May 2009

In the quiet, mundane, ordinary moments of our days we are often faced with the greatest challenges of our lives. Questions face us that make us uncomfortable and uneasy.

My heart is most restless when my life is most dull, for it is there I face my humanity, weakness, failures and questions of worth.

That is why so many people fill every waking moment with noise - some even as they sleep.

But is it possible that those are the moments we most need to be still, be truthful, be attentive, and turn to God for some of the answers to our questions often avoided.

Oh to Know Peace in the Quiet

In Psalm 46:10 God invites us:

"Be still and know that I am God."

Our greatest need is not to find ourselves - we need to discover God! Most of us are already too full of ourselves til we are blinded to the truth of who we really are.

We know the most of who we truthfully are when we are quiet before the Lord and know who He is, in all of His holiness, power, compassion, love, and life.

It is amazing how we avoid the truth, yet, the Bible clearly states that it is the truth that sets us free; The Truth in God's Word and the Truth revealed in the life of Jesus Christ.

After all, isn't freedom what we all really want?
Freedom from guilt.
Freedom from regret.
Freedom from bondage.
Freedom from sin.
Freedom to do what is right.

Jesus came to redeem us. Buy us back from the slavery of sin. To set us free from living only for ourselves, and empowering us to live a meaningful life that is fulfilling.

I can enjoy the quiet, mundane, ordinary moments best when I am living my life out for Jesus by helping and empowering others to succeed.

The epitome of failure is to come to the place where you have succeeded only for yourself.

Our purpose at Haven of Hope Ministries is to help others succeed in doing God's will.

To exist for ourselves would be to completely miss the mark God has put before us.

What are you doing to help others succeed in their journey in or towards the Lord?

Hebrews 10:24 challenges us:

"and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,"

Personal Note

True humility does two things.

1) It allows us to serve others when there is a need.
2) It allows us to be served when we have a need.

Pride refuses both.

God has called me to serve others through Haven of Hope Ministries. This is a growing need.

That part is easier for me. The hard part is allowing others to serve me. But in order to give myself to this ministry, I need your help in the way of prayer, reaching out to pastors and their families yourself, and financial giving to this ministry.

I am simply trusting you to be obedient to what you feel impressed to do and give.

Your monies are being used to cover only expenses at this time, allowing me to travel and meet with pastors and mentoring young men for the ministry.

Thank you for taking time to share in this ministry. Be sure to visit us at www.HavenofHope.net 

Rick Messer / Pastor of a church without walls