Waiting until “things settle down”

Everyone knows that exercising is good for you. Our doctors encourage us to walk, run, engage in aerobics…or simply get off the couch so we can enjoy the physical and mental benefits exercise brings.  Advertisements for gym memberships entice us with images of perfectly-toned bodies (photos obviously taken after only one or two visits to the gym), and we all subconsciously imagine ourselves being just like the models being depicted. 

Gym memberships are a great study in human nature. Most gyms make it very easy for potential customers to sign up for relatively low-cost BUT long-term monthly memberships. Initially, most new customers make an effort to consistently take advantage of what their gym offers. But after a few weeks or months, most grow tired of their new exercise regimen, and participation wanes.

Gyms, of course, plan for this kind of response, and are happy to have members that fork over their monthly payment without the gym having to actually incur any additional costs.  All the while, the reluctant gym member swears to themselves they will get back to their exercise routine “when things settle down”. The gym owners laugh all the way to the bank.

God must surely see some of the same behavior when it comes to the laws and commandments He has clearly communicated to us. We often pay attention to them for a season, but our attention is diverted elsewhere. We say to ourselves “when things settle down” we’ll start back reading the Word and committing serious time to our prayer life.

Of course, life rarely settles down. 

This Sunday at Trinity Downtown, we’ll be discussing how to we can “settle down” and choose the kind of life that God intended for us to live; a life filled with joy and love. Come join with us as we look at the Hittites, one of the enemies of Israel mentioned in the Old Testament. Come learn how placing your doubts, suffering, distractions, hopes, fears and uncertainties in the hands of the Lord can lessen our stress load and bring deep transformation in our hearts. Celebrate with us the depth of Jesus’ love for us and find out how you can live a life of significance, filled with meaning.  Discover how following Jesus can help you and your family navigate around the minefields of life. I promise you it will make a tremendous difference in your life. 

An Update on Pastor Black

Pastor Black and Audrey are settled in a new assisted living facility where he can continue to receive physical therapy. I’ve attached a note from his family at the end of this email Please continue praying for his strength and perseverance during his recovery.  You may send a get-well card to Pastor Black and Audrey, by addressing it to their home at:

7719 Meadowvale

Houston, TX 77063-6211