Head on a Swivel

A few days ago, I was outside and thought, “What a beautiful evening.” Birds chirping, sun shining, not a cloud threatening anything. And only what seemed like a few minutes later, the sky turned the color of a bad bruise, and the weather apps and sirens went off across the city.

I was driving back downtown from the Riverside area right as that massive hailstorm moved in. You probably saw the pictures of 3-inch hailstones that looked like the Lord emptied His ice maker directly over Kansas City. Windshields smashed. Cars dented. People posting photos like they’d survived some kind of frozen asteroid attack.

By the time we pulled into downtown, the pavement was still dry, and I really wanted to get my run in, so I laced up my shoes, put on a baseball cap, because nothing says “protection” like a thin piece of cotton, and headed out. And the entire time, I kept my head on a swivel like I was avoiding sniper fire from the clouds.

And believe it or not, that ended up being a perfect picture for this Sunday’s message.

In Luke 2:21–35, Simeon meets Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus in the temple, and he models what it looks like for our faith to stay alert and oriented in every direction:

-Look back at God’s faithfulness.

-Look inward to the Spirit’s work in the present.

-Look beyond to God’s heart for the nations.

-Look forward to the path God appoints for His people.

When it’s hail, we keep our heads on a swivel to avoid danger. When it’s faith, we keep our eyes on a swivel to see God’s work.

This passage is encouraging, no matter what season you’re in or what direction you’re facing. I can’t wait to study more with you on Sunday. Services are at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Also, we would LOVE for you to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. 

Have a great weekend,

Troy

P.S. Women’s Brunch tomorrow at 9:15 am will be awesome, and there is room at a table for you!