
I thought that I better give you a quick update about what is happening in our lives. God has been working! When we arrived in Michigan, we had five ministry opportunities "in the works," not being very clear on how God would narrow it down. Obviously, we can only go to one of them! We arrived at my parent's house on a Friday evening and my sisters and their husbands were all there to greet us. When they asked about what was happening next for us, we sort of vented out all that we had been going through. We talked it through as a group, which was so good for us. We continued to pray as we were there, and by Wednesday, God brought an offer to us! Out of the five, this was the one church that needed an Interim Pastor, because their pastor of 20 years was retiring. An excellent decision on their part before they begin to look for their new pastor. We are very excited to start this new position on July 1st! God is good, all the time! It's in a small town about 2 1/2 hours south of where we live now. Just a bit too far to commute, so we are putting our house on the market this week. We have committed to serving for at least six months, and then taking it on a month-by-month basis after that, until God leads them to their next pastor, and/or He leads us to our next ministry, hopefully a permanent one. We are always confident that He is working on our behalf behind the scenes, preparing the next church for us, and us for them. We would appreciate your prayers as we continue on this journey. Thank you!
Devotion
What an encouraging devotion today, reminding us of some special people that God used in some incredible ways. Have a WINNING WEDNESDAY ladies!
"The Heroes of My Faith"
CBN Ministries, Kathy Cheek
I didn’t grow up in church. I didn’t learn the stories of David and Goliath or Joseph and his coat of many colors, or his brothers who plotted to kill him. I didn’t know about Abraham and Isaac, or Daniel and the lion’s den. I didn’t know about Baby Jesus in a manger or Paul meeting Jesus on the Road to Damascus when he was still named Saul. I didn’t know about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea or about Noah and the ark or Jonah in the whale.
But I learned these stories after I was saved and reading my Bible. I also heard them in the context of messages in church and Sunday school classes and other Bible studies. They are not mere stories. They are true accounts of men and women God chose to place in the Holy infallible scriptures for our benefit. We are to learn from them.
I have my favorites. I call them the heroes of my faith. Their stories and struggles, their victories and faith have taught me the most. We all need heroes. here are a few of mine:
When I need courage to face a giant, I remember David.
And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:38 NASB
When I need to forgive when others hurt me, I think of Joseph and the injustices he endured.
But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." Genesis 50:19-20 NASB
When I can’t see the next step of my journey, I remember Abraham.
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 NASB
When I struggle with contentment and joy, I think of Paul.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:11-13 ASV
When I don’t understand anything in the face of hardship, I think of Job.
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. Job 1:20-22 NASB
The greatest Hero of my faith is Jesus Christ, because He is my Savior.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB