Getting Back Into the Rhythm

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Eccl. 3:1)



Rhythm is an important part of life. By it the farmer knows when to sew and when to reap; the athlete knows when to train and when to recuperate; the student knows when to study and when to rest. Pet owners are taught to stay within a regular routine so pets will be at ease. New parents are instructed to stay with a regular routine so babies will have a stronger sense of security. Dieters are trained to establish new routines so their weight loss lasts.

Summer is coming to an end. It's time to get back into the rhythm of life, balancing work, family, school, friends, hobbies, and other interests. Unfortunately, life is very busy these days. I see parents setting priority on studies and sports, while they neglect the Spiritual nurture of their children. I see adults setting priority on work and recreation, while they neglect work and Bible study.

In order to set up a healthy routine, we must establish our priorities. What comes first on your list? Family? Work? School? Where does God fit in? There are several areas we should all consider when thinking about our regular routine: 1) a personal devotional time; 2) corporate worship; 3) small group fellowship; and 4) servant ministry to others.

If you're anything like me, you need to set a regular time for reading scripture and praying. If I simply say I want to do it every day, but I don't schedule a time to do it, then I never get around to it. Like a good workout routine, we must be disciplined with our devotional time. If we do not spend time alone with our Lord, then we become spiritually flabby and lethargic.

One of my favorite verses is Luke 4:16, "and as was His custom, [Jesus] entered the synagogue on the Sabbath... This verse reminds us that Jesus went to worship on a regular basis. Jesus Christ set a priority to go worship every week. If the Son of God made worship a priority, then what about us? Be sure to include worship in your regular rhythm.

As a pastor I have read countless books on church growth and church health. One of the overwhelming statistics for healthy, vital churches is a strong, small group ministry. If you are not currently involved in a regular small group Bible study, I would strongly encourage you to do so. It will become a place of growth, of support and of community. I have seen people transformed by their involvement with a small group. Don't let other priorities rob you of this much needed place for spiritual transformation.

Finally, love is not love until it is given away. God loved the world so much that he sent His Son. God still loves the world so much that He sends you and me. As I mentioned in my sermon on August 22, we understand God's love for us so much better when we express God's love to others. Don't hoard God's love, give it away. Let the compassion of our Heavenly Father well up inside of you as you allow that love to overflow to others. Set some kind of ministry as a priority in your regular rhythm. If you are not sure how you might be involved in a servant ministry, contact the church office; we have many opportunities.

I pray that we will have a fantastic year this year. Let us establish a regular routine that includes God. No, let me reword that. Let us establish a routine that prioritizes God in our lives, as individuals and as a church body.

May God richly bless us even as He blesses others through us!

In His Love and Service,

Lance