PLAN YOUR LIVES AROUND THE THINGS THAT MATTER MOST

1 Thessalonians: 5:18 says: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

As we wind down the busy summer vacation season, that kicked off with the Memorial Day Weekend and will end with this weeks Labor Day weekend, I wanted to remind us all of what is really important (aside from the continually escalating gas prices).

Like each of you that have raised or still are raising your family, Gwen and I have learned within these past 30+ years through our ministry, that just as we parents want intimacy joy and an understanding relationship with our own family, God wants the same thing with each of us. Although God wants us to serve Him in spreading the Good News of His salvation, God wants first of all to have a deep and growing relationship with each of us. He desires for us to have intimate fellowship with Him above all else.

More often than not, when our relationship with God becomes as God Intends it to be, the blessings we receive run over into the lives of others. That’s how it has been for me and Gwen. As God has encouraged us to walk more intimately with Him, so also have our three wonderful children and their spouses observed and responded to the need in their lives to have a close walk with God. What’s more, God continues to bring them through their daily challenges just as He will also do for you and your extended family.

- A Pre-Fall Commitment –

As summer now comes an end, as we are returning from vacations, as school clothes, school supplies and homework abounds, why not make an intentional Pre-Fall commitment? Today, pause and remember the importance of continually building and enjoying the closeness of your immediate family? As you are doing that, don’t forget that God wants to enjoy the same kind of a close relationship with you.

Plan your lives around the things that matter most. Let me remind everyone to keep Christ in your plans. He not only wants that for the fall, but for every season as well.

On this busy Tuesday, as you make plans for the final holiday weekend until Thanksgiving, why not join me in this prayer. “Dear Jesus, thank you for staying near me and my family – even when we were heading in our own direction. Thank you for being faithful to us each day and for making us aware of your presence. Give us all a joyful and safe Labor Day weekend that keeps you included in our plans. Amen.”

Have a great Tuesday and rest of the week.

Pastor Darryl