Words from Pastor Mark – 6/14

Peace. . .

I have spent the last week in Southern Indiana. This part of the state is very beautiful with the rolling hills and sparse population. I have had the opportunity to visit a few of the historical places along the river and witnessed how the early settlers lived. Each morning I have spent time overlooking the forest watching the deer and other ani-mals feast on the leaves and grass. I looked for a time of peace and tranquility in the midst of the storm that is life. (The peace has been a bit of a challenge with 13 of us living in a condo.)

While we sit on the hill in a quiet place we are just above the hustle and bustle of the French Lick Resort and Casino. While we find peace in the quite of nature the folks at the resort are busy trying to find another bit of piece. . . a piece of the money. Because our condo shares the resort facilities we go down each evening and use the pool and walk through the hotel lobby. It is a beautiful place. But it reminds me of a scripture.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to now worry about anything but to pray about everything. That has to be one of the most difficult passages in the bible. It’s not easy to stop worrying about the often-scary, everyday parts of our lives, but God tells us how in the next part of the verse: “Pray about everything … and thank him for all he has done.” Grateful prayer brings peace. God says, when you start to worry, pray.

I have found myself doing that often this week. Not worrying but praying. In the morning and in the evening. We have not had internet this week and it has changed the patterns of our lives. Not being constantly connected has given me time to live with my thoughts and yes with my prayers. So I have spent time praying about the issues of life. Praying for my children, the world, the turmoil of life and yes for the things we need. But as the passage in Philippians said I have also been thanking God for all he has done.

I have also taken the time to thank God in faith. Thanking God in advance is a big step of faith. When we have the faith to thank God ahead of time, miracles happen. The more thankful we are, the more God works in our lives. The Bible says that God inhabits the praise of his people. He uses our thanksgiving as an instrument of power in our lives.  So I have taken part of this week to thank God for what He is going to do. . .

Let me encourage you to do the same. It’s easy to get stuck on the crisis and not realize that God already made a way out. Trust him in faith.

Mark

9 thoughts on “Words from Pastor Mark – 6/14

  1. Mary Liechty

    Mark,
    Thank you for your words of encouragement. We are leaving this weekend for a week at our lake place with our grandchildren and family and we also will not have Internet . This will change the pattern of our lives–we will be talking more instead of texting and doing video games. We will be boating , swimming, hiking , playing board games and cards. When I start to worry about what foods I will serve or what activities to plan , I will pray and know that God is in control and has a plan for us. I thank God that we have the opportunity to come together as a family.

    We are glad that you had a good vacation . Dennis and Mary

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