Good morning:
1-202-456-1414. Recognize it? It’s the phone number for the White House switchboard. If you wanted to speak with the President, leave a message, or find out information on upcoming events, this is the number you would call. Yet chances are, most of us have never called or even seriously considered calling. Who knows whether the call would even go through? I might reason that the President doesn’t know me. He wouldn’t recognize me in a crowd. I’m just one of 330 million citizens. You may be hesitant to call because your concern about your social security benefits or student loans is really trivial in the big picture. Why would the President take a personal interest? Even if he wanted to help, could he really do anything? We can think of plenty of excuses for not calling the White House. The best we might hope for is that a staff member would respond.
But why do we hesitate to talk to God in prayer? Paul told the Thessalonians, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). The Lord urges, “Call upon me in the day of trouble” (Ps. 50:15). Every prayer offered in faith is heard. The Lord knows every one of His children. “I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Ps. 43:1). It doesn’t matter whether our concern is a major issue of life or death or just one little detail of our life or day that’s on our mind. The Lord cares and wants to hear about it. Every hair on your head is known to the Lord. Prayer is not a wasted effort. The prayer of a believer is powerful and effective. King Hezekiah of Judah prayed and the Lord extended his life by 15 years. Joshua prayed and God caused the sun to stand still for an entire day to allow time for Israel’s army to win a battle.
If you ever hesitate to pray because you doubt God’s love for you or His ability to help, read again His promise to those who ask Him for forgiveness: “‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool’” (Is. 1:18). Jesus sacrificed His life for us that He might answer the deepest, heartfelt prayers of repentant sinners with the assurance that there is now no condemnation for those who trust in Him.
Is today off to a good start or are you already feeling the stress? Is there a whole list of things to get done or do you have some downtime? Are you wrestling with a difficult decision or enjoying a special blessing? No matter what today holds, pray. There’s no number to memorize, no switchboard to go through. Don’t hesitate. Pray without ceasing!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Tomorrow’s services are at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Here is the link for signing up for August services: https://tinyurl.com/y2j5r8sn
Face coverings: Wisconsin now requires face coverings at all indoor gatherings for everyone five years old and older, so remember to bring yours along. Disposable masks will be available in the entry for those who need one.
From the family of Arlene Bernthal: Arlene’s family would like you to join them for her Victory Service online on August 22nd at 11 am (https://tinyurl.com/y552ca77) and then for a picnic lunch following at noon at Lions Legend Park in Franklin at 8030 S. Legend Dr Franklin, WI.
Help needed: Help is needed after second service to move desks, tables, etc. off the hard floors, so that they can be cleaned and waxed on Monday.
