Dear Saints:

The other day I was reminded of what it feels like to be "stood up." It is an expression that you won’t find in the dictionary, but it is a term that probably everyone knows, because we have all at one time or another been stood up by somebody. I remember the first time I was to meet a friend of the opposite sex just for a Coke. I knew she had a boy friend but to me this was an opportunity I wasn’t going to let go by. Well, as you probably guessed she never showed. It seems that her boyfriend had other plans for her that night. What is it that makes being "stood up" by somebody so damaging to our sense of self worth? Fortunately I’ve learned not to take being stood up personally because yesterday I got "stood up" not only once but twice. I was to meet a couple guys for breakfast, they didn’t show. Then I was supposed to play basketball that night with some other friends, and they didn’t show. When that happens you feel so alone.

As I sat in my car getting ready to leave the gym once I realized that no one was coming, I began to start a pity party for myself because that day I had been "stood up" not once but twice. . . . . . twice in one day. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart what about me? I thought it strange that He would want to attend my pity party, because He never had before. But that wasn’t what God was dealing with me about. He was reminding me of the times that I had made plans to be with Him, not to bring any petitions before Him but just to spend time loving Him. I had made those plans many times and failed to show up. Those particular days would be so busy with things to do that I would get sidetracked. The days would take on a pattern of unexpected interruptions and errands and before I knew it, the day had passed and it was time to go to bed. Then, before dozing off, I would make another appointment for the next day with God, only to once again fail to make my date with Him. How many times had I "stood up" God? Too many I know. It was there in my car on the way home that my pity party turned into a praising party. You see I asked God to forgive me and we had a fantastic meeting, one of those meetings just to be with each other! ! ! ! ! !

If you make an appointment with a doctor, chances are you will make it and have to wait to see him or her, because as you know they seem to be always behind schedule. Why not make an appointment with God and keep it ! ! ! ! You won’t have to wait, and you will never , I repeat NEVER, be stood up by Him! ! ! !

Have a blessed Thanksgiving. When you know Jesus Christ you have everything to be thankful for. We will be having a Bible study at our home on Friday, November 9^th. Please come, it is a great time of fellowship and encouragement.

See you at the Father’s House,

Pastor Rick