Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

This was a bit before my time, but do you recall or have you ever heard of the Pet Rock? Yes, capitalized letters because it was an actual, real product that was sold and marketed…and actually purchased. The creator jokingly created this product, saying that it required no maintenance, no commitment, no care, no love, no hassle. Ya'll, I'm not judging, but people actually bought this. A rock. As a pet. An inanimate object that could do absolutely nothing for whoever owned it. 

The Psalmist in Psalm 115:4-7 describes similar objects used for worship. 

"Their gods are metal and wood, handmade in a basement shop: Carved mouths that can't talk, painted eyes that can't see, tin ears that can't hear, molded noses that can't smell, hands that can't grasp, feet that can't walk or run, throats that never utter a sound."

That's like having a pet rock. No love. No feelings. No trust. No companionship. A whole lot of nothing! None of those are going to meet you in Heaven with open arms. When you have God, though, He hears you, because He is the Living God who does respond when you call out to him. He responds with grace, compassion, protection, mercy, and love. 

How should we respond to ALL THAT GOODNESS, and how can we use it as an opportunity to grow the Kingdom?

Gratitude, Praise, Worship, Serve, Give, Love. Share the gospel. Let everyone see HIM in YOU! 

The Lord has been so good to me! How can I ever pay him back? I will bring an offering of wine to the Lord and thank him for saving me. I will worship him. In front of all the Lord's people, I will do what I promised him. Psalm 116: 12-14

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God's Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today's passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.