I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need the Lord to stop me in my tracks and slow me down. I often get caught up in my own thoughts and can easily become overwhelmed. It’s always nice to be reminded how to eat an elephant – one bit at a time. Sometimes, the most important thing to do is to “make a beginning.” We learned this on Sunday from Ezra 3:8-13. I would like to offer some practical and thoughtful suggestions on how to achieve this in various areas.Let’s start with our spiritual lives. As I mentioned on Sunday, don’t try to overdo it or make it bigger than necessary.
- If you find yourself lacking spiritual discipline (such as Bible reading/memorization, prayer, or sharing your faith), then start somewhere. I’d say read seven verses and pray for seven minutes a day. Then next week add one. If it’s about sharing your faith, start by learning how to share it and then practice on a friend, family member, or someone else.
- If you feel like your family’s spiritual life is lacking, start with something small. One thing we did was add it to our family calendar, and whoever was home (since our kids are now young adults, their lives are hectic) spent time reading a chapter from the Bible and praying for each other. Some families took a catechism (such as the Westminster Shorter, Heidelberg, or Calvin’s Geneva) and started with the first question, repeating it each week.
- If you’re interested in getting involved in politics, consider attending city council meetings or finding a political mentor. I have a dear friend who has been actively engaged in politics in Texas for many years. He started folding pamphlets for a local County Commissioner, and that turned into an intern role. Learn how to be a Christian in that world.
- Perhaps you’re unsure where to begin conversations about Jesus with friends or others. Start somewhere. Take advantage of events or moments that your kids are involved in or that the community has planned (dance recitals, concerts, the park, etc.). Engage by introducing yourself, asking about their family, occupation (work), and recreation (things they enjoy). As you get to know them, listen for things you could pray for and follow up with them. But you notice… begin somewhere.
Let me add one other thing to this. In 1 Timothy 2, Paul urges us to pray for kings and all those in authority. You’ll notice that in vs. 2, he says that we’re to do this so that we may “lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” There is something to be said about leading a peaceful, quiet, godly, dignified life. To do that, get started. Finally, on this point, what we teach our children about living in a world like we’re in right now is important. I read an excellent post recently by William Bennett on this subject that Toby Luther sent me. You can find that here: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/william-bennett-what-charlie-kirks-murder-tells-us-about-american-mind. But here’s a money quote: “G.K. Chesterton observed that ‘the true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind [or next to] him.’ We fight not for hatred of our enemies but love of our fellow soldiers and the ideals of our country. We have inverted this wisdom. We teach our young people to hate their opponents rather than love their own principles. We have made politics a blood sport precisely because we have drained it of transcendent meaning. When you believe in nothing greater than your own righteousness, the only thing left is to destroy those who challenge your certainty.”Anticipating God’s Work:I was compelled by the people of Ezra’s day, who responsively worshipped when they laid the foundation of the Temple. Part of the conviction I felt from this is because I’m never satisfied and am always thinking things should be better than they are. In doing this, I miss the little bread crumbs of where God is at work. I wait instead for the “entire building” to be built before celebrating. It’s a lot like Kobe Bryant, who, after a win in Game 2 of the 2009 NBA Finals, famously said, “Job’s not done.” I think we take that attitude when it comes to God’s work, and that keeps us from rejoicing at things along the way. So, this week: if you’re heart is before the Lord, be ready for God to show you some way He’s working and rejoice in it. If your spouse is a Christian, anticipate the Spirit to work in them, and honor God for it, and tell your spouse you saw God at work in them. If you’re waiting for your kids to be fully sanctified (holy, mature, and godly), then you’re going to miss God’s subtle work in them. Take a moment this week to thank God for the times when your child listened attentively at dinner or showed a genuine interest in praying. Because God is always active, let’s be keen observers of His work and take the time to worship Him. This week and looking ahead:This week, we will examine Ezra 4:1-24. We will discuss the opposition to God’s work. It’s an appropriate lesson for what we will announce on Sunday. Remember, if you call CLF your home church, please be at church on October 5th. We are making a major announcement about the future of our church. Cheap Seats (most people’s favorite section):
- Tyler Park, one of our faithful church members, recently completed a 100-mile race! I texted Tyler today and here was his reply (notice his joy, which is typical of him): “It was amazing. Seeing a shooting star at 4am on top of the mountain after running 70 miles was a highlight. The last 20 miles went on forever.” I would’ve said, “I was dying and feeling like I was on my last breath.” Way to go, Tyler. What a feat!
- Let us all rejoice…the Houston Astros missed the playoffs (sorry, Robert Sidlo).
- I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m enjoying watching the Texas Aggies (from A&M) play football this year. Hopefully, after their 5th game, they can continue to improve.
- My favorite sports season is upon us. Football is in full swing and the Major League Baseball playoffs begin today. Four games the next few days is simply…amazing! I do some of my best thinking with the sound of a baseball game in the background.
Have a great week!Christ is King!In Christ, Dave YorkP.S. While I sometimes agree and disagree with Tucker Carlson, I found his comments at Charlie Kirk’s memorial remarkable. This is worth 5 minutes of your time: https://x.com/realcandaceo/status/1969896674962145662?s=12&t=ANRRmEDhNWbghelISD7Rvw
