesus, help me to know where You are going and please give me the humility and courage to forsake everything else and follow You… right now. Amen.”

I leave you with an admonition from the Apostle Paul to the disciples at Thessalonica. “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” - 2 Thess. 3:3-5

Today’s Song: Great Are You Lord 

As recorded by Casting Crowns

Great are you Lord

Verse:

You give life, You are love

You bring light to the darkness

You give hope, You restore

Every heart that is broken

Great are You, Lord

Chorus:

It's Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise, we pour out our praise

It's Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise to You only

Bridge:

All the earth will shout Your praise

Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing

Great are You, Lord

John's Diary

Today’s Devotional… is a story - March 30, 2020 

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

Beginning January 23, 1736, John Wesley - a young preacher from England - was found crossing the Atlantic ocean on his way to American colony of Georgia. He was driven by a desire to carry the gospel to the American Indians and discover what God had for him in the new world. But John Wesley found his faith challenged and his spiritual weakness exposed by his circumstances. 

Friday, January 23, 1736 - In the evening another storm began. In the morning it increased so that they were forced to let the ship drive. I could not but say to myself, “How is it that thou hast no faith?” being still unwilling to die. About one in the afternoon, almost as soon as I had stepped out of the great cabin-door, the sea did not break as usual, but came with a full, smooth tide over the side of the ship. I was vaulted over with water in a moment, and so stunned that I scarcely expected to lift up my head again till the sea should give up her dead. But thanks be to God, I received no hurt at all. About midnight the storm ceased. 

Two days later, during another storm, John is confronted by a group of people that are not bound by the doubt and fear that troubles him. 

Sunday, January 25, 1736 - At noon our third storm began. At four it was more violent than before. At seven I went to the Germans. I had long before observed the great seriousness of their behavior. Of their humility they had given continual proof by performing those servile offices for the other passengers, which non of the English would undertake; for which they desired and would receive no pay, saying, “It was good for their proud hearts.” and “Their loving Saviour had done more for them.” And every day had given then an occasion of showing a meekness which no injury could move. If they were pushed, struck, or thrown down, they rose again and went away; but no complaint was found in their mouth. There was now an opportunity of trying whether they were delivered from the spirit of fear, as well as from that of pride, anger, and revenge. 

In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the mainsail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured between the decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans calmly sang on. I asked one of them afterward, “Were you not afraid?” He answered,  “I thank God, no.” I asked, “But were not your women and children afraid?” He replied, mildly, “No; our women and children are not afraid to die.”

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.” - Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)

May we also, turn our eyes from those things which stir fear that we would instead gaze on Jesus and know we are safe in His eternal arms. 

Later, after a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit, John Wesley was freed of his own fear of death, he laid down his pride, and God used him to transform the Church in England and, truly, the world. Today, history identifies those German Christians as “The Moravians.” They circled the globe and many we will meet in heaven will be there because of their missionary work.

Today’s Song: In Christ Alone - Celtic Worship 

As recorded by Celtic Worship

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Count it all Joy

Today’s Devotional - March 28, 2020 

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

Yesterday, Nic pointed at James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

You’ll need to listen to the recording at pedeechurch.podbean.com to hear why this passage is important to Nic. Here, I’ll point at the progression that ties trials to something good. 

Trials, struggles, reaching the end of ourselves… is the place where our faith is tested. Remember, faith is not just what we believe. Faith is substance of what we hope for and the evidence of what we can’t see right now (Hebrews 11:1). Struggles lead us to the place where we discover what ground is actually solid. We put our feet on that solid ground and we learn to stand in confidence because we know we can trust our footing. You’ll find solid footing in Christ. Trust His word. Know His voice. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:6-7  

Today’s Song: Church (Take Me Back)

By Cochran & Co.

There was a time that I swore I would never go back

I was blind to the truth didn't know what I had

I was running I was searching

But ev'ry place I turned for healing

Left me more broken than the last

Take me back

To the place that feels like home

To the people I can depend on

To the faith that's in my bones

Take me back to a preacher and a verse

Where they've seen me at my worst

To the love I had at first

Oh I want to go to church

Tried to walk on my own but I wound up lost

Now I'm making my way to the foot of the cross

It's not a trophy for the winners

It's a shelter for the sinners

And it's right where I belong

Oh more than an obligation it's our foundation

The fam'ly of God

I know it's hard but we need each other

We're sisters and brothers oh

Yeah I want to go to church

Oh I want to go want to go I want to go

Oh I want to go to church

Oh I want to go to church

Form and Function

Today’s Devotional - March 27, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

{Form} and {Function}.

