Monday Morning Reflections

I think about how what I heard, what the lady on the other side of the church heard, and what the man sitting alone in the back heard could all be three completely different things. The Scripture didn't change, and the message didn't change, but God speaks to each of us right where we are.

We all go through things in life. Life lifes, and we are certainly living in enemy territory. But like we heard in the message, the Gospel gives us everything we need to navigate this life and make it to the Promised Land.

No matter what season we're in, God's Word is alive and powerful. It meets us where we are, gives us hope when we're weary, strength when we're weak, and direction when we feel lost. What a gift that is.

Praise & Worship

I was in the front row at church this morning, right where I always sit. Praise and worship filled the room. It was loud, powerful, and alive.

Behind me was what sounded like a choir of angels. In front of me, people were on their knees at the altar. My hands were raised toward Heaven, friends beside me, and tears streamed down my face as I prayed.

There is something so powerful about being surrounded by the family of God. Brothers and sisters in Christ, all seeking Him together. In those moments of worship, when the noise of the world fades and His presence feels so near, the connection with God is almost indescribable.

It's a glimpse of Heaven. A sacred reminder that no matter what we're facing, we were never meant to walk through this life alone.

Pastor Joes post on socials this week:

Why are you looking for a new word from the Lord when he’s already spoken clearly? #Listen #LifeOfDavid #SundaySermonPreviews

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my life. My story. The things I've survived and all the "whys" that came with them. Other peoples' situations too.

Sometimes I find myself looking up at the sky, fist raised, asking, "WHY?!" Seriously God!?!

Insanity in rehab was defined as doing the same thing over & over and expecting a different result.

Something happens, I try to control it, I suffer. Then... something happens, I try to control it, I suffer .

Life happens right? Thats never going to change. But do I have to keep suffering? No.

Below is a compilation of word vomit that has recently come out of Lori's mouth:

"I don't want to wait so long for the next test."

"9/28 is too far out for the next test!"

"Put me on the waiting list for an opening that could be sooner!" (I unkindly told the scheduler on the phone last week).

"These next two tests better not be for nothing!"

"Surgery better work!"

"I'm tired!"

"This is stupid!"

"Why?"

"WHY?!"

"Are you kidding me!?"

"Why me?!"

"I can't do this anymore!"

WEEWOOO! EGO POLICE! WEEWOOO! EGO POLICE!

Excuse me, ma'am. You're under arrest for failing to run to the Gospel and place your full faith in Jesus Christ.

The charge: Trying to control things that were never yours to control.

The sentence: Unnecessary suffering.

And sorry to spoil the ending, but Saul's request for a retrial was denied. God already spoke. Saul broke His law. The evidence wasn't circumstantial. No new trial. No jury. The gavel drops.

HALLELUJAH.

Like Pastor Joe reminded us today... there is good and evil, right and wrong, up or down. Judgment is coming. The answer to everything is the Gospel. The way to the Father is Jesus.

And like Pastor Keith told the children while ministering on the platform steps, "The answer is the Holy Spirit, every time, every time."

No matter the question. No matter the fear. No matter the diagnosis. No matter the waiting. No matter the suffering. No matter the "why."

The answer is the Holy Spirit. The answer is the Gospel. The answer is Jesus.

I don't have to suffer. We don't have to suffer. Run to the Father.

I'll continue to ask God every morning to help me live in His will, not Lori's. I'll show up every Sunday and lay all my troubles at the cross. I'll pray daily, turning things over to Him. I'll stop trying to control things because it's a waste of time.

When I raise a hand toward Heaven, I don't want it clenched in a fist demanding answers or a "new word". I want it open, ready to receive what He's already given.

God is so good.

I love y'all.