Has anyone ever had a coach yell at them or a teammate to get their head in the game? It really seems to be a reasonable statement when dealing with a group of diverse and numerous kids on a sports team. There’s always someone who appears to “have their head in the clouds” or anywhere else other than the game they are in. Looking back, it was really a call to be aware of what was going on in the game and their surroundings. Work, sports, or whatever, it’s hard to be effective if we are not aware of what is really going on.

It’s funny but being effectively aware in the moment can include the past and the future. The past informs the present and thoughts of the future give us possibilities that help predict outcomes. All is good and important unless we find we are living or dwelling in the past or dreaming of a pleasing future. As we know, there is only the present. Therefore, the information of the past and the increased predictability of future choices and outcomes can be helpful in the present. But it is the present that we live in. Always.

When King David of Israel was driven from Jerusalem and hunted by soldiers throughout the Judean desert, he was very aware of the present. He was a warrior and wilderness survivor. He also knew he was in a very dangerous position. The barren desert alone was dangerous enough and the troops searching for him were out for his blood. The present was dangerous and he was aware of it. So what did he do?

In verses 1-6, he beautifully wraps his physical and spiritual needs in the language of environmental desolation. In the middle of all that threatens him, “in a dry and weary land where there is no water” it is God he thirsts for.

“O God, you are my God; I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1-6)

David will continue to write in the psalm about the joy, comfort, and salvation he has known in the presence of the Lord. He will express his trust in the Lord and even leave the demise of his unjust enemies to God. It is remarkable faith and I believe David’s strength is summed up in the words, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you” (Psalm 63:3). God’s love is better than life! This understanding is the essence of faith. David was blessed by it and we were offered it. He remembered the presence and glory of the Lord in the past and secured his life and future in God. Will we take it?

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Pastor Rick

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Due to knee replacement surgery, Pastor Rick will be out of the pulpit for approximately four weeks. Our friends from the Methodist Collegiate Church, of which we are affiliated, have graciously offered their services while he is out. Two pastors from White’s Chapel are scheduled for this time. Pastor Tristan Hunt will bring the message on March 16th, 23rd, and 30th. Pastor Jon Reeves will bring the message on April 6th. Please give them a warm Bridgeport welcome.

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Learn how to be a sound tech! The church could use a backup sound person to cover at times. Rod Sutherland continues to be a great help, but there are times when both Grady and Rod are unavailable.  Let the office know if you are interested. Thanks!

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A big thank you! Thank you, Richard (Ric) Griffin! Ric has spent a lot of time preparing and leading our music program throughout February and most of March. This week will be his last Sunday to lead the choir, so please take a moment to thank Ric for all the hard work he has given our church.

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Give a big Bridgeport welcome to Jin Wang, our new Choir Director! Jin will start on Sunday, March 23rd. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Music at North Texas University. Jin has served as both pianist and conductor for multiple churches since 2015. She is accomplished with sacred music and has already picked out some beautiful choir specials for Easter! Once again, I believe God has smiled upon our music program.