Failure To Connect

 Have you ever had someone in your life that you can’t seem to connect with no matter how hard you try? Whether it’s a new family member, neighbor, co-worker... or it could be a familiar person who has experienced some growth (or the opposite) making you seem further apart? It can be frustrating to say the least. And it’s what I seem to be facing in this season of my life. I want to be heard and understood yet we keep talking at each other and neither of us seem to “get” the other. Almost like we’re speaking different languages. Honestly, I just feel like giving up. But, I will continue trying and trusting God to work in and through me.   

Yesterday, in reading Psalm 18 I was reminded how the LORD is my Refuge, my Stronghold. He hears my voice. My cry reaches His ears! He is my Support. He rescues me (often from myself!) and He delights in me. He gets me. And He will help me grow through this season. He will help me be a better me.

 

“...The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold... In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears... They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me... For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18: various verses – I encourage you to read the entire chapter!!

 

Pastor Rick preached his last full sermon at The Harbor this Sunday on “Prayer Is Our Priority” and he mentioned LIFT. I cried a few times grieving the great loss as he retires. Check it out HERE. 

*Taken from LIFT weekly email.

Count It All Joy?

 Well, I saw a doctor yesterday morning and got another round of antibiotics, cough syrup and a cough pill. I just can’t seem to put this sore throat and nasty cough in the rear view mirror. Trust me – I desperately want to! I have rested more than I thought possible. I’ve come to realize that I’ve had to ration the words as my voice box actually tires extra quickly... therefore only truly speaking necessary words. Which has given me a great insight into how much energy I have opportunity to waste. I’ve been practicing being slow to speak and quick to listen and slow to become angry very intentionally for a couple years now or I guess I just thought I was... this has been a month of realizing that I can do even more work in this area.  

I love this passage in 1 Peter. (This week) I love the line “Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” Seems like in the world today – that’s what we’re all doing - working to maintain it... Gonna have to do a word study on that phrase... Read through it and let us know which line speaks to your heart. We would love to hear how God is moving in your hearts. Post about it on the app!

 

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say,“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12  

The Lord has been speaking to us in our study through James. He equipped us with truths to cling to during these last few weeks especially. Review your message notes so far or LISTEN again as Chris has been so faithful to challenge us in His Word. 

 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:2-8 ESV

*Taken from LIFT weekly email.