– Last week the Singleton’s got to rest and reflect—church at home—attendance = 4. I cherish these times—they are too few and far between! Our devotional time came from Psalm 22. An incredibly indicting Psalm if I do say so myself! Take a look at what David wrote in just the first few verses:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.”
Ever feel this way? Like god just doesn’t hear you? Or, gulp, doesn’t care? Sure you do—we all do. And that’s why it helps to know that one of the giants of the faith (King David) felt this way too. In fact, if that isn’t enough, this might help—Jesus even felt this way at least once. That’s right, these words in Psalm 22 are prophetic—they are some of the exact words that Jesus uttered on the cross as He bore the sins of the entire world! So, yes, there are times when we “feel” all alone—like God is a million miles away. But those moments create a thirst in us that makes us long for God’s presence far more than we would in total comfort, making millions, and with perfect health. Trials drive us to God like good times never could.
I’m not saying we should seek to live a tortured life of pain and loneliness so we could be driven ever closer to God. Everything has its season. I’m just saying that when the season of loneliness and loss or pain comes—seek the Lord for how He will use it to mold you more into the image of His Son.
Something to think about
– Started a quick two week mini series today called, “The Giving Bridge.” I have to say—I’m pretty pumped about it because it’s one of those series that really has the potential to catapult people to a whole new level in their relationship with Jesus. I had some tough things to say in this first message (A Bridge to Nowhere), but think of it as “tough love.” It might be tough, but it’s still love! If you missed the first installment (and, because of the time change, many did) then make sure and catch up with the podcast tomorrow. You can get it HERE. The audio version should be up by tomorrow afternoon.
– Easter is the biggest “Church Day” of the year. People seem to come out of the woodwork to get to church on this one day—two days actually (christmas is the other one). These are the CEO’s (Christmas and Easter Only) and that makes our “Rescue Mission” all the more important on this one day. Think of all the lost friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow students you know who do not know Jesus. Why don’t you start praying for them now and plan on bringing them with you to Impact for Easter? Don’t let the day sneak up on you. It will be here before you know it! Remember, one of the things we want to see everyone at Impact highly value is an “Invite Culture.” It’s a full third of our vision as a church…Rescue, Raise, Release.
– Probably shouldn’t have gone for the double whammy this week—not only was it “Spring Forward” time, but we also moved our service time from 11:00 AM to 10:00 AM—if you didn’t get the memo, you might have been one of the those who experienced a fifteen minute service today as you strolled in at 11:00! If so, remember to check our Facebook page, the weekly email (Impact News), voice messages from me, etc. each week to be aware of all that is happening at Impact! Hope to see you all next week for the conclusion of our mini series with the message, “Bridging the Gap.”