Hello Cedar Grove Family, This is Pastor Jacob

Here it is, another Monday. Last week I spoke about the Monday Mourning Effect (MME). The quick fade from Sunday motivation and excitement, to the grueling schedule of the new week. That got me thinking. How can we consistently combat this spiritual drift. It acts as a sickness almost. One day you are fine, and then the next you are feeling all the symptoms. The MME symptoms can come in many variations, but the most common in my experience are discouragement, disgruntlement, forgetfulness, a complaining mindset, and a dreadful lack of motivation. Maybe it's just me, but I don't believe so. The best way to fight this off is exactly how you fight a regular "sickness." I have started practicing going and getting highly potent Zinc tablets the MOMENT I feel any kind of sickly vibes (yes, I said sickly vibes). Supposedly, this fights the early stages of a cold and even shortens the symptoms. Wow! Easy as that huh? Well, we know it's not always that easy with physical ailments, but what about spiritual? What is the spiritual equivalent of a zinc tablet? If you think a $10 bottle of zinc is too easy, God gives us clear instructions in His Word to prevent apathy, discouragement, and sin in our lives.

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. 10 With all my heart I have sought You Do not let me wander from Your commandments 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. 12 Blessed are You, O Lord; Teach me Your statutes. 13 With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. 16 I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. (emphasis mine) Psalm 119:9-15

When the MME begins to kick in there are four takeaways from this text that will help us.

1. Meditate on His Word. This is to talk about it. Mull it over in your mind throughout the day.

2. Look (regard) upon His way. The path is clearly set before us. We are to be different. determine to not complain, not think negative, and not to gossip about who is struggling. The world does this enough. May we be set apart.

3. Delight in His law. Be thankful you are not ignorant of God's Word.

4. Do not forget His Word. Less than 24 hours ago we were gathered with the saints, worshipping Jesus through scripturally founded songs, hearing the Word of God preached and exposited. What a blessing. Don't forget.

I hope this weeks email has encouraged and challenged you today. God is good. I love you Cedar Grove family and look forward to seeing your beloved faces again soon as we continue to gather and serve our Savior. I do not take shepherding you lightly. May I continue to grow as a pastor. Remember! LOVE. LEARN. LIVE. LEAD.

Your pastor and fellow saint, happy in the Lord, amen

Pastor Jacob Lannom, Buh-Bye

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ps 119:9–16.