God likes to watch us as well. He is patient, kind and loving wanting us to turn to Him. We as people are made with a God shaped hole that only God can fill. We try to put all kinds of stuff in that hole but nothing stays there or is satisfying for any length of time. God is the only thing that can fill that spot in your heart. If you ask Him to come into your heart and forgive your sins He will. God fills the hole and you will have satisfaction that God is there and in control.
Watching the news is scary. Looks like the world is in trouble and it is going to get worse. God was not surprised by this virus. Maybe God is trying to get the world's attention. Trusting in what man can do seams to have limited results. In Psalms 102:25 In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands. God knows our world. He sent His son to bridge the gap that sin placed between God and us. When everything is going great we have little need for God. Well, today I believe we have a great need for God. In Christ the apostle Paul wrote in Phil. 3:7-8 But whatever was to my profit now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for who’s sake I have lost all things. Paul was filled with the Love of Christ. That same love is available to you. I don’t know what the final outcome of this virus is going to do here on earth. I’m placing my faith in God. I do my best to wash often, keep a distance and enjoy life. Faith lets me live in uncertain times, with the assurance that God is there. I still have to be smart about living.
As I close I want to thank Pastor Stanley for his many years of service to this church. It was a blessing to be taught the word of God by you. Sometimes had to decode words like, winder or icebox, which had your sermons down to earth and real. Thanks Stanley, may God bless you and Sheila as you serve Him on your next calling.
David Thompson, Board Chairman
Overwhelming challenges can be an opportunity to throw ourselves on God’s faithfulness. When we focus on God’s love, wisdom, and power - we see a fresh view of our circumstances.
God’s love pursues us. He sees our challenges as possibilities to enhance our understanding of Him. When bad things happen, we feel like God is doing things to us. We can’t understand why a loving God would allow us to suffer and experience loss.
But the reverse is true. God does things for us — not to us. In love, He works things out for our good, helping us grow in faith, character, and maturity. God’s loving pursuit of us, led Him to the Cross.
How can we doubt His motives when we suffer?
God is more than loving, He possesses all wisdom. Our Father knows best. He can see how our circumstances play out in the future. He understands what we need and how to work out every detail to bring the best outcome. When we face difficulties, we should remind ourselves that God knows everything. If we yield, He will work out each challenge for His purposes. |