Be still...

by Brian L. Baker

Long lines...gift wrapping paper...screaming kids in line..."mom, I want that toy..." or "Mister, please go...it is a green light!" or... "Hey, I am in this lane...use your mirrors...!" These are a few of our culture's favorite things.

It is so easy to find ourselves engulfed with the hustle and bustle of life during the Christmas season. People stress and worry while trying to see every relative so that no one is offended that we did not stop by their home. There is always a worry that we will have forgotten someone in our Christmas card list.

Stop for a moment...but do not meditate or seek some quite place. Do not try to calm yourself and seek your own relief...just stop and consider the request of your God in Pslam 46!

Psalms 46:10 says, "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth."

Most devotionals would tell you to find that you can find some inner-fulfillment...or find some inner-quiet. Some devotionals would give you long diatribes on avoiding worry or anxiousness. Others devotionals would seek to empower you to overcome your "negative spirit" and be the better "you" now.

However...I believe Psalms 46:10 says it all. "Cease striving and know that I am God." Other translations say "be still." However, it is not just the still part that is important...it is the "knowing God" part that is essential.

Yes...we should not worry. Jesus teaches about worry and anxiousness in Matthew 6. However, that second part of Psalm 46:10 is essential to this verse. KNOW that He is God. The verse does not say that He will solve your problems. The verse does not promise some extravagant prosperity. It simply says "know that I am God" and know that "He will be exalted."

Amidst all you face in this life, recognize your position before a holy God today! Know that amidst all things HE IS GOD. Further, know that amidst all you face in your daily life "He will be exalted among nations." Know that he will be "exalted in the earth."

He is God.

What is even more exciting is that all of Psalms 46 revolves around this idea. Verse 1 says, "God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble." The Psalm goes on to say in the second verse, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and thought the mountains slip into the heart of the sea."

It is clear...even when we know that bad things are going to happen...He is God. He will be magnified. He is our refuge. Pslams 46 makes it clear that bad things will happen. We will face tough times. There is no guarantee of prosperity or a problem free life for the Christian. Even when we know there will be long lines, crazy drivers, and screaming kids...He is God. Even when we worry about that financial mountain that may crash us into the sea, we can know that He is God. For the Christian, knowing that He is God...should be enough for us. It should remind us that if He provides for the flowers of the field and the birds of the air...He will provide our needs, even in times of trouble. But even in His provision, there may still be times of trouble. Our peace should be found in KNOWING He is God.

Psalm 46 does not promise that when we are still...and quiet...things will get better. It does not promise that we will not face heartache or pain. It does not promise that we will never face struggles in this life. In fact, Psalm 46 is clear that we will face difficult times. All it declares is that God is our refuge...our strength...our help and that He will be exalted.

He is there for us. He will guide us. He will direct us. He will care for us. Yet, even then...we may still face trials and tribulations. We must simply know that He is God and He will provide for our every need.

Often times we think that if we will just recognize God, that somehow He will just reward us. We have the "dog bone" mentality. We are so pround of ourselves when we roll-over or sit-up for God.

We are called to be obedient to God NO MATTER WHAT - regardless of the result. We don't get treats for doing what we are supposed to do anyway. As Christians, saved by His grace and mercy, we are called to be obedient. If we truly know Him, we will seek to be obedient no matter the circumstances. We will not be obedient in hopes of getting something.

For the Christian, we have already been given something. That gift is eternal LIFE. That should be enough...it should be enough to simply know He is God!

Today...be still...and simply know that "He is God!"

Bible Study is important to the Christian LIFE!

by Brian L. Baker
It is 7am. It is Sunday morning. You are in bed. It is cold outside. You have three kids that need to get ready for church. Suddenly, you want to go to First Baptist Mattress where you can pick a sleep-number for your pew.

Ok...that seems silly...but it is often the temptation in our lives. How do I know? That scenario takes place at my home every Sunday. Like you...I am tempted to stay in bed and avoid the Sunday morning hustle, especially when Addison spits up on me after her morning feeding.

However, my Sunday morning “get up an go” drive revolves around one thing...recognizing my position before a holy God. Christ was faithful to the study of the Word of God. As we study His life in the Gospels we see that Christ faithfully attended the synagogues. If He was faithful to the study of the Word...should not I be faithful?

Sunday is a day of worship...and Bible study is a part of giving Him worship. It is a time to gather together and learn about His Word and what He says. Plus, there is that one important aspect...we are commanded in Scripture to teach and learn the Word of God.

2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of truth.”

Psalm 119:16 says, “I shall be delight in Thy statutes; I shall not forget thy Word.”

Jesus engaged in teaching and instruction. In Matthew 10 He gives his disciples instructions and teaches them to share the Gospel. In Matthew 12 Jesus teaches about sin and character. In Matthew 13 Jesus uses parables to teach the people and the disciples the truth of God’s Word. Over and over in Scripture, we see an emphasis in teaching and studying the Word of God. In fact, we find Jesus as a boy teaching in the temple (see Luke 2).

We are called to learn the Word of God. We are called to study. The example we see in Scripture is that we are to study together. Jesus did not teach to Himself, but He taught others. He trained His disciples to teach others. In His daily life we see Jesus teaching groups of people. We know that gathering for Bible study is important.

So...if teaching and study is important to our Savior...should we not make it important in our lives?

Every Sunday...you can attend a small-group or Bible study class. Here you can study the Word of God and learn how to apply it to your life in daily living. We invite you to join us this Sunday at 8:45am and discover the wonderful news found in the Bible.
God bless you all as you serve Christ daily!