Submitted by Pastor Bill Hargis, Rock Port and Watson United Methodist Churches

Minutes before my first message (I was standing in the pulpit), in my first appointed church, a man came up to me and asked what version of the Bible I used. I said all of them for study, but I usually use the New Revised Standard Version in the pulpit. He sneered, harrumphed me, and walked away. I foolishly followed him and asked what was wrong. “I only use the King James Version. If it was good enough for Paul, it’s good enough for me,” was his answer. In hindsight, quoting Steve Martin, “Well excuuuuuse me” was not the appropriate response.

Luke was the only apostle who used the phrase, “As was His custom,” and the only two times it is used points to Jesus’ custom of worship and prayer (4:16; 22:39). So, to quote my friend, sort of, “If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s definitely good enough for me!” So, as is my custom, I start my mornings with prayer, scripture reading, and pondering. I like to ponder. Other people may like reflecting, contemplating, or meditating; to each their own.

I am unapologetic about touting the importance of regular church attendance and prayer. As followers of Jesus, we are to imitate Him. Jesus went to church regularly, as was His custom.  God gave us the church, “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1). While church alone will not get us to heaven, church certainly keeps us grounded. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Yup, NRSV).

Prayer, in my opinion, is the best gift we never use. With prayer, we can go to God whenever we want. Unfortunately, most of us use prayer as a last plea for help. God tells us, ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God In Christ Jesus for you.’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Go to your quiet place and pray (Matthew 6). Prayer is a conversation with our Father. There is no right or wrong way to pray.

OK, I need to get scripture and pondering in here. One of the things I like to do during my prayer time in the morning, is to have my Bible with me. I ask God to talk to me through thoughts and scripture. Most of the time, if I open my Bible randomly and start reading, I usually will find an answer to whatever the question or dilemma of the day is.

Please, start your custom, find a church that fits you, make a habit of praying every day at the same time. Get right with God before it’s too late.

I have been stuck on Proverbs 3:5-6, for the past few weeks, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him.” Maybe next month, we’ll “ponder” on this.

Remember, I love you all and there’s nothing you can do about it.