The shape, or form, of your day has been changed as efforts are made to slow the spread of the COVID19 virus. Quite a few folks are working from home at this point. For others who are still traveling to work, protocols, priorities, and tasks have been altered as a result of this effort. You are - to greater or lesser effect - still fulfilling your function, but the experience (form) looks and feels different. For some, even function has been changed quite a lot. Some people aren’t going to work. They have jobs that can only be done effectively while interacting with other people. The lack of function can be really tough when it impacts a paycheck that pays rent and buys food. 

Another example of form versus function can be found by looking at how animals fly. The buzzards have returned (LaVerne notices this every year, so now I watch for them!) and you can see them soaring. Hummingbirds also have wings, but they don’t soar very well. Bugs fly with four wings. Did you know that bacteria can fly too? They don’t have any of the parts that a bird or even a bug has, but they fly anyway. A bacterium will change the static charge on the outside of their membrane and levitate right off a surface to ride the breeze. 

Here’s the point: most of us don’t separate form from function. Eating means sitting and having a meal. Work means driving to a place and being paid for our labor. Flying means wings. In this season, we can’t go too long without the effective functions of our lives, but sometimes circumstances require that the form changes so we can continue to have our personal and collective needs met (function). 

My need for Jesus is every bit as great as yesterday and today as it will be tomorrow. We can let the today’s changes interrupt some of our functions…. but for the critical functions, we must find forms that will work right now. 

Forms can be familiar or new, but the function is what matters.

{Function of} Fellowship: Reach out to two people today - One person that you know will encourage you and someone else that, perhaps, you can encourage. Remind them of Romans 8:28 - “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”

{Function of} Worship: “Through Him [Holy Spirit] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.” - Hebrews 13:15. Speak, sing, pray aloud. God has been faithful and will be faithful to you. 

A song for today: How Great Thou Art  as sung by Home Free

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder 

Consider all the works Thy Hands have made 

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

Thy power throughout the universe displayed 

Then sings my soul

My Saviour God, to Thee How great Thou art

How great Thou art

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander 

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees

When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur 

And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze

And when I think, that God, 

His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing 

He bled and died to take away my sin

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation 

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart 

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration

And then proclaim: My God, how great Thou art

Alabaster & Awkwardness

Today’s Devotional - March 25, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

I’ve been recently captured by a story that you can find in your Bible beginning in Luke 7:36. In this story, Jesus is invited to dinner with a wealthy religious leader named Simon. During the meal, a woman came in uninvited. - This meal would not have been as private of a gathering as you might have when you invite guests over - The woman is known as a sinful woman. Simon and everyone chooses to shun her. They present a wall of silence to convey to her that she doesn’t exist. But she didn’t come there for them. She came there for Jesus. 

For all of their willing her not to exist, she continues to exist and shift the focus of the whole room. She wasn’t trying to do it. She just didn’t care any longer what they thought of her. Now she’s on her knees at Jesus’ feet. 

She breaks an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume and a glorious smell overwhelms and replaces the smell of the roast and vegetables they had been enjoying. She sobs. Not the gut-wrenching wail of someone that has been torn, but the deep, shaking, wet sobs that come when a long, dry, season has suddenly come to an end. It’s the grief that comes when pain has at last subsided and one is well-enough to feel… hope. 

Simon feels awkward and can only see the woman. The woman feels peace and can only see Jesus. 

Tomorrow, which of these two will speak about Jesus in a way that draws others to love the Messiah when they tell about the dinner? 

One will tell how dinner was interrupted and then puzzle over the theology of forgiveness. The other will speak of Jesus who loved, and a describe how her heart that doesn’t hurt anymore. 

May the Lord free us of our respectability so we can give and receive His love. 

A song for today: Safe Place by Karla Adolphe

This song carried me through a season of deep uncertainty a few years ago. Later, we had Karla sing this at Pedee. Perhaps we will again someday. 

