I know I know- not you right??? Recently I read of some of the "habits" or some might call them "rituals" of athletes. Some major league pitchers will eat the same meal prior to their scheduled start. Some athletes swear by getting the gym at the exact same time every day. Some insist on wearing the same article of clothing.

Some would say this is nothing more than superstition? What if it's just "getting our head in the right place"?

Did you know Jesus had habits? I don't believe he was superstitious. It's just He knew that being connected to His Father, spending time with God, talking back & forth about life was important.

In reading Luke this morning I was struck by the number of times Luke specifically mentions Jesus "getting away in order to pray". (9x by my count)

Jesus often- regularly- withdrew; got away in order that He might pray. What could you do to build this into your life? Here's a couple ideas:

1. Put it on your calendar. Schedule it. I have it as an appointment on my outlook calendar.
2. So what will you do when you get there? Read a paragraph of scripture. Ask the Lord to say something to you from this portion of His word. Take the word of God as His instruction for you in the moment. Look for a promise to lay hold of. A principle that you can put into practice. For me today I was reminded that in almost every instance in the NT where the God asks us to pray we are also asked to be Thankful. To be grateful. Like praying and gratitude, seeing the Goodness of God in our life are to be intertwined.
3. Then pray- Don't just think about it- but do. Our muscles grow as we exercise them. The disciples asked Jesus once, "Lord teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1) You can learn to pray. You can learn to pray better. But only as you pray.
   Some of you are a bit more advanced so here's a couple thoughts for you.
4. Write down you what you're praying for- maybe in a journal, but someplace where you have a record so that when the Lord answers you, you've got record of it!
5. Each day write down 3 things for which you are thankful for. This really forces us to slow down & reflect. To think. To look out & see what the Lord is doing for us and around us.

Come be a part of what God is doing this Sunday! Make it a habit, a discipline, to be with your family worshiping Jesus together! See you this Sunday friend.

Pastor Mike

Did you know God tells you & I to take a TIME OUT over 70x. Mostly in the Psalms you'll find this little word SELAH. It's inserted in various Psalms and it literally means to pause. To take a moment and consider what was just said. Psalm 46:1-2 tell us that God is the source of our strength and place of protection. When we are in times of trouble He is always there. Even though chaos might be all around us, we need to remember God is walking with us.

Then comes the "Selah" at the close of v3. PAUSE now - consider that the Lord God Almighty is with you. He is your shield, defender, protector. (Psalm 84:11).

Psalm 46:10 reminds us to BE STILL and know, experience, that God is God. He is in control. Now. Today. He sees what is happening.

Two things come to mind.

1. No Fear - we shouldn't give in to panic, but rather seek the Lord in quietness and there we will find wisdom. Plans. Strength. Let His calm control your racing heart. When faced with challenging circumstances close your eyes and remind yourself, "God is with me- I will not fear this!"
2. Having said this, we are also reminded that trouble is real. Difficulties may come because life is hard. God's answer is that we build daily times into our schedule in which we HIT PAUSE. We reflect. We think. We ask God for eyes to see and ears that listen. We seek His ways.

On Sunday we saw Jesus often got away & alone to pray. To reconnect with His Father. Because His life was busy. If Jesus needed to do this how much more you and i?

Where in your daily routine do you PAUSE in order that you might connect with the Father?

See you this Sunday!
Pastor Mike

PS - WOW HUGE THANK YOU to all who have given to make VBS happen this week. Over 60 kids registered. $1,900 + given. Join me in praying for the Lord to change lives in the kids and their families through this week!