I’m offering up two messages today to make up for my failure to post last Friday.
Game of Chess
On November 21st, I received the gift of life by way of a kidney donation from a great and selfless friend. I’ve had a fair amount of down time convalescing. One of the things I have been reflecting on, over and over, is the abundant and overwhelming instances of God’s providence. It has been repeatedly and consistently evident that He has been and will continue to steer this ship.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” ‘ Jeremiah 1:5 (NASB)
As I’ve had time to reflect, I continue to find very specific instances where God was moving the chess pieces into place to insure I could get to this point, at this time, fairly seamlessly. I keep thinking of and recognizing “divine appointments” God has been orchestrating to insure that the people I needed as well as the things were in place to make this all possible and these very dire needs were being met. Up to now, I have identified very specific moments going back 30+ years, that were all essential.
So, regardless of your season of life, whether you, yourself, are in the midst of a storm or high open a mountain top with the sun warming your cheeks, remember you ride on God’s shoulders. Know that! Trust that! Then, take the time for instrospection and analyse your life and how God got you to this point. When, where and who were your divine appointments? What’s God been doing on your chess board?
‘Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. ‘ Matthew 10:29-31
He’s Knocking
This past Sunday, Andrew Schmidt’s message really resonated with me. He’s been teaching on the letters to the seven churches in Revelation. This past week was on the letter to the church at Laodicea. There was a very specific part of Pastor’s sermon that really struck me and I believe serves as a fitting summation to “Game of Chess”. He shared with us a conversation he had with Matt Vansant, our worship leader. Matt said that the thing about a knock at the door is that it is most often an interruption.
‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. ‘ Revelation 3:19-20
How often are the obstacles and interruptions in our lives, Jesus knocking, interrupting, trying to get our attention? Speaking for myself, I’d claim 100% of the time. Personally, I’ve seen those moments most often serve to draw me closer to my Lord, to deepen our connection, recenter and refocus me. They make me pause, get up, go to the door, open and take some time, just me and Jesus. Then, more often than not, his “interruption” clarity to see the pathway, over, under, around or through, which he has made to lead me past whatever it is that is obscuring my path.
So, take a few minutes, right now, to reflect back on specific instances where Jesus knocked on your door, interrupted you, but was really reconnecting with, realigning, and refocusing you in order to get you steered back on path that He has established specifically for you. Then, try and be intentional in setting moments regularly to reflect on moments you recognizing Him doing this, and pour back your gratitude to our Lord. Have a blessed weekend!
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
