"Soul Food"

The days of 7 inches of snow just three weeks ago are now becoming a faded memory.  However during those times when everything seems to come to a halt, God often provides opportunities to remind us of His goodness - if we take time to see them.

This is one of those stories...

During our "lock-in period", I was in my home office working on the upcoming sermon. As I looked out my office window I noticed a squirrel had made its way up to my window.  He really could not see me through the glass and screen so he went about his business.  

On my front porch is an old church pew.  It is one of the pews that came from our sanctuary when we remodeled to our new seating.  This squirrel was walking back and forth on the top of the pew licking moisture that had gathered there. And, as a preacher, I am always looking for illustrations.  

Of course I immediately thought of an upcoming sermon, Do Not Worry,   and the scripture found in Matthew 6.  If God takes care of the needs of a squirrel (or the birds), how much more will He provide for His children. While this is a powerful reminder of God’s provision - the learning does not stop there.  Not only did I notice the goodness of God’s provision for this squirrel but I also noticed the method He chose to provide this needed nourishment. - The church pew.

Each week we gather together for worship. We each come to worship Him and we come with our own specific needs.  It is during this time that God chooses the same method to feed our souls - the church pew. While sitting in the pew God provides us what we need in our lives. Some come with the need for strength, some for courage, some for guidance, others need encouragement, joy, conviction, or comfort - you name it. While sitting in a church pew God uses a song we sing, a person we interact with or perhaps from the sermon we hear to feed our souls.  

Yes, God can and does use many methods to provide for our needs. However, one thing is for certain -  He has ordained a time of gathering for worship on a regular basis where we KNOW He will provide just what we need. All we have to do is come and sit in a church pew each week and seek Him.  

Will you come and sit in a pew this week and receive the nourishment that God has planned for you?

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.   - Hebrews 10:24-25


2 Comments


Debbie I - February 16th, 2024 at 9:43am

I love that squirrel picture!!!

MOBC - February 16th, 2024 at 9:45am

Thanks. I was glad I could snap it without him running off.