To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
If you are reading this you survived BLUE MONDAY. Monday, January 21 was BLUE MONDAY, the most depressing day of the year according to some. Depression is something that many struggle with, and worth taking a few moments to discuss given the week we are in. It is true that the darkness outside can sometimes bring a sadness inside, not only that, life can sometimes feel overwhelming and hopeless. What should you do if you are struggling right now with what Monday has labelled the blues?
There are three things that you should do right away. 1. Pray. It is always right and good to share your heart with God. Not only does He already know, He loves to be interacted with, and as you share your heart, be honest, but also preach to your heart. I love Psalm 42, where the Psalmist looks in the mirror and asks his soul that searching question, "Why are you so downcast O my soul, PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD!" The first place we should go if we are feeling down is God! 2. People: All of us need a support group of some kind for our pursuit of holiness as the Bible makes so clear, we also need friends for the pursuit of hope. Seek to build relationships with people who can encourage you and point you to God's love and hope. Make a phone call, and reach out to those close to you and express how you feel. If someone reaches out to you, listen, point to God with graciousness, and love. We need one another and one of the lies of the BLUES is that no one cares. This is not true, for certainly our God is LOVE, but He gives us one another to help during these times. If you still are struggling at a deep level connect with one of our Pastors (Pastor Ray), and/or someone trained to help people through dark times. 3. Praise: Spend some time praising God for who He is and what He has done, and listen to others praising Him. One of the great things Psalms does is share the journey of others with us, and there are many places where the Psalmist is feeling overwhelmed with life and yet He praises the LORD. When we declare to our own hearts the glories of the Gospel and the Greatness of God, it lifts the heart. Pray! People! Praise! Blue Monday has come and gone, I hope too will any blues we have carried forward.
Missions fest is a reminder to us not only of world wide missions and our impact there through people like Javier and Karen, Adam and Judi, and Jack, but also of our own responsibility to share the Gospel with others around us. Take a moment as you read this to pray for one of our missionaries, and then to pray for someone around you that needs to hear from you about Jesus and His love! As we heard on Sunday, our churches impact around the world has been, and is huge, through your prayers and passion for the Gospel.
Membership Course: We will be starting another membership course on Sunday's during the Sunday School hour, upstairs in the corner Sunday School room. If you are wanting to find out more about our church, or pursue membership, this is for you and we would welcome you there. Please let us know you are coming and we will be prepared for you. Last minute walk ups are welcome as well! Dan Radke will be teaching this class, and it is a great opportunity to learn more about who we are, and who we believe God wants us to be, and how you can help us get there!
Stay aware of many other things going on, like women's breakfast, men's breakfast, one city, and more. Read your bulletin, check our webpage, and STAY CONNECTED!
Sunday Is Coming:
As we are still in the shadow of the coming of 2019, we will continue to look forward with faith and a passion to follow Jesus!
Title: Jesus Is Coming Again
Text: Luke 12
- Why is it important that we as Jesus followers long for His return?
- What does it mean that the return of Jesus is Imminent?
- How does this change how you live your life, if you truly believe this?
- How can we be more aware of Jesus return as we seek to live our lives for Him?
Even So, LORD JESUS COME!
Pastor Rob