Pastor

After living in the beautiful state of Idaho for the last year I have learned a great many things about the different weather that occurs here and how it differs from where my wife and I came from. But I have found an interesting aspect of this weather that teaches a very interesting lesson in the way we live our life.
This year, I am told, we have received more than our share of snow for the season, more than we usually do. I love snow, it is so crisp and clean and when it gets done falling it is a very beautiful sight to behold. And with the right clothing, there is so much to do in it. But as I was out beholding the beauty and walking through the freshly dumped snow, I slipped and almost fell. Buried beneath the fresh, beutiful snow was a layer of ice, a layer of ice that had been accumulating from previous storms, but was hidden from sight by the fresh snow. I have been told that many people have been hurt in accidents, whether on foot or in a vehicle, because of this hidden danger. From that time forward I began to watch each step and to make sure that my footing was sure as I moved once again through the beauty.
As Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before His arrest and trip to the cross, He was asking the disciples that were with Him to stay up with Him and basically, be there for support for Him. But, everytime He went to check on them, they were asleep. Jesus then gave them the profound words that have so much meaning, not just for the diciples but, for us today. Mark 26:41 reads, "Watch an Pray, that you do not fall into temptation. The Spirit is willing, but the Flesh is weak."
Just as in the new fallen snow, life has many hidden dangers that hide beneath the surface that are meant to harm and even to destroy you. How many times have we heard the story of someone in our life, or maybe you yourself, that has fallen prey to many of our social ills because they believed they could walk out of it as easy as they walked in only to find that there are hidden dangers that leave damaging effects. This is why it is so important to heed the words of Christ and "Watch and Pray." Make sure of your footing in life. First of all, let Jesus have control of your life. Next, Watch out for the dangers or temptations that can lead you into damaging your life or even the lives of those that are close to you. Pray about your decisions is a very important start to any of the choices in life. God wants to help you in every area of your life, if you will let Him.
To finish this note off, If you have already slipped on the Ice or fallen prey to the temptations, Know this; IT IS NEVER TO LATE!!! As long as your heart is beating there is an opportunity to get your life right with God. Never believe the lie of the devil that you are so bad that God cant or wont accept you. If you seek after God, He will come to you if you let Him. Ask Him and He will show you. Still have questions, Call me or Email me, I would be happy to talk to you. Let me leave you with this warning, Watch your step!
May God Bless You Greatly!
In His Majesty's Service,
Pastor Rick