1-4-2019

 Good Morning All,

Psalm 48:9; “Inside your temple we carefully reflect on your mercy, O God.”

    When we were on the farm, my wife and I bought a hot tub for our anniversary.  It is hard to beat sitting in a warm tub of water with the jets spraying the water and massaging the sore back and shoulders.  On a calm, winter night or early morn there really isn’t anything a whole lot better.  I tried reading in the hot tub one time but my arms got tired and cold.  For me there was nothing better than leaning my head back against the pillow, closing my eyes and just sitting there.  As you sit there, you can feel the warm and the movement of the water penetrating the achy muscles.  You can feel the knots leave your shoulders.  You experience the heat pushing its way in and the pain being forced out.  The tension in the back of your neck slowly begins to uncoil and you feel the release of the tense spring that is there.

   It was a wonderful time to just think; ponder the Scripture passages for the next sermon or Bible Study.  I could just look up at the stars or the rising sun and wonder at the awesome majesty of God.  It was a time to think, to ponder, to wonder and meditate.  It was a small time when the restful presence of God was felt.

   We all should take some time like that.  I know we don’t all have hot tubs and trying to find time is something we all exasperate about.  But we really should try to take a couple times a week when we just sit and ponder; we need to meditate on God’s Word.  We need to take time to ponder on His steadfast love.  We need to take time to luxuriate in it.  We need to take time to let His Word truly penetrate our aches and our pains.  We need to take the time to let his grace massage our suffering and push it out and replace it with his mercy.

    We all have lots of distractions.  The devil fills our every minute with something that is “important”.  We used to meet our selves coming and going; now we aren’t quick enough.  It is amazing how all our “conveniences”, which were to make our lives easier, have complicated, confused and congested our time.  We need to take the time.  We sing hymns about “taking time to be holy” or “coming to the garden”; yet do we?

    We truly do need that time when the phones are shut off, the computers are shut down, the TVs are mute and we are only communing with the Lord.  He offers us such wondrous peace and solace.  He offers us such comfort and grace.  Take time to “ponder anew what the Almighty can do.”

    Make the time, find a spot and meditate on God’s Word.  Even if you don’t think you know it well enough; you do.  Remember any of the verses or passages you have read.  Read a passage quick before you go but go.  Go to a spot where God will soothe you.  Take time to meditate on His Word His wondrous gift of forgiveness of sins.  Allow god time to restore and rejuvenate you with His love.

Father of wonders, you call for us to meditate on your Word and tell us of how we will delight in it.  Help us to see the blessings which are ours if we only stop and receive them by your everlasting grace.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret