When I got up this morning and went to the Prayer Tower, there was praise on my heart. It was cold outside and the wind was blowing. I said, "Good morning, Lord." and began to pray for my family. As I was praying, praise began to swell up in me for all the things God has brought me through. When I thought of how the events of my life could have turned out, I praised him even more. He is merciful and kind to all.
Ice and snow beat against the temporary plastic window that will soon hold a wonderful stained glass window for God's glory. Insulation, electrical wire, and drywall stood around me, speaking of a soon to be dedicated place of prayer in our church. Throughout my life I have always sought a place where I could retreat and be alone with my God. He has always provided that place where I could meet with him each day.
This got me to thinking about and praying for all those who do not enjoy the blessings that abound around me. It's all a matter of perspective. How many do not have a warm place to sleep, or enough food to eat, or even a coat to keep them warm this winter? Endless numbers of people have come and gone not seeing one day of the goodness I enjoy continually. Again, I am reminded of my hardness of heart and my insensitivity towards those in need. So I take a moment and pray for the poor and needy.
I sit here writing this blog with clean clothes on my back and a hot cup of coffee in my hand. The furnace kicks on and warm air swirls around my feet from the vent in the floor. Again, joy fills my heart when I think of all the blessings that surround my life and family. I don't deserve one day of the Lord's goodness.
Sunday night at church we baptized two more young people into the kingdom of God — Jordan and Kylee Rohr. The worship was intense. Friends from The River in Cambridge City were there to help us minister in song and serve Communion. Susan and I sang our first song together (rave reviews). Afterward we went out to Pizza Hut and enjoyed good food and fellowship. There are times where you wonder, how can it get any better?
It gets better when we lift our hands in worship and thank God that in the midst of an evil and broken world, there can be times of great joy and blessing. You may say, "Well, it's short lived, though." Saint, everything in this life will not last. In the midst of our battles, in times when we are suffering, when troubles come, God is there to bless us and provide us with those moments of joy that last a lifetime.
In the course of ministry here in Union City I have also fought many battles. Like the Apostle Paul, who said,“This body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn — conflicts on the outside, fears within.” (2 Corinthians 7:5 ) It seemed the struggles would never end. Then one day you wake up and the storm is over. The skies begin to clear and you feel blessed.
I am glad God gave me the strength to endure. I am glad that I didn't turn tail and run. When I get the right perspective in my heart, I can see the good that has been done. I can see lives that have changed and people who have been ministered to. God has blessed my ministry here at Calvary. I have grown and I am thankful for it.
Battles remain, and will always be on the horizon, as long as this world continues, but today, I am encouraged by the battles that have been won and a sense of joy, unity, and victory at Calvary. Last night at church we had a taste of the goodness of God flowing into our lives. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) There is a sense of overcoming in our church. The woundedness series that we are now in is just the beginning of a healing flow throughout our church and community.
Every time our prayer team meets before service in the Prayer Tower, I feel a surge of anointing flowing over me. I feel more directed by the Holy Spirit than ever. I feel more equipped than ever to meet the demands of ministry in our community. I am definitely more ready than ever to see God move in our midst.
Yes, today I woke up in an attitude of thankfulness. Although my heart is touched by how much I have been blessed as compared to much of the world who still does not know our God, I feel praise for the Lord's goodness in my heart. This morning is a time of refreshing for me. The work of the day will soon override my thankful heart, but for now Psalms 45 verse 1 strolls through my heart and mind.
“My heart is inditing a good matter:
I speak of the things which I have made touching the king:
my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”
Psalms 45:1
I encourage you today to look around you and compare the many blessings you see to what could have been had the Lord not come into your life and lifted you out of this world and brought you into his eternal kingdom. He is good.