Sunday is Coming, and is it time to change things up a bit?
When I was younger, I didn't like haircuts. I would even say I'd rather go to the dentist than get a haircut. It was probably because, like in so many areas of life, change can be uncomfortable. Haircuts made me ticklish and itchy, and I wasn't sure how I'd look when I got out of that barber's chair. Would I like what I saw in the mirror?
Hair says a lot about a person. Some people like to play it safe with their look--keeping things consistent, familiar, or comfortable. Some people love to change things up--Different Length, Style, Color, etc. Some people may lose their hair for various reasons, but are still mindful of their appearance and take steps to present themselves to the world in a neat and self-confident way—dignified and distinguished. And Proverbs 16:31 reminds us – "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness."
Consider this: what if we approached prayer in a similar way to how we handle our hair? Hair is an essential part of how we present ourselves to the world, while Prayer is how we present ourselves to God. Hear me out…
Like a new "Hair Style," a new "Prayer Style" might result from changes we face in life. New attitudes or thoughts about prayer may also change how we present ourselves to God and to the world. No matter what, we all might have a "Bad Hair Day" from time to time, and likewise, we will have seasons of life that might feel like a "Bad Prayer Day." To look at this metaphor from another angle-- sometimes, if our prayer life gets to be a little "same old same old" or dull, maybe we need to switch things up a little… try something new… go for a different look?
Regardless of life circumstances, Scripture reminds us over and over again to Praise the Lord at All Times, and this may Look Different as we go through life.
Over the next few weeks, we will continue studying prayer & worship in a variety of ways. In September, we examined the Lord's Prayer, recognizing that Jesus has the ultimate authority to set the framework for prayer. In October and November, we will look at the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament to discover some more timeless truths about how we approach our Heavenly Father in Prayer.
While there are 150 Psalms in the Old Testament collection, I've selected just a handful that speak to several different aspects of prayer and worship to look at in this series. We will see that there are a wide variety of biblical models and precedents for "prayer styles" that fit every situation or aspect of our human experience.
To begin, this weekend we will highlight a Psalm that speaks to that very idea of going to God in Prayer at all times—Psalm 34
1 I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
We will also be celebrating Communion this Sunday, with believers all around the world for World-Wide Communion Sunday. I look forward to worshipping with you through fellowship, songs, the Word, and the table of Our Lord!
Here are a few other opportunities to join in the Fellowship of the Lord's family--
- This Saturday, September 30th, you can join our Church Family at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Bring your friends and family, invite your neighbors, and join us for a day of wild animals. You can meet here at the church at 9:30 to caravan, or go directly to the park.
- This Sunday at 9:45 we will offer our "Get Connected" class. This is a chance to learn more about our church and the Care Groups, Sunday School Classes, and other Ministries that we offer.
- We will be having a Bonfire at Winsome Farm in Newville on Saturday, October 14 at 5:00 pm. This will be for all ages, and feature lots of Fall Fun!
- On November 12, at 2:00 on a Sunday Afternoon, we will be having a "Kitchen Shower" to provide furnishings for the new Kitchen at Cross Roads Station. This weekend, you'll hear more about how you can help stock our new kitchen, but on November 12th we will come together for a special opportunity to celebrate and look forward to what God will do through this new space!
The Next Generation needs YOU!
We are in immediate need of a few helpers during the Sunday School hour (9:45) in the following age groups-
- Helper for 5th grade
- Helper for 1st-2nd grade
- Helper for 4year olds–Kindergarten
"Helpers" serve as little as once a month and assist the teachers with showing God's Love to our children as they learn His Word.
There are also opportunities and needs during the 11:00 Children's Ministry hour (Sundays) and our Wednesday Night Awana program, so there are many ways you could become involved in this essential ministry!
To learn more, contact Jeanette Roberts:
717.372.2646
Psalm 34
17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Wherever you find yourself, Good Hair Day or Bad, I pray you will be reminded to Extol and Bless the Lord at All Times.
The Lord hears and delivers! He stays near and He saves!
Pastor Rodney Bistline
Shippensburg First Church of God
seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org
Helpful Links:
Online Messages (shipfcog.org)
Care Groups & Sunday School Classes
Weekly Order of Worship and FYI Newsletter (updated over the weekend)
shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html
