God’s Glory

Just a simple thought today:

“God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening.” (Psalm 19:1-2 MSG)

Travel Mercies

At least two things happen every time I travel to speak at a church away from home. First, I am encouraged when I try to encourage others. This was especially true this weekend. At Northgate Christian Fellowship in Benicia, CA, Michelle and I were both impressed and encouraged by what God is doing in that place. Serious props to the pastor, Larry Davis and his team. Great, great stuff!

Secondly, I MISS HOME! I’m so glad at Community you all got to hear Jeremy, our new Family Pastor. I’ll be watching his message myself, but have already heard from others what a great job he did! Can’t wait to see you this coming weekend!

Whether you’re at home or traveling…let’s join a church family and seek to encourage others. You will be encouraged when you do…guaranteed!

Also, if you would take a moment and pray for your home church…as well as any church you visit this summer while traveling. Here’s a good place to start with that prayer:

“Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 MSG)

UNITY

WE are in this thing called “life” together. WE is a great word. WE is how God designed us to live. WE is the way to effectiveness and success. WE. Think about it for a minute. After reading the passage in Philippians 2, think about what YOU can do to help WE.

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” (Philippians 2:1-4 MSG)

PEACE

There’s something sincerely peaceful about the beach for me. We can’t always get to the beach, or wherever your peace place might be. So, what do we do or where can we turn when life gets a little…or a lot crazy.

Good news! At any time, in any place, we can turn to the One who brings peace to the most difficult of situations.

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and raises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG)

HONOR

I love this little Marine memorial park in San Clemente. When there by myself, sometimes I’ll just sit up there, take in the scenery and thank God for my Marine (and other military) friends.

I love these kinds of memorials and monuments because they give us an opportunity to honor those who deserve our honor.

It doesn’t have to be a military thing, but who do you need to honor this week? Who could you send a note or make a phone call and let them know just how much you appreciate them.

Go ahead…give honor!

“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Romans 13:7 NIV)