Hi FBC!
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek Him, and the power of His wrath is against all who forsake Him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and He listened to our entreaty. (Ezra 8:21-23)
This passage struck me this morning, because I saw how Ezra, who was devoted to studying, living, and teaching God’s Word (see Ezra 7:10), led his people to fast and pray. He and the people sought the protection of God and His guidance for a long journey. I think we in the modern church often totally neglect fasting, to our detriment. It can have a major impact on our prayer lives. We have a journey before us, as we consider this new year of 2015. I like this note from the Life Application Bible: “Before making all the physical preparations for the journey, Ezra made spiritual preparations. Their prayers and fasting prepared them spiritually by showing their dependence on God for protection, their faith that God was in control, and their affirmation that they were not strong enough to make the trip without Him. When we take time to put God first in any endeavor, we are preparing well for whatever lies ahead.” I try to spend one day a month in fasting and prayer, besides the daily prayer goal I have. Would you try to do that once? Between now and the end of the month, choose one day to fast (not eat) and dedicate extra time that day to prayer. Pray for your own spiritual growth in the coming year, and pray for First Baptist Church – for God’s guidance and power for effective ministry this year.
Speaking of upcoming journeys, Marc & Sondra Robertson and family will be packing up Friday and heading out to Idaho Saturday. Please be in prayer for them as they embark on this new journey. We will miss them, but we know that God has them in His hands.
This Sunday I will be speaking on Revelation 3:7-13, the Message to Philadelphia. Please read that and ask the Lord to speak to our church (and for us to listen!). Consider thoughtfully what it means for there to be “an open door.”
Also this Sunday, we will have a brief presentation from a member of the Gideons. They will have a free-will offering in the back of the sanctuary following the service, for any of us that want to contribute toward their very worthwhile ministry.
Awana leaders, remember there is a potluck for all leaders and their families right after the worship service, followed by a leaders’ meeting.
A note regarding hot chocolate, coffee: There has been some concern expressed about coffee and hot chocolate being spilled, especially in the sanctuary. I’d like to make a couple suggestions. First, parents: Please do not let your kids go into the kitchen to make their own hot chocolate. There is really no reason for children to be in the kitchen without your parental supervision. If you want to make some for them after Sunday School that’s fine, but we’d like to cut down on kids hanging around in the kitchen to make hot chocolate. And please make sure they drink it before entering the sanctuary. Thank you!
Second, adults: We are not at this point looking to ban all food and drinks from the sanctuary, but there has been a problem with stuff being spilled. We’d like to ask you to consider not bringing coffee in the room unless you have a cup with a lid. The styrofoam cups simply get kicked over way too easily. We love to have you hanging around the fellowship hall and talking to each other over a cup of coffee. But if we could try to treat the facility, especially the worship center, as we would treat our own living room (or better), that would be great. Again, thank you!
Let’s together be making spiritual preparations for the journey ahead…
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael