Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. Psalm 57:1

Think about some of the worst storms you have been in.  Many in this area remember Hurricane Agnes, which caused massive flooding.  Or Hurricane Katrina which caused so much devastation on the Gulph Coast.  A few years ago, a hurricane hit my town, bouncing up the main street, skipping across fields and ending in my development, just a few houses away.  My daughter pointed and said “are those birds?”  I realized it was leaves in the whirlwind, grabbed her and began to pray as it was the only thing to do in the moment.

Yet weather storms are not the only storms we face.  Some are going through medical issues, others financial storms.  Some are facing storms within their families.  There are many storms we go through in our lifetimes and, unfortunately, we cannot avoid them.

However, just as the psalmist, we can cry out to God.  We can seek God’s refuge and mercy.  God will not make the storm go away, but God will carry us through.

If you are going through a storm this week, take refuge in the “shadow of God’s wings”.  Take time to pray and listen for God’s answer.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

In the sermon on Sunday, I quoted Anglican Clergyman and biblical scholar J.B. Phillips from his thoughts on the church of the apostolic era compared to today.  He said: “We are apt to reduce Christian religion to a code or, at best a rule of heart and life.  Perhaps if we believed what they believed, we could achieve what they achieved.”

Too often we create the religious code and if someone cannot live up to it, they are out.  Or we reduce the faith to bullet points, again with a connotation of “in or out”.  For some, different denominations are not “Christian enough”, while for others there is no need for a church, only a faith statement.  Yet none of these really describe the benefit to following Jesus. 

Jesus offers us rest and offers to take our burdens.  This includes the burden of classifying people, the burden of proving ourselves right over others and so much more.

I for one would love my burdens removed.  As the summer ends and things are ramping up for the fall, our schedule (as well as many others) is hectic.  I’ve spoken with many who are experiencing health issues and going through the burdens of tests, results and procedures.  Others are facing job issues, financial stress and the like.

Following Jesus will not take all these things away, however walking with Him will reduce the burden for He will carry them for you.  Maybe, if we stop for a moment, breath and pray, we will sense His presence.  Perhaps if we allowed Jesus to take our burdens, we could experience what those original apostles experienced, the presence of God with us.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11

During our vacation, I was able to take time to sit alone, in the quiet, with my journal.  I had extended prayer time and the opportunity to just sit with God.  It was a much-needed experience as I was able to work out some things, clear my head and revitalize my spirit.

Now, as I return to the “routine”, as schools are about to start, as schedule are about to go completely haywire, it is more important than ever to be still and know God is God.

Whatever you are going through, whatever you have happening this week, take some time to be still in God’s presence.  It will restore your soul.

Peace,

Pastor Bill