Life can become very monotonous if we allow it to. If we don’t take time out to reflect on our life periodically, I’m convinced we’ll miss out on a lot of real life. It’s been said "the unexamined life is not worth living.” How often do you “step off the treadmill” and take some time alone with God to listen and to talk? Jesus seemed to have a specific habit, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35). As your Heavenly Father, He is eager to spend, invest, and even waste time with you! He just enjoys being with you!

“The length of our days is seventy years – or eighty if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” (Psalm 90:10). Now I know where the old gospel hymn “Ill Fly Away” must have come from! This verse came to mind today, maybe because I had a birthday last Saturday or because we’ll celebrate the life of a great Christian man, Baird Askins, this Saturday at his Memorial Service at 1:00pm. Whatever the reason, there’s much truth in that scripture. I often remind myself and you, “Life is hard, but God is good!” Both parts of that sentence is true; we get to choose how we’ll respond to every challenge that comes our way. We all get to decide how we’ll respond to life’s ups and downs. We all have them. Our best response is to turn right away to Jesus and seek His help, as well as the Body of Christ. Sometimes He’ll comfort us; others times He will discipline us; but He will always do what’s best for us! We need God and we need each other!

I remember the story of a young boy who was afraid of the dark. His Dad would put him to bed and pray with him and remind him Jesus was with him. We would lay wide awake in his bed and one night when he could stand it no more he ran to his Dad’s room! His Dad was somewhat miffed, so he firmly reminded him, “Jesus is with you,” to which the boy replied, “But I need Jesus with some skin on!” Don’t we all?! That why a Church home and family are so very important! We are “Jesus with skin on” to one another!

Last Sunday, I was greatly moved by John Neher’s video testimony about our Homeless Breakfast and his involvement in it. Since several were away on the Joint Heirs/Water Walker Retreat, I’ve asked Laura to link it to this blog today. Listen to John carefully and be reminded why we’re all here. If you are saved, you are saved to serve! I think you’ll see Jesus very clearly!

I can’t wait to see you this Sunday!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. Mark Taylor and "Voices? will be sharing with us in worship this Sunday!