New Life Vistas

Adapted from 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer Devotional by James River Church

Psalm 16:11 ESV
11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

As we start this 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer, I want to encourage you, let’s join together in thinking about the next 21 days as more than just going without food, or a spiritual battle, or a discipline to get what you need from God. All of those things will certainly be aspects that we will encounter, but there-is-MORE! This is a spiritual journey, even an adventure, but think of it as a spiritual pilgrimage as well.  A pilgrimage may lead you to a new place physically but primarily leads you to a new place spiritually.

Recently I preached from 1 Samuel 5-7:14.  The challenge for us to turn whole heartedly to the Lord has continued to resonate within me.  I must decide as an individual whether or not I will allow the Lord to have His way in me.

Summer is considered playtime for many in this part of the nation as winter tends to keep us close to home and cabin fever is our shared ailment.  When summer arrives we desire to run and play. While playtime is important and needed the temptation is to marginalize church life during the summer.   We tend to connect when we can squeeze it in. However, our need for Christ centered community does not change. Our need to be anchored in the Kingdom should increase as the temptation to marginalize it speaks louder.