Max Lucado and a hymn

I got up this morning with a lot on my mind. Much is going on, and I wanted to clear my head. Church is tonight, and I want to be fresh when I stand before the people of God to deliver the message. I put on some coffee, grabbed a book, bible, and notepad, and went outside to relax and meditate. There was a slight breeze, and while summer is not yet ended, the morning air gave an indication that fall will soon be here. Nearby a woodpecker was busy hammering on a tree. I love outdoors. The atmosphere was refreshing to me.

I'm not sure why I picked up this particular book. I have had it several years. Roaming through my library, the words on the cover spoke to me.."Just like Jesus." Sipping on my coffee, my fingers opened up a chapter called "The greenhouse of the mind." In this chapter, the writer reminds us to guard our thought life. As I read the chapter, it reminded me of sermons I have preached on the subject. One of the verses Max used was Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."(NIV) Another translation states, "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life."

It sort of hit me between the eyes. Bam! Not in a bad way, but in a good way. As a reminder from God. I have been dealing with some negative thoughts lately. After a five year push by my family doctor and my wife, I had some tests done. The doctor had discovered My PSA was high. High PSA is linked with cancer. I hate the C word. My grandfather passed away with it, my mother in law, and last year both my dad and my son in law. So biopsies have been taken, and I am now waiting for the test results to come back.

Meanwhile, thoughts have ran through my head. Fear and anxiety, worry and doubt. All those things I have taught and preached against for over thirty five years. I know the faith words, I know how to confess. But I find myself struggling. Judge me if you wish. And in saying this, I am not after your pity. One of the things in writing and communicating, is you open yourself up to people who do not know, nor appreciate you. I have on several occasions thought of discontinuing both the blog and social networks because of this. Then someone encourages me that I am helping them, and they appreciate the transparency.

I don't know Max Lucado personally. But he sure did help me. As I read chapter nine, I was encouraged. Coffee, Lucado, and birds chirping. Some prayer and meditation. Feeling better. I hear the words "It is well" in my spirit. Thank you, Lord!

And an old hymn comes to my mind. I haven't heard it in a while. "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take him at his word. Just to rest upon his promise. Just to know thus saith the Lord. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him. How I've proved him o'er and o'er. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus. Of for grace to trust him more." The song was written by Louisa Stead in 1882, after the accidental drowning of her husband. As the song ran in my head, I am reminded to trust God no matter what I am facing.

I felt God speak to me this morning through a book and a song. Thanks, Lord for the reminder. You are good, and have everything in control. I will trust You!

IT'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT

Sometimes I have to remind myself that things are going to work out, that God is in control. Yeah, I know I preach that God can do anything. I pray for miracles in other people's lives, and have seen things happen that only God can do. But I'll admit there are times when I allow fear, frustration, and doubt to unsettle me...

Like things going on in the church I pastor. We seem to get past one hurdle only to face another. And lately I have been watching the political process. I have expressed my disappointment at the choices of candidates left. Then there's the economy. They say gas will be over $4 per gallon by Memorial Day. I've got 3 gas guzzlers (I prefer the "big" ride), so it's more like $4.30.

So today I am checking my attitude. If I believe what I preach, then I believe God will see us through what we are going through. I need to guard my thought life and the words I speak. There is life or death in the power of the tongue. I'll admit, I don't know how things are going to work out-- but with faith in God, things will work out. The old song by Walt Mills says, "I've got a feelin', everything's gonna be alright"...

I've got to stop complaining. Whoever winds up in the White House should have our prayers and support, be it Obama, Clinton, or McCain. And whatever the price of gas and food is, God will see us through.

Reminder to self: IT'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT!

Blessings,
Pastor Ronnie