COMPASS

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.

Well another summer is upon us. Time for trips and what not. 

If you know me, summer comes in a solid 3^rd when it comes to the "season preference" slate.  Fall and spring are safely ahead with fall holding a commanding lead.  

No need to speak of winter, it is an also ran at best. 

And this past Sunday our last before summer officially "kicks in" I had the chance to worship at home and hear from our Senior Pastor Mark who has been sharing an ever-evolving little series about the "WORD".  And as he was closing out this week’s installment he commented that the WORD is like a compass.

I wrote that down thinking that I had stumbled across that analogy a time or two before.  And I was right.  It even included a little about summer. 

Fancy that.

“Summer is the ideal time for travel, but whether we hop on a plane or stay home, we’re all on a spiritual journey. The question is, do you know where you’re headed or even whether you’re on the right path? We could all use a little help figuring out which way to go. Throughout my travels, I’ve relied on a compass to guide me. If I’m ever uncertain about my course, I just pull it out and check the direction. In the same way, God understands we need a spiritual compass. That’s why He’s given us His Word. – Charles Stanley

Figures it was Charles.  

As many of you know, my wife has a deep affinity for Charles.  She was even afforded the chance to meet (and selfie) him back before the first of the year.  So for me to remember that he had said something similar is no surprise.

And it is good word regardless of origin.

GOD has provided a spiritual compass.  The WORD.

Not sure which direction to take?  Check the compass.

Not sure which way to respond?  Check the compass.

Looking for some guidance?  Consult the compass.

I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress. – Psalm 32:8 (LB)

When the WORD is uppermost and has priority in our thinking, it will accurately guide us in every situation. However, if we neglect it, we’ll be like a summer hiker lost in the woods.  We will.  

We will rely on our feelings, emotions, our under-equipped intellect, our experience regardless how limited or even seek counsel from less qualified sources! And yes we CAN BE led astray when we trust others’ advice instead of consulting the WORD don’t you know!

The truth of the matter is this…

Every day various voices try to lure us off the right path. If we listen to them rather than God’s Word, we’ll find ourselves in a heap of trouble. – Charles Stanley (again)

Therefore a trustworthy compass is especially vital when life is clouded with difficulties and uncertainties. Any pilot can tell you that it’s unreliable to let feelings guide him. He may be totally convinced he’s on course, only to discover he’s flying away from his destination, not toward it.

So get out your WORD

Hide it in your heart to keep you from sinning and also set your course!  For whatever is ahead, the Lord knows the direction you should go.  He truly does!

Never forget!

GOD’S WORD is infallible even when it flies in the face of culture or feelings. 

It will never fail to lead you in the right direction because it always POINTS toward GOD

And that is ALWAYS the RIGHT way to go!

...To stay on course with the Lord, you need a Spiritual Navigation System guiding your destiny. In other words, you need God’s Compass, his WORD (D.Rhodes)

I love you ALL!

Opportunities for Hope (Champions Charge)