November 24, 2024
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) ~
TRAFFIC JAMS
Thousands of people have moved here toArizona from California including Barbara and I in 2015. Many of those moved here as an escape, mostly it would seem, for a lower cost of living and to avoid traffic jams like the one pictured above. They may have won on the cost of living, but the traffic jams are another thing. How many of us have spent hours sitting on the I-17 many times never finding out what caused the traffic jam in the first place?
In many cities, like the one pictured above, horns, angry words, and more horns are not uncommon. I remember watching two grown men in New York City, get out of their cars and physically begin to fight, rather than give an inch to the other guy. Obviously the yelling doesn’t work. The honking strategy doesn’t work and a fist-fight doesn’t work either. Rather than getting through the traffic jam they just make things louder and more tense for everyone. You may not be sure what the solution is, but, clearly, increasing the volume and temperature isn’t it.
This reminds me of some people I know. They have a tendency to make a lot of noise when all types of things stall up ahead and they can’t see what’s going on. Unfortunatley, honking never makes things better. In fact, it just adds to the confusion.
I found something that works, though. It doesn’t change the situation; it changes me. It’s the words of King Solomon,
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart, don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go, he’s the one who will keep you on track.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6, (The Message) ~
My most recent traffic jam was last week on Hwy 69, just a mile away from my office here at First Southern. In the time it’s taken to write this about a half-hour, between cups of coffee, emails, and staring at my computer screen that traffic jam was cleared up and everyone moved on. No real damage done except to the banged up truck and whatever car he must have collided with. Unfortunately, though, for those who were caught up in it, that morning’s mishap may have set the tone for the rest of their day. Maybe even their week. But it didn’t have to be that way.
We need to remember that most of life’s traffic jams clear up eventually.And while we’re stuck, waiting, unable to see what’s happening further up the road, we need to remember that honking doesn’t really help.
Trusting God does, though. Placing yourself in His care and listening for His voice is a strategy that works. Especially when you have no idea what’s causing the holdup. He knows, and He’s the one who can get you through it.
I encourage you to begin this week by deliberately putting yourself in God’s care, trusting Him to make your paths straight. That’s what I’m trying to do.
Blessings on your week as you take stock of how many times you actually put your faith in God during those tense moments that come along. I am looking forward to worshipping with you all this coming Sunday. I will begin my new sermon series, THE GOSPELACCORDING TO CHRISTMAS (HOW JESUS MEETS YOU IN EVERY MOMENT). We will begin with Mary’s Story: Living a Christmas Life.
Pastor Terrell
ScheduleforSunday,November24,2024:
The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM Room #201
Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM Room #202
Prayer Room open @ 9:00 AM Room #206
Preschool Worship opens @ 10:15 AM in KID CITY
Sunday Morning Worship @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Kidz4Christ dismissed to KID CITY during Worship time
Schedulefortherestoftheweek:
Tuesday@ 10:00 AM Men’s Bible Study in Room #202 Women’s Bible Study in Fellowship Hall
This Week’s Opportunities
YOU DID IT!! Goal: 100 boxes Goal met … Goal surpassed! Find out the final numbers during Morning Worship this Sunday as we praise God together! Tuesday Mornings @ 10 AM Women
NOTE: Church office is closed Thanksgiving Day.
GOAL: $8,000. Collecting through the month of November
