Storm Watch

During my years in Alabama, I heard the phrase Storm Watch many times. It meant that the possibility of strong weather was imminent. The weather man would come on T.V. and let the region know the severity and length that the storms had the potential of producing. This announcement was designed to give adequate time to prepare all who could be affected. Its timing was crucial as well as it would come while the storm was far off and everything seemed relatively calm. This odd train of thought lead me to wonder why we who call ourselves Christ-followers always seem to be taken by surprise when turmoil comes to our lives. If we have communication with the omniscient God of the Universe, why then would He not warn us? This crazy thought lead me to the feeding of the five thousand and the subsequent storm out on the lake. Both times it frustrated Jesus that the disciples did not take care of the issue themselves; they could not see far enough ahead on their own to be prepared. Storms will come and needs will need to be met - how will you respond? If you are one who needs a warning here it is. Get ready and be prepared to respond exactly as He.

Watchfully Waiting,

Jeromy

Transition or Transformation?

I have been talking to people a lot about how our lives seem to be in transition. It seems this word and the word change have been throw around like it was candy at a parade lately but shouldn't our lives consistently be changing or transitioning. There are always things that can be pointed to as transitions and I know that significant changes are happening everywhere and that is why we say it so often but what about transformation. Romans twelve implores us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. As Christians, we should be being transformed into the likeness and image of Christ Jesus. When we speak of transition, it usually deals with the circumstances that are going on around us. When we speak of transformation, we are usually speaking of the dramatic changes that are going on inside of us. The question is, which of these is our focus in life...our circumstances or our relationship with God and how He is making us back into His image? As we move forward in our lives, there will be plenty of reason to look at all the things that are changing in life but let us keep our eyes fixed on the author and finisher of our faith.

Being Transformed,

Jeromy

Questions

Questions...we all have them for God but have you ever stopped to listen for the questions He has for you? Our conversations with the very one who created us seems to consistently be one-sided. I wonder how long God sits and waits for us to shut up and talk back to us. I am reminded of the story of Job and how he did a lot of talking to God and let others talk to him but nothing really changed until Job let God speak back to him. Is it maybe that when God speaks, we are scared that He will remind us of how small we truly are while pushing us to do things that seem impossible? We seem to forget that in the midst of it all He has already spoken and says that when we are truly doing the Great Commission then He is with us all the way to the end. I challenge you this week to spend more time with God listening to the questions He has for you and less time talking about your issues. I also encourage you to be willing to obey whatever He asks of you.

Seeking Still,

Pastor Jeromy