He Cares For You: Jan 23rd - 29th
This Week & Beyond...
Hey everyone!! A few things I want to bring to your attention this week.
1) Team Night #3 - Just a reminder about the upcoming prayer/worship event happening this Saturday @ 7pm. If you haven't confirmed your attendance, please take a moment to do so. We'd love to have you out! If you are attending, I will be at the church at 5:30pm for set-up. If you're playing an instrument, please try to join me some time before 6:30pm. Thanks!!
2) Team Night #4 - For next months team night, February 26th, I'd love for us to have a fellowship night!! I was thinking about booking some good old fashion bowling lanes and maybe having some pizza together. What are your thoughts? Is there another idea or something that'd be better!? In any case, let me know!!
3) New Song - This last Sunday we did a new song called "What a Beautiful Name". Here's the link if you want to check it out... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWFzMvCfLE
Devotional...
He Cares for You
by Mark Sooy, Hopkins, Michigan, www.MarkSooy.com
Casting all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Our mini-van has been gradually losing its various functions over the last couple of years. It has over 240,000 miles on it, so it's really no wonder! The rear windshield wiper was the first to succumb to the strain. Next was the electronic clock/thermometer that fritzed out due to water seeping in by the windshield. After heavy rains, water would flow from the ends of the dashboard when we turned corners, pouring onto our feet. The automatic side door also stopped opening automatically. The list goes on and on.
Recently my wife informed me that our daughter had rolled down the window on the passenger side -- but it wouldn't go back up! In fact, none of the electric windows would go up or down using any of the switches. Each time either of us drove the van we would try to roll the windows up or down but to no avail.
It wasn't an issue, really, until the weather turned cold. One morning we awoke to frost on the ground and a nippy start in the low 30s. Both the car and the van were needed that day, so I was planning on taking the van to my destination. My 12-year old daughter was going to be with me, so I suggested that she dress warmly and wear a hat. There was going to be a nice cool breeze in the van at 70MPH on the highway!
As we prepared to go, I sarcastically remarked, "Well, if God can raise a man from the dead, He can certainly fix our window and let it go up so we don't freeze this morning!" In truth, I had prayed for God to fix the window ever since it had stopped working, but I confess the prayer was half-hearted at best.
I started the van a few minutes early, and I went out to load some items. As long as I was there, I figured I should try the window one more time. I couldn't believe it -- the window closed! I let out a yell and the kids ran to see what the noise was about.
Surely the Lord had been merciful on my daughter and me that morning. Yet, I internally struggled with my reaction that it was "coincidence." I know better than that. God has His hand in every part of my life, and I was well aware of the cultural conditioning that lead me to even consider this was coincidence.
I spent time reflecting on the words "Casting all your cares upon Him" from our opening Scripture verse. I realized that I too often miss the point of the word "all." God cares about it all. Everything that concerns me -- from the most mundane parts of life to the most significant decisions that I make -- is included in "all." As much as I care for my children -- every part of their lives -- my Heavenly Father cares for me even more than that.
Maybe you find yourself, today, needing Someone to care for the nitty-gritty details of your life. It may be a family need, a personal struggle, issues with personality differences amongst the members of the worship team, difficulty learning the music or even that irritating "buzz" in your amp that just doesn't seem to go away.
Pray, my friend, for His help. He is ready, willing and wanting to help in all of your cares. His ear is attentive to the needs of His children. He will answer, and though it may not be what you expect, it will be what is necessary for your continued growth.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you ever have a tendency to view something as a "coincidence" -- especially something you've prayed about -- rather than a blessing from God? Why do you think that is?
2. Are there things in your life that you've learned to simply live with rather than ask God for help?
3. What cares do you need to cast on the Lord today?