Christ United Methodist Church

Welcomes You!

A Message from the Pastor...

I Thessalonians 5:18, *Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God*s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.*  I want to offer this devotional in the form of an outline; then I want to make comments after each outline point.  It*s a rather simple devotional but so much of our lives depend on these 6 thoughts about our Savior.

1.*If God brings you to it, God will bring you through it.  The children of Israel were brought to the brink of destruction.  But God knew the Red Sea would part with just a whisper of command from God.  If you believe that your life is in God*s hands; (God says to Isaiah, *See, I have written your name in the palms of my hands**) that means that God brings you through hard places and times in your life, because you are so loved by God.

2.*In happy moments, praise God.  There will be times when things are going so well.  Those moments are times for you to rejoice with others.  It*s okay to tell people about the good things in your life.  Go ahead, shout for joy!  Give God the glory and praise for all God has done for you.

3.*In difficult moments, seek God.  When the bottom falls out of your boat, when your life comes unglued, when you have to reach up to touch the bottom of discouragement; remember that God has promised you that you would make it through the trial.  As one of our church members has said to me on many occasions, *Remember Kent, this too shall pass.*  Do you understand how simple yet profound that statement is?  What are you struggling with in your life right now that you think will never end?  Opal Rich said the other night that the attitude with which you face your problems, determines how close you are to God.  Don*t complain about your trials, look to God to see you through them.

4.*In quiet moments, worship God.  Where do you spend quiet times by yourself?  Every once in a while, it*s good to turn the TV off, unplug your computer and mute your cell phone.  Sometimes there should be NOTHING that can take you away from quiet moments with God; not your wife, not your job, not your sports; nothing!  Don*t allow anyone or anything to keep you from it.  I would recommend to you that you should skip one meal a week to read God*s Word and pray.  Of course, if you are physically not able to I understand but most of us can skip a meal or two.  How about setting up a time today to visit with God in the quiet, private times of your life?

5.*In Painful moments, trust God.  I suppose this is like difficult times but there are some differences.  If you suffer from physical pain due to old age, chronic problems that you carry with you each day or just any hurt you face, consider this a time to trust God.  Paul said that he asked God three times to remove his pain, and God said, *Why?  I want you to trust me when you are hurting.  I know your pain.  I remember when I hung on the cross for you.*  Consider it a joy that you have a savior who understands your infirmities.  Jesus cares for you and cares about your hurts.

6.*In every moment, thank God.  Well, we*ve come 360 degrees.  Paul says in I Thessalonians 5, *In Everything, Give Thanks**  No matter where you are in your life, please stop and thank God for saving you from your sins.  Thank God for giving you the Holy Spirit to dwell with you.  Thank God that you have that power in you every day.  God is faithful never to allow anyone or anything to take you from God*s love; Romans 8:38-39 *I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God*s love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow*not ever the powers of hell can separate us from God*s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below*indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.* 

kent