“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:88 NIV)
Back in 1990, we incorporated an element in our morning worship service called the Teaching Emphasis. Initially, this was introduced to ensure that Associate Ministers would have a meaningful role in the service. No longer would they just sit behind the Pastor hoping and praying they would be called on to do the call the worship or perhaps, occasionally, asked to give benediction. No longer would they just sit in their padded pew chairs throughout the service, uttering amens and verbally supporting the presentation of the sermon, the specific message sent by God, with “Amens,” and other affirmative expressions showing agreement with the preached word. The Associate Ministers would now have to prepare, as scheduled, 7–12-minute emphasis based on scripture. Did it present a challenge? Of course, for they had to study a verse or a short passage, pack it in a defined time period, and drive home a scriptural-based message.
As time went on, most of the Associate Ministers moved on to other places as God put it on their heart. But guess what? We kept the Teaching Emphasis segment in our Order of Worship. The Pastor assigned the responsibility to several other members, laypersons who served as leaders in the church. The Teaching Emphasis was expanded to include Sunday School Teachers, Ushers, Trustees, Deacons, Deaconess, our current First Lady, and the churches First Lady Emrita. Every week, they prepare diligently and deliver meaningful abbreviated lessons from the word of God that serve to sustain, strengthen, encourage and edify the saints. This past Sunday was no exception. The Director of the Ushers presented a Teaching Emphasis entitled, “Dealing with Stuff,” based on the scripture above. The congregation surely benefitted, and I felt that you could benefit from it too. So, here’s today mediation. Are you ready? Well, read on.
Church, one of the greatest struggles we face is not knowing what God is doing while we are in the middle of what we are going through. All of us our going through some type of stuff. Stuff such as life changes, losses that cause grief, long-fights with health issues, left in a lonely place, loaded situations that try to leave one depressed, and laboring in the vineyard – learning what it means when the words are uttered, “many are called to duty, but few answer.” If you are dealing with stuff, remember, “But God.
You see, God knows there will be seasons when we feel uncertain, overwhelmed, and unsure of our next step. Yet in Psalm 32:8, He gives us a promise: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” God does not leave His people to wander aimlessly. He promises to lead, direct, and guide those who trust Him.
Here is a key point to help you when you are going through stuff: When you don’t know where you are going, stay connected to the God who does.
Being lost in a situation does not mean you are lost to God. His guidance is greater than your confusion, and His direction is sure even when the path is unclear. You may not know what’s next, but if God is leading you, you can move forward with confidence because the God who sees the end from the beginning is ordering your steps.
Read the verse above again! Meditate on it! Be blessed!
Committed to the climb,
Lynn Payne, Contributing Author
Rev. Mark,
I wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you for inviting me to contribute to Mark Writes today.
Your daily meditations mean so much to our church family and reach so many hearts every single day. To have my teaching emphasis, “Dealing With Stuff (Lost & Lacking Direction),” featured in a space that people look to for daily strength and encouragement is a profound honor.
Thank you for trusting me with your platform, for championing the leaders in our congregation, and for giving me the opportunity to share what God placed on my heart. I am praying that today’s message brings comfort and direction to everyone who reads it.
With deep gratitude and appreciation.
Thank you for your kind words. Your meditation was such a blessing that I wanted to share it with others. Everyone who reads it is probably dealing with some kind of stuff and they will be blessed by you. In return, be blessed!
Salt Of The Earth has great leaders that are tied into the word of God, thanks to our great leader Dr. Mark L. King. Leaning on God through the storms, through the rain, through sickness, and pain, will bring a sense of calmness to our spirit. These troubling times cause confusion in our hearts and minds. Sister Lynn’s teaching emphasis states it so well that God’s guidance is greater than our confusion. We may feel lost in our situation, yet we are not lost to God.
You are so right Dr. Gloria King! In everything that is done, there is a connection with the word of God; from the call to worship to the benediction, as well as Sunday School and our Bible Study classes. I loved your last words, “We are not lost to God!” God bless you #1 follower!
“When you don’t know where you are going, stay connected to the God who does.” And “God’s guidance is greater than our confusion”! I know that’s right! Thanks to Sis. Lynn and Dr. MLK for the encouraging words
Thanks for your response Eliott! Yes, God does! Wait for the unfolding. It will be for good That’s my “prophetic” statement. Stay encouraged and…”Be blessed!”