I am not sure how you do your daily devotions- but for the last year I have been using the daily bible readings from Youversion.com (it is a free resource that can be accessed by a smart phone, tablet or computer). One of the devotional plans I am reading right now is “Major Themes of the Bible”. I actually read them daily on my phone and then journal out my learning’s or as in today- my 2×4 Moment. Today’s passage was Romans 5 and these verses jumped out at me;
(2) Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. (3) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.(4) And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
In particular, verse 3 was my 2×4 Moment. My current habit is to rewrite the verse and personalize it- so my personalization of verse 3 looked like this;
I can (and should) rejoice when I run into problems and trials, because I know that they will help me develop endurance.
The last few days have proven to be full of problems and trials. And yet I let them take me down instead of rejoicing. The last few weeks I have been preaching about suffering and trials from Philippians- so I know better and told you so. It is interesting that when I preach on something- I often get to test it out in my own life. (So- off topic- I will be preaching about vacation and relaxing the rest of the summer 
) Tthis morning, after the 2×4, I wrestled through and repented and then rejoiced that the Father was developing endurance in my life.
Something I have noticed is that when I refuse to rejoice with the understanding of what God is doing, I get focused on the problems of today and I don’t look forward and have a pity party (been there?) One of the most refreshing things about chasing a relationship with Jesus and not a rules based religion- is daily developing my relationship with Him. His Word is made alive to me by the Holy Spirit and can bring encouragement, instruction, correction and direction based on my heart condition at that moment. So I am grateful for God’s 2×4 Moments!
In conclusion- not only is Church at the Bay a great place for less than perfect people- they have a jacked up preacher who is less than perfect as well. Why not bring a friend this weekend and see what God does?
Pastor Hal, I love this, “I can (and should) rejoice when I run into problems and trials, because I know that they will help me develop endurance.”
I am so glad I was invited to Church at the Bay.
Thank you for your commitment to all of us at the church!
Jennifer- we are glad you came!
Yup this past Saturday I found myself having a pity party! These are the times, in my past (when I had no relationship with Jesus), that I would get stuck in life, overwhelmed with life, etc. But now I’m able to hear God telling me to “Get up, turn to me and I will restore your spirit & strength”. Along with thanking God for the many lessons and blessings He’s taught me, I thank Him often for you, Pastor Hal, and for Sandy, for the whole CATB team. I’m so glad you’re not perfect, that you have the gift to share, reach and deliver God’s word and love to me!
Thanks Monique- glad it connected.
This is great stuff Hal. I like how you also showed/modeled for the rest of us how we can practically spend time with God too. I remember you teaching me this when I was in 8th grade and at a summer basketball camp you lead. It was when you lived out in the county.
I have some stories too.
Thanks Larry- and let’s keep a lid on the stories for a while… People can handle only so much.