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Pause and Think
PAUSE AND THINK
I strive to practice what I preach. Along with so many of you I have determined a Bible reading plan for the year and am underway.
In reading the beginning of Matthew, chapter six verse four made me pause and think. Jesus described our heavenly Father as one “who sees what is done in secret.” Hmmmm . . . .
Is the truth that God sees what is done in secret good news or bad news to you? God sees what you do when no one else does ... always. Pause and think.
That means he knows ... everything. You cannot fool him. You cannot pull the wool over his eyes. He sees. Always. Pause and think.
And in that absolute knowledge of your heart, mind and life, he still loves you. He still wants you to be his. Always. If that isn’t grace and mercy, I don’t know what is.
It is interesting that Jesus mentions this when talking about giving to the needy in chapter six and not when he is talking about murder, adultery and oaths in chapter five. Jesus wants us, whenever the notion strikes us to do something GOOD, to do it - even when no one else is around to notice. He affirms that our Father in heaven does. It’s what Oz Guinness talks about when he says we live before an audience of One.
In the midst of troubles too, your heavenly Father sees what you are experiencing. Perhaps no one else does, but he does. You have a Father in heaven who sees what is happening in your space on the earth.
Pause and think.
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PAUSE AND THINK (2)
One of our members sent me a Wall Street Journal article this week about gossip. Apparently it, along with lots of other ills, has increased with internet usage, Face Book and email. The quote said, “A lot of children are growing up without a lot of guidance (about gossip). They say harsh and hurtful things about each other, and the words come too easily. Encouraged by the snarkiness in pop culture today, they seem more sarcastic than in the past.” (WSJ, 01/0610)
Indeed with all of our communication gadgets the words may come too easily. We may get in the habit of using words to destroy, belittle and tear down.
Our Christian faith is a faith focused on the Word who gives life, who builds, who restores.
Let’s pause and think in this New Year how we are using words. Do we fall into the habit of using words to tear down or do we concentrate on using words to build up?
Let’s ask ourselves before we speak or write: is it true, is it helpful, is it necessary, is it hurtful, is it better left unsaid.
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PAUSE AND THINK (3)
If you have a Bible passage or a good article that makes you pause and think, feel free to pass it on to me!
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PAUSE AND PRAY!
This Sunday, January 10, at about 12:30 (after the 11:00 Service) we will have our monthly Service of Prayer and Anointing. If there is a special issue in your life that would benefit from you pausing and praying, please join us at 12:30.
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PAUSE AND PLAN
Is one of your resolutions to get your finances in order in 2010? Why not join our upcoming session of Financial Peace University? John Sauer will lead the material beginning this Sunday. Call the church office to sign up.
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TREASURE HUNTING
Our theme for worship these next weeks of the Epiphany Season is Treasure Hunting. Hope you join us for the hunt.
And speaking of joining, our home groups continue. If you would like to get involved in one, please let me know.
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Be careful driving and walking out in the snow!