Emerging Emphasis

About a year ago I heard the phrase, “The demand of emerging emphases”. It caused me to do some pondering about demands around me and which ones are being emphasized and why? Circumstances force us to emphasize things differently each day. The trick is to keep from “majoring on the minors” in life. What I have found is that when I emphasize physical demands I de-emphasize the spiritual. A look at spiritual success, tells me that de-emphasis of the spiritual cannot be an option for me. I need to find a way to allow the physical needs to be met by God while I spend my life honoring and praising Him. Matthew 6:33 has long been one of my favorite verses: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” It is obvious from that verse that God is making an offer to us that He will take care of the real physical needs for us with His provision when we put Him first in our lives. 2008 is a year of learning about and applying the principles of discipleship in my life. Discipleship is, too many times, the neglected mandate. I am excited about this emphasis emergence, yet I must keep the long standing priority, much like the general orders in the military that all soldiers must obey, in focus.

We have another 24 hour prayer meeting scheduled this weekend at church. Some will pray for the full 24 hours, some will spend just a few minutes as their schedule allows. Please join us at some level even if you cannot come to the church. God hears where ever you are. Even more important that what we say in prayer is what God says to us. Talk to God, but be willing to listen to God too.