A Reason for Warsaw

Earlier this week a classmate of mine asked me about Warsaw. He wanted to know what it offered in terms of entertainment and activities that South Bend doesn't have. Even though I can say that I love Warsaw (and also Winona Lake), I have to admit that he took me off guard. I didn't know what to say. After pausing, I said something about music in the summer at Winona Lake, the many lakes our county has, etc. He then asked if Warsaw and Winona Lake are comparable in size to South Bend and Fort Wayne. This I found funny. He's not from the area, let alone the country, so I can't blame him for not knowing that the answer is obvious to pretty much everyone else.

This encounter brought a verse to mind: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).

Waiting in Expectation

The last poll's results show that we all feel we really need to talk with God a lot more. On one hand it is sad we feel this way, but at the same time, we're being honest. And no matter how closely we are walking with God, we've never really "made it." We can and should be confident that we will spend eternity in heaven if we have accepted Jesus Christ as the only perfect sacrifice for our sins. But we can never say, "Okay, I've done ____ so far. God doesn't expect anything else from me."

This is a reminder--for me and for you. Let's not rely on those around us, our routines, and our plans. We're bound to have routines, it's good to plan, and we should appreciate those around us; but let's not leave God out of the picture.

We need to really go to Him. However often or long we spend in His presence, let's confess to Him sins we've let come between us, thank Him and praise Him, pour out our concerns at His feet, and also... Listen for Him. Let's not just ramble without asking for guidance, without truly looking for what He's telling us.

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. (Psalm 5:3)

Surely I Can Trust Him

I'm a complainer. I might not whine out loud very often, but my head can be filled with empty complaints. The slightest thing and I'll think, "Woe is me!" Especially when it comes to the unknown or requests I have brought to God. But I've seen Him working recently. He's guided my steps on some questions I've had for a few months. Surely I can trust Him with my other unknowns.

And the ultimate matter in my life is resolved: I am safe. Eternally safe. No matter how I mess up on this side of life, the blood Jesus shed on the cross for my sins covers me. He can be trusted.

24but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

26Such a high priest meets our need-one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

(Hebrews 7:24-28)

Hebrews 13:20-21

20May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 31:1

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the LORD.
(Isaiah 31:1)

Seek help from the LORD!