November 2020
It is time to get back to the basics. As a former kindergarten teacher, I am a huge proponent of fundamentals – the ABC’s, basic math, please and thank you. John Wooden wrote, “I believe in the basics: attention to, and perfection of, tiny details that might be overlooked. They may seem trivial, perhaps even laughable to those who do not understand, but they aren’t. They are fundamental to your progress in basketball, business and life.”
You see, the basics are exactly what we need right now. The fundamentals – God and His Word – are what we can lean on, trust in, and find peace in the midst of our crazy world. Things are changing at such a rapid pace that it seems what we could count on before is simply vanishing right before our eyes. Yet, God is not going anywhere. He is still on the throne and He reigns forever. How about if we lean into Him and His love for us? “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
During Tom’s three decades of ministry, he periodically did a series titled Christianity 101. I invite you to listen to this hugely important, “classic Tom” audio series. The link to the first lesson, Doctrine, is at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/audio-archives/2014/3/20/doctrine.
With everything swirling around and the election almost over, it is time for us to get back to the basics. No matter what - whether your guy wins or does not win, God IS still God. He has dominion over all things, and we, His children, are going to be okay. In these troubling times, we can still have peace, for He tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)
I hope in the coming days and throughout this month you will join with me in prayer for our nation, our leaders, our communities, and our churches. Even if we do not agree with the election or our leaders, we need to remember that God is in control and He has either caused or allowed this outcome for our good and His glory. Let us show the world how we, His children, can respond to all that is happening with His love, grace, and kindness.
Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!