Lyrics for Safe Place 

You whisper a song over me 

I’m slow to answer, slow to speak

I’ve found a safe place 

Remember the day You called my name 

I was a stranger in Your house but just the same

I’ve found a safe place

How wide is Your love How high, how deep - it’s untouched 

And I’m not enough I’ve found a safe place in You

You are the One my heart is longing for You are my treasure, You are the key, You are the door  You hold me tight, You hold me quiet, You hold me safe 

Walking in Faith

Today’s Devotional - March 24, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

The other day Cassandra shared some of what God has been teaching her about faith. Today’s devotional is based on her words and that conversation.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1

The world may be shouting one thing, but the Lord calls us to something different. God calls us to stand in faith… that is the substance of what is hoped for and the evidence of what is not seen. What were you hoping for before the world started shouting? Our faith is the substance of that hope. What the Lord was doing before the coronavirus He is still doing today. He has not changed. His plans and character have not changed. God is still working all things for our good. God is still faithful and full of love for us. God still makes a way were there is no way.

The Lord also says that “by our faith the elders obtain a good testimony.” Hebrews 11:2 and   James 2:17 “… faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Ask yourself, what testimony will I have at the end if this? What am I doing today that is in agreement with the faith I have in the Lord. Are there parts of my life where I have aligned with the shouting of the world instead of the truth of Christ?

A song for today: Great Rejoicing by David Crowder

Lyrics for Great Rejoicing 

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

Troubles of this world, will wither up and die

That river of tears made by the lonely, someday will be dry

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

Questions of this world, someday will be known

Who's robbing you of peace, and who's the giver

There's gonna be, a great joy river

There's gonna be, a great joy river

Someday you'll find me, guarded in His fortress

Open-hearted wings that, never touch the ground

Someday we will gather, in the grand reunion

Debts of this old world, are nowhere to be found

Nowhere to be found, are nowhere to be found

(There's gonna be, a great rejoicing)

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

Abandon and Abide

Today’s Devotional - March 23, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

“Abiding in Christ comes with abandoning all other things.” This was said in conversation by my friend Jaelyn a couple of days ago. Her comment reminds me of the challenging words that Jesus speaks in Matthew 10:37-39. (I”ll let you look them up)

Imagine if you lost your keys, your wallet, and your cell phone on the same morning. If you and I are similar it would be easy to slip into panic. My keys are my ability to travel freely. My wallet is my ability to go to a store an get what I want. My cell phone is my freedom to call anyone I want, right now. I’ve got plans, projects, and priorities that require all three of those!

When we allow ourselves to become frantic about (or maybe just totally focused on) these, we deepen our roots in temporary things and tie ourselves tightly to a world that is not our home. 

We do have important things to do. Yet, if we serve God Who has the path forward, sees what we don’t see (including our keys), and enables us to do what is impossible on our own, then we would do well to pause and talk to Him. Maybe Like this:

Jesus, I’m really frustrated right now and I confess that I’ve taken my eyes off of You. I don’t like feeling that I’ve lost control. Please forgive me. Jesus, I’ve got plans today. Are they the same as Your plans? If my plans are not Your plans, help me to see what I should do. I trust that You can make it all happen. Thank You. 

Then… Breathe. Listen. Pause. …. “Oh! there they are…. Thank You, Lord.”

“The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9  

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” - Colossians 3:2 

“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” - Hebrews 13:14-16

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” - Psalm 46:10 

A song for today: New Wine by Brooke Ligertwood 

Lyrics for New Wine

In the crushing, In the pressing, You are making new wine

In the soil I now surrender, You are breaking new ground

So I yield to You and to Your careful hand

When I trust You I don’t need to understand

Make me Your vessel, Make me an offering

Make me whatever You want me to be

I came here with nothing, But all You have given me

Jesus bring new wine out of me

In the crushing, In the pressing, You are making new wine

In the soil I now surrender, You are breaking new ground

Bridge:

Where there is new wine, There is new power

There is new freedom, The Kingdom is here

I lay down my old flames, To carry Your new fire today

Words and Music by Brooke Ligertwood

© 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing

CCLI: 7102397

Rock of Safety

Devotional March 21, 2020 

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

Imagine Christ as our foundation. He is the Rock that is our place of safety, our refuge in times of trouble. Today, I invite you to imagine yourself tied to the Rock of Christ as if vines have come from the Rock and wrapped tightly around you to hold you safe. The vines are the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

It’s worth noting, there can be no law against these. 

