The Pastor’s Garage February 18th, 2021

*Pastor Mike’s Garage-Feb 18, 2021*

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your
word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your
commandments! I have stored up(hidden) your word in my heart, that I might
not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11

“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my
eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”
Psalm 119:36-37

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

How did your media fast go a couple weeks ago? I managed for the most
part to totally avoid most forms of media for those four days, so much so
that Facebook reached out to me concerned that I was missing! It’s good to
know that someone cares!(please ad as much sarcasm to this last statement
as you can muster!) As I mentioned in my video sermon last week, I was
amazed how refreshed and healthier I felt. Quite often I have trouble
sleeping at nights. During those times, I found myself dwelling on all of
the verses that would come to mind and claiming those promises. Also, I
found new perspective in reading whole books of the bible as they were
written in their original form, most times as a letter to either an
individual, church, or region. I was inspired by Paul’s passion for the
gospel of Christ and found myself evaluating my own faith walk and how
sometimes I can waffle between being a wayward disobedient soul and
religious zealot!

Several people mentioned to me that they were joining us in this fast.
I have touched base with a few of them and they all mentioned that for the
most part it was a very healthy thing for them as well. A few even
mentioned that they were challenged to make some lifestyle changes and
carry on with it in some aspects! One person mentioned they wished it
didn’t have to end. Why does it have to end?

Pastor Dave and myself were talking on Tuesday how some of the shows
and forms of entertainment we used to enjoy when we were younger, when
viewed now, seem offensive and vulgar. I can remember thinking of people
back then, who were my age currently, as old fuddy-duddy sticks in the mud.
Now I’m not so sure. I used to think that if I didn’t see the latest movie,
video, Facebook gossip, I was somehow missing out, now, I’m not so sure. I
find myself becoming more sensitive to what I let in and how it affects me.
More and more I see the battle for the mind raging around me and how what I
listen to and view as having a tangible effect on my attitude and thought
patterns. Am I some kind of saint when it comes to what I watch? NO! Please
do not get that impression. I will admit that there is much that I let in
that I would be ashamed to watch with Jesus literally in the room! Yet I do
find that as I age, I am slowly gaining some ground in these areas!

While we were discussing these things on Tuesday Pastor Dave suggested
maybe we should have a four-day media fast every month. We thought a good
time to suggest would be Mon-Thurs following communion Sunday(the first Sun
of the month). Would you consider joining us in this? Carry on reading
Thessalonians and further, how about psalms and proverbs, read the Gospels!
In this day and age people are looking for answers more than ever. If we
are to have anything beneficial to offer, I think we should also be looking
to the only one who truly has the answers!

Pastor Mike