In our move across the country I came face to face with the truth that I hold on to things and people tighter than I have held on to God. Comfort and shelter from the storms of life, security, protection, affirmation and love are all things that are found in a good home and community. While these are all good and necessary things, my longing for them can easily lead me to displace my affections for God. There is nothing like losing that security or having it all uprooted to make us long for Christ, our real home.

Media, money and ministry are just three things that can distract us from fully and regularly seeking God and his Word. Let's be alert and prayerful this week, and watch how media, money and ministry impact your walk with Christ - for better or worse.

Today, I want to propose something counter-cultural: I want to challenge myself and you to pray for and appreciate our pastors. I'm not talking about unearned accolades for celebrity pastors or unchecked sin, but real, thoughtful gratitude and prayer for the pastor who serves your community.

The Apostle Paul frequently wrote on the theme of doing good for all people.

When Paul talks about the freedom we have in Christ, he essentially says it is expressed through doing good things. In Thessalonians, it says, “And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” In 1 Corinthians, he writes, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord…”

And in Timothy, he says, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be [...]

When we serve without an emotional break, we can easily overload and spill over into a melted mess. The same encouragements we use for others don’t work for us, because we have no energy left to help ourselves. And helping ourselves seems counter-intuitive to our call.

During my church-hunt, I discovered Sunday is the loneliest day of the week. But I felt some comfort in believing the Spirit would guide me as I journaled through Psalm 13 – a directional song David must have written during a limbo time in his own life. Trusting God can be a sweet journey.