My prayer for each of you today is that you would allow the Holy Spirit to bring that fruit in your life. Let’s prayer together, out loud; “Father God, thank You for this day that You have made. I choose to rejoice and be glad today because of Your goodness. I choose to remain grounded in Christ today. Please, Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and the fruit of Your Spirit today - love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Help me to walk moment by moment with You and that You would be revealed in me today. Thank You for rest today. Amen. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5 (ESV)

A Song for today

Click to Listen: Shepherd - David Crowder

This song is from David Crowder’s Album, “American Prodigal”

Shepherd: 

The Lord my portion; I shall not want; The Lord my comfort; I shall not fear

Yea, though I walk through the valley low; Yeah, though the path gets steep

Surely goodness will follow me; Every promise will be light to my feet

When my heart is prone to wandering; Jesus You shepherd me

The Lord my keeper; I stand secure; The Lord my healer; Your love endures; Yea, though I walk through the valley low; Yeah though the path gets steep; Surely goodness will follow me; Every promise will be light to my feet; When my heart is prone to wandering; Jesus You shepherd me

And I will dwell for all my days; In the shadow of Your relentless grace

And I will dwell for all my days; In Your presence; Your presence!

Surely goodness will follow me; Every promise will be light to my feet; When my heart is prone to wandering; Jesus You shepherd me

Surely goodness will follow me; Every promise will be light to my feet; When my heart is prone to wandering; Surely goodness will follow me; Every promise will be light to my feet; When my heart is prone to wandering; Jesus You shepherd me; Oh my Jesus, You shepherd me

Abiding - Four Tools

Devotional - March 20, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

I believe that our victory in this season is tied to how we choose to abide. Will we abide (or live) in anxiety? No, we will not. Instead, we will abide in Christ and His provision for us. 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33

Below are four elements of abiding based on a conversation I had with Anita. 

1. Word of God (Foundation) 
2. Prayer with God (Relationship) 
3. Presence of God (Awareness) 
4. People of God (Fellowship) 

1) The written Word of God is a powerful foundation, and today is a great day to learn about God by reading His words. Scripture teaches about WHO God is. Knowing about God is important to coming to know Him. Besides reminding us of the importance of faith, Hebrews 11:6 also shows that it matters quite a lot what we believe about God. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6 

2) Prayer with God is central to our relationship with Him just as conversation with our spouse is critical to a healthy marriage. Time spent equals relationship growth. Yesterday, you may have found “The Lord’s Prayer” in Matthew 6. However the Psalms are also full of model prayers. From the raw - Psalm 60 - to the precious and familiar - Psalm 23 - to the thoughtful and profound - Psalm 4. 

Today, I encourage you to read through Psalm 4. I recall one of the most beautiful and powerful sermons I’ve ever heard was preached by an old woman who, on her death bed, recited this psalm from memory and spoke of her strong confidence in the Lord. “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” - Psalm 4:8 

3) You can experience the Presence of God, but you must choose to be aware. God can overwhelm you with His powerful presence. But most of the time, He, like a close friend, comes gently alongside. He makes Himself available, but isn’t pushy. If we insist that we are too busy to spend time with Him, He will honor your choice. However, I suggest that all of us lay all the pressing demands aside and make a sacrifice of some of our freedom and time to seek the Lord. Then, as the Lord directs your day choose to maintain your prayer through the day.
“And He (Jesus) went up on the mountain and called to Himself those whom He desired, and they came to Him.” - Mark 3:13 

Jesus called His people to be apart from the world with Him before and after He invited them into the fray to serve alongside Him. 

4) People of God need fellowship together in order to remain encouraged, strong, and growing. The writer in Hebrews challenges believers, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” - Hebrews 10:24-25

During this time, I encourage you to be deliberate about remaining in fellowship with fellow believers. Be assertive. Don’t wait to be called. Call someone. If it is appropriate, visit a believer in person. When you are in that conversation whether in person or on the phone, share a verse that God is highlighting for you. Pray with this other believer. Don’t allow unspoken social pressure to drive your faith into silence. We need the Prince of Peace today. 

A Song for today

Click to Listen: Come On - Brooke Poindexter & Believers

Brooke Poindexter is part of Believers Church in Tulsa Oklahoma.

Come On: 

I can feel the eyes of heaven, the angels and the saints

All who've gone before us, surround us here today

Throw off every burden, lift up our gaze

Get caught in this story, lost in his face

Author of my faith, finisher of my story

I can run this race cause Jesus ran it before me

He is on my side, I have everything that I need

If you listen close, you'll hear heaven cheering for me

"Come On

Come On

Children of God

Be Who You Are"

No fear can shake us, no lie can break us

Only you can make us be who we are

We're the sons and daughters, we're the water walkers

Come and help us Father, be who we are.