.. Day 3 and 4 - Ask for the ancient paths!
We spent yesterday visiting the Church, going to the old town of Albuquerque, ventured into Montgomery Park, with its outdoor swimming pool and then had a visit from a Church member who wants us to come for dinner on Sunday, followed by an invitation of taking the kids out on Monday.
Today we rose early, had breakfast in the garden and chilled in the shade : 34 °C at 09:00. We did some chores, feeding cats, watering garden pots etc., while I also prepared the lunch and polished off Sunday’s sermon.
We are about to head off to the park to celebrate the 4th and watch the fireworks which will follow as dusk begins. The Americans know how to party and value anniversaries collectively.
The reality for many though is that it is hard to find rest in life. For us having four children, work responsibilities, various communications to keep working through, pressures of our culture and era etc. ; how do we truly learn to take our rest? Many in Churches today have lost the sacred sense of keeping the Sabbath rest, a holy day unto the LORD our God.
Well as I sat outside today, just after lunch, I began to feel a peace coming over me. Then came a familiar voice; a holy whisper from a special friend.
Do not worry about tomorrow, read Matthew 6:25-26
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Yes the thought of preaching to hundreds in an unfamiliar place or the fact that I don’t feel that clever or amazing, in reality; yet, time and time again I have watched God do miracles, transforming people’s lives, and calling others to really and truly follow His word. So what values ultimately matter?
Our value to God and how we value Him are the most important of all. We can get to help people discover that they well and truly matter to Him as well, so that in time, they too can discover how much God can matter to them.
So then my friend whispers Jeremiah’s familiar words to me to share with you all:-
This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.' Jeremiah 6:16
I naturally want to cut out those last six words. I don’t want anyone to say or consider saying we won’t follow God’s ways, but the reality is that many won’t. The reality is that in our age the Bible is being diminished as just a piece of religious literature, which needs updating to fit the ways of the world.
I can only pray for all those who think like that, and let God do what He will do about it.
But the most important part of this message is the core of it – Standing alert, looking and waiting, expecting, and praying for the ancient truths which direct spiritual lives on the faith journey which produces the reward that some will find rest for their souls. That makes everything worthwhile.
Can’t wait to join in fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ on the LORD’s Day, sharing in Holy Communion, worshipping our Majestic LORD and Saviour.
May you all know that blessings in His presence also as you keep the Sabbath Day Holy and take your God ordained rest! Then rested and nourished, we will be fitter to face the world and all it brings to us.
Today we rose early, had breakfast in the garden and chilled in the shade : 34 °C at 09:00. We did some chores, feeding cats, watering garden pots etc., while I also prepared the lunch and polished off Sunday’s sermon.
We are about to head off to the park to celebrate the 4th and watch the fireworks which will follow as dusk begins. The Americans know how to party and value anniversaries collectively.
The reality for many though is that it is hard to find rest in life. For us having four children, work responsibilities, various communications to keep working through, pressures of our culture and era etc. ; how do we truly learn to take our rest? Many in Churches today have lost the sacred sense of keeping the Sabbath rest, a holy day unto the LORD our God.
Well as I sat outside today, just after lunch, I began to feel a peace coming over me. Then came a familiar voice; a holy whisper from a special friend.
Do not worry about tomorrow, read Matthew 6:25-26
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Yes the thought of preaching to hundreds in an unfamiliar place or the fact that I don’t feel that clever or amazing, in reality; yet, time and time again I have watched God do miracles, transforming people’s lives, and calling others to really and truly follow His word. So what values ultimately matter?
Our value to God and how we value Him are the most important of all. We can get to help people discover that they well and truly matter to Him as well, so that in time, they too can discover how much God can matter to them.
So then my friend whispers Jeremiah’s familiar words to me to share with you all:-
This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.' Jeremiah 6:16
I naturally want to cut out those last six words. I don’t want anyone to say or consider saying we won’t follow God’s ways, but the reality is that many won’t. The reality is that in our age the Bible is being diminished as just a piece of religious literature, which needs updating to fit the ways of the world.
I can only pray for all those who think like that, and let God do what He will do about it.
But the most important part of this message is the core of it – Standing alert, looking and waiting, expecting, and praying for the ancient truths which direct spiritual lives on the faith journey which produces the reward that some will find rest for their souls. That makes everything worthwhile.
Can’t wait to join in fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ on the LORD’s Day, sharing in Holy Communion, worshipping our Majestic LORD and Saviour.
May you all know that blessings in His presence also as you keep the Sabbath Day Holy and take your God ordained rest! Then rested and nourished, we will be fitter to face the world and all it brings to us.
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