Tabernacle Family,
“One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4).
This weekend we celebrate MEMORIAL DAY, a time to pause to remember and express our respect and appreciation for the brave individuals that made a great sacrifice to preserve our freedom. May we never take liberty lightly, nor forget its great price.
Liberty can be likened to a clearing in a jungle. If you do not work to keep the clearing, the jungle will move in and consume it.
In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches by parable about good seed that falls in soil with thorns, is choked by the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth. Good seed has been sown into our lives which has sprung up, but if choked from receiving life, it cannot be fruitful.
We have concluded another week of our world reduced to limited travel, wearing masks, gloves, disinfectants, and “social distancing.” There is hope that we are moving ever closer to a relaxation of the imposed mandates. Despite desiring relief from the restraints, there is an ongoing debate as to how this should happen, while avoiding a second wave of the disease.
We are anxious for the time when we can safely resume corporate worship in our Sanctuary. People are growing weary of the restraints and pushing to return to a more “normal” lifestyle. BUT, do we really want to return to the life that we were living before the pandemic struck?
In this period of imposed quietness, I pray we consider where we are and are determined to rid our lives of unfruitful endeavors and pursuits. Many have found great delight in doing things with family, reading books, playing games, etc. that they were too busy to do before; or have reached out to people.
This season has been a great opportunity to renew our focus. A time to change our perspective on someone, something or ourselves. The greatest perspective that we can change is how we see God; understand Christ and His ways.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend. Seek His wisdom! Exercise wisdom in your choices.
In His Service,
Pastor Allen Baun
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
This week the Body of Christ lost a great warrior when Ravi Zacharias went to be with his Lord, whom he served so faithfully as an apologist and evangelist. His radio ministry, “Let My People Think,” and writings have significantly influenced my life. I want to also honor Dorothy Levulis who finished her course on this earth. She was not famous or well known outside her circle of friends and acquaintances, but like Ravi, was faithful to her calling and produced fruit.