911/411

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I was counseling last night with a good friend. We have been friends for more than 20 years, but a recent challenge in his family and marriage has elevated our discussions from the strategy of the softball diamond to matters of the heart and spirit.

My friend is “new” to faith. Even though he has been surrounded by believers for quite some time, he has only recently begun to “experience” GOD personally.

You see my friend is going through a very difficult time in his life and as we chatted about those challenges last night he shared a little personal revelation. He said that life had gotten so difficult that the only place he could turn was to the Lord; he had run out of all other options.

Now you need to understand something, this friend wanted NO part of any Jesus discussions in the past. He had always been standoffish when it came to discussions of faith or conversations about Jesus. But this challenge, this crisis was serving to pull the proverbial scales from his eyes and was pulling him into the presence of GOD almost daily.

It is astounding to watch.

And while clearly he is not the first to experience GOD in crisis...

2 Corinthians 7:11

And now, isn’t it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You’re more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible…

...GOD is responding to Him in some amazing ways!

Yet my friend is not alone. Pressure does draw us nearer to GOD and GOD is always right there for those "911" calls of life.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

What I find more encouraging from my friend in need is that he is discovering that GOD is not just a “911” GOD, but a “411” GOD as well.

What do I mean?

He has begun to seek GOD proactively for the answers to his questions and for guidance to his problems and GOD is showing up "big time" for him! Time after time in recent days my friend is drawing near to the throne of grace and is finding the help in his time of need! Scripture and GOD are becoming "real" for the first time in his life!

The truth is WE ALL often relegate GOD to just emergencies; treating GOD like that little lever behind the glass on the wall.

We get in trouble we cry out.

We face difficulties and we call the padre.

In times of tragedy where is the first place to get a bump in attendance? That is right, the church.

But GOD wants to be so much more to each of us. He wants to be the “411” call as much as the “911”call.

Matthew 11:19

…Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

GOD wants each of us to daily learn from Him; to draw inspiration from Him minute by minute; to commune and laugh and cry with Him constantly. He wants us seeking Him through His Word and getting the “411”!

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. 17 Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.

Maybe today you are not in crisis and needing the “911 GOD” but don't stop seeking Him!

Don’t let today slip by without pulling out GOD’s Word and getting the “411” too!

I love you all…

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney