Thursday Thoughts by Mike Pace

Mike was asked to do the devotional this past Wednesday night. He did a wonderful job. I was very proud of him. So, for this Thursday Thoughts post, I'd like to summarize his brief lesson.

If you're like me, you may watch the news for better or worse. With all the problems in the world today, it's hard not to get distracted from the things we should be focusing on. You don't have to look any further than the nightly news to find a lion's share of things to be worried about. We hear about war, economic chaos, strife, corruption. All of this can build uncertainty.

In what seems like a world gone bad, it can be hard to keep sight of life's big picture and press onward. Not just to live, but to live a life that can be an example to others and bring glory to God.

However, if we are going to be successful in carrying out the Lord's will, we have to rid ourselves of all fear and uncertainty from this world that gets us bogged down.

So, how do we do this? Here are four easy steps.

1. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul, who at the time was in a Roman prison being persecuted for merely being a Christian, wrote "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline." So, there is the first step. Don't be fearful.
2. Place your trust in the Lord. He has the wisdom to know how everything will fit into His plan. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord and DO NOT lean unto your own understanding."
3. Know that you will be taken care of. Matthew 6:31-34 says, " Do not worry then saying, "What will we eat?" or "What will we drink?" or "What will we wear?" For the Gentiles eagerly seek all of these things; for your Heavenly Father knows that you need all of these things. But, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all of these things will be added unto you. So, do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
4. Pray. I Thes. 5:17 tells us to "Pray without ceasing." The Lord has provided this avenue for us to lay our troubles down on Him. But, it is up to us to do it! Without prayer, we are not going to find the peace that we will need in these turbulent times.

So, when we find ourselves troubled and distracted by the world, remember that the Lord is still on His throne and in complete control. And, we still have a job we need to do.

Mike had a response during the invitation. David Shiver asked for prayers for his troubles and depression. Another lady (I won't mention her name) told me after the dismissal that she had a hard heart, but she wanted to respond, too. She said that Mike really touched her.

I thought Mike's thoughts came at a time when there does seem to be so much doubt and fears throughout our country. But, as Mike pointed out, we are not powerless. We know that God is in control, no matter what. We can have no fear and we can have peace through prayer.