Are you experiencing stress in your life? There are so many unknowns in our world these days. In these times when we feel anxious or burdened, it is critical for us to seek the Lord! So, how does a person earnestly seek the Lord? We must first acknowledge that no one actually seeks God on their own. Jesus declares in John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”
But the initial way that a person actually seeks the Lord is by putting your love for Him at the center of your life. As we discover in Psalm 63:3, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” David goes on in v. 8, “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” What a beautiful picture! David clings to God, but underneath it all, God’s powerful hand is under David.
The Hebrew word translated “clings” points to loyalty related to affection. It is the same word used in Genesis 2:24, where we read that a man will “cleave” to his wife.
Seeking after the Lord means keeping your passion for Him alive. Christianity is not just a matter of the head, but of the heart. As we reflect on what God has done for us in Christ, it ought to move us emotionally. As we reflect on His great love and faithfulness toward us over the years, in spite of our failures, we ought to feel love for Him.
Toward the end of my first year of seminary (when I was under a lot of stress to get all my work completed), one of my roommates asked me, “Glen, how are you and the Lord doing?” I was stopped dead in my tracks. The question made me evaluate how I was doing in my relationship with the Lord. Where were my priorities? So, I will ask you that question, “How are you and the Lord doing?”
Review your past week or month and ask yourself, “Did my schedule reflect that seeking the Lord was my number one priority?” You say, “Well, that’s my priority, but I’ve been under a lot of stress!” Stress is what reveals our true priorities. When the pressure is on, everything but the essential gets put on hold. We have had much talk during the COVID pandemic about what is essential. The Holy Spirit is telling us through David in Psalm 63, “Seeking the Lord is ESSENTIAL!” If it is not essential for you, may you join David, the man after God’s heart, in making it so!
SUNDAY WORSHIP
THIS SUNDAY we will meet once again at 2910 West Main Street for our worship service at 9:30 a.m. We will Live Stream the service on Facebook and our website.
Pastor Glen’s sermon will be “Crazy Busy,” based upon Mark 1:21-39. Please read this text in preparation for worship!
We will also celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. We encourage you to examine yourself before receiving the Sacrament per 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. IF YOU WILL BE PARTICIPATING VIA LIVE-STREAM AND YOU WOULD LIKE A COMMUNION KIT, PLEASE LET PASTOR GLEN KNOW.
We will expect individuals and families to follow appropriate social distancing guidelines. We want to be respectful of our brothers and sisters. You will need to bring and wear protective masks while entering and moving about the building. We will not pass an offering plate (an offering plate will be available for your tithes and offerings). Online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Children are welcome but families must sit together.
NURSERY IS NOW AVAILABLE
We are pleased to offer a nursery for children through pre-school. The nursery is in the Sunday school area.
THE CHOSEN STUDY SERIES IS COMING!!
We are excited to be offering an 8-week Small Group Bible Study series based on the popular DVD series, The Chosen. The small groups will begin on March 3rd. Small groups will either meet virtually through Zoom meetings or in person, depending on what works best for each participant. Pastor Glen will be basing his messages each Sunday on the series!! Please check out the information on our website and SIGN-UP!!!
BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN
We are once again participating in ComfortCare Women’s Health Baby Bottle Campaign, in order to raise support for their life-saving services and ministry with women. ComfortCare is a ministry that specializes in the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of unplanned pregnancy.
Baby bottles are still available for you to save your change. You may pick them up at the church. We will collect the baby bottles on February 28, 2021. If you would like to contribute to ComfortCare Women’s Health, you can also make checks payable to Hope Community Church and put in the memo “Baby Bottle Campaign.”
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Matt Lucas (2/14)