1 John 1:3-4

"...that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full."

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”

1 Peter 5:8

Have you ever watched one of those wildlife shows where predators such as lions or alligators lie in wait for an unsuspecting animal? They just sit there waiting for the prey that separates from the pack, the slow one. 
There go all the gazelles, but the one in the back is lagging behind. The lion thinks, “That looks like lunch to me” and grabs the lone victim and pulls it down.
That is what can happen to us as followers of Christ. When we’re fellowshipping with God’s people, we move in harmony. Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolating. We still need to pray for one another and encourage one another, even if that means a text message or a phone call. 
But when you’re the straggler, when you neglect contact with other believers, you’re “following at a distance.” And that’s where you can get into trouble.
Peter was walking close to the Lord, but he ultimately denied Him and began to self-destruct. The Bible tells us that after Jesus’ arrest, “Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest” (John 18:15 nkjv).
Peter kept his distance from Jesus—not just physically, but spiritually. He was close enough to see what was going on, but he was far enough away to get into trouble.
When you get involved with your church family, you develop friendships with Christian brothers and sisters. What’s more, you have accountability and people to pray for you and help you through life.
So, engage. Be a part of what God is doing. Don’t be the person who isolates, the one that has too much of the world to be happy in the Lord but too much of the Lord to be happy in the world. That’s a miserable no-man’s-land. Don’t be the straggler.

- Greg Laurie

COVID-19 Crisis Prayer - Pastor Mike

Today's Prayer

Crisis Prayer Topic:  Worship and Bow Down

Often one of the last things we consider in a crisis is to stop and worship the LORD.  We are tempted to fear and be anxious.  An intentional move toward worship is the answer for that temptation.  Psalm 95 provides a call to worship and a manner of worship, along with a call to obedience.

“Oh Come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.  For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.”  Psalm 95: 6 & 7

Pray we would heed the call to come and sing to the LORD.  Pray we would shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.  Pray we would come to the LORD with a heart of thanksgiving.  That we would proclaim His greatness and superiority above all and above all things. 

Pray we would have humble hearts and willing minds to come and worship and bow down on our knees before the LORD our Maker.  Pray we would acknowledge Him as our Good Shepherd, and we the sheep of His hand.  Pray we would respond to His voice.  Pray that people would not harden their hearts against the voice and call of the LORD. 

Pray that with our answer to His call and our obedience to His voice we would enter His rest today.