Dealing With the Shakes

Written by cycleguy on August 27th, 2010

If you have been following my blog you know that the fellowship I pastor is about to move into its first permanent facility.  We are still in the renovation stage so we have set October 3rd as our first official Sunday in the new building.  I originally had planned this series on “The Story of a House” thinking that September 12 was our target date.  Oh,  how God likes to mess with the minds and plans of men!  😀  But I went ahead and finished preparing this series and decided to preach it anyway in order to prepare the people for that move.  While studying last Sunday morning it hit me that I have not asked them to do one thing concerning the move.  So at the end of the message I asked four questions and then asked the people to stand if they will make that commitment.  Here are the four questions I asked:

  1. Would you commit yourself to praying for us as we get ready to move?
  2. Would you commit yourself to praying for God’s presence to fill the place we meet?
  3. Would you commit yourself to praying that we will always remember that the building is just that-a building?
  4. Would you commit yourself to praying for yourself-that your heart and mind will be ready to embrace God’s work in you, through you, and in our fellowship?

Just about the whole congregation stood except for a few visitors (which I expect).  It was a welcome experience to stand there and see them stand.  This week I am continuing the series by taking them to 2 Chronicles 6:12-7:22 and taking a more in-depth look at what took place the day Solomon led the people in the dedication of the new Temple, and in the process, led them in worship.  One very evident fact comes out: while Solomon was focusing on the building, God was focusing on the heart.  HE STILL DOES!  God has always been and always will be far more concerned with the state of the heart of the people than He ever will about a building, or programs, or attendance figures, or even giving records.

The really sad part of this is that even though Solomon knew the shakes would come,  he allowed himself to be caught up in the sin that laid at his own door.   While Solomon appealed to God’s faithfulness, his own lack of it divided the kingdom after his death.

I can tell you this!  As I studied this passage and this historic time in the life of Israel, I came away with a greater understanding and a greater love for the faithfulness of God.  He is a keeper of His covenants.  He is a keeper of His promises.  On that I will lay my life.  How about you?  How much trust do you put in the faithfulness of God?  I am blown away by 2 Chron. 7: 2-3.  Your thoughts?

 

9 Comments so far ↓

  1. jasonS says:

    Great post, Bill, and I am so excited for you and the church. What a great time. I’m praying that this new building, dedicated to His service and presence, will be a light and beacon, overflowing with joy as you gather. So cool.

    I like your question too about trusting in the faithfulness of God. Sometimes I feel like I don’t have a choice but to trust. I know I really do, and I seek to dive headlong into that surrender. Thank you again…

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks Jason-for your kind words but much more for your prayers. May we both learn the meaning of and have the willingness to surrender to His faithfulness no matter the call.

  2. Toby says:

    Blown away is an understatement.

    I still struggle with some things, but I used to worship the almighty dollar and that’s where I feel God has worked in me the most. To HIs credit, I haven’t had a check register in about 6 years, nor have I balanced a checkbook. We have went from my 6 figure income to my NO income and Ria’s military income and we have so much more now than we ever did.
    So, yes I trust in HIs faithfulness. I spent a long time wondering how we do it and finally figured out that WE don’t….He does.
    I stood up when I read the above questions by the way :-).

    • cycleguy says:

      Great testimony Toby. Love that God is proving himself faithful each and every day. And thanks for standing with the questions.

  3. cycleguy says:

    Thanks Jason-for your kind words but much more for your prayers. May we both learn the meaning of and have the willingness to surrender to His faithfulness no matter the call.

  4. DS says:

    I keep looking for your twitter handle so I can share these posts. When are you getting it?

    • cycleguy says:

      Duane: at this point I don’t have a Twitter handle. Or FB. You are the second or third person to mention it. I have no desire to Twitter but someone said something about a widget or something? Hope you are recovering well from your accident.

  5. Jan Frame says:

    Hi Bill! So excited for you all as your congregation is preparing to move into a new building. We will come visit once you get moved, but I just wanted you to know that, YES, I am commited to praying for all 4 of the questions you asked your congregation. I like what you said about God focusing on the heart instead of a building, attendance, programs, etc. So true! Everytime you use a song line, I have that song in my head all day, so now you know what’s going through my head this morning! 🙂 Have a great Monday Bill…love ya!

    • cycleguy says:

      We will look forward to seeing you when you and Michael make it. Hope you have a great Monday also Jan. Love ya back. (Song reference in next post). 🙂