To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
I am tired of watching the news. Especially in the last few days, however will say it is probably longer than that. Why? Because it makes me sad, sometimes confused and heartbroken. If you have been watching lately you will know that the Americans are in a constitutional crisis, and although there are a lot of very strong opinions, they all seem to fall on partisan lines. My heart aches for our southern neighbours and makes me very thankful that we can trust God always!
One of my favourite Biblical stories is in Daniel, where God shows His sovereignty over a nation that did not believe in Him through the life of a pagan king. This king, Nebuchadnezzar rejected God in pride, and God intervened and took his kingdom away from him by causing the king to go crazy. Even more profound is God's power to restore this king to his Kingship. Here is how Daniel responded, "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes the times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others." In other words God is Sovereign over all things, even things that look like they are going crazy. So, if you like me are watching the news and feel like everything is out of control, rest in the reality of God's Word and the stories we find there of His Sovereign care. Our God is in heaven, and nothing surprises Him, and He is working all things out in conformity with the purpose of His will (Ephesians 1:11). In that we find a peace that passes understanding and a passion to pursue the purposes of God. Praise His name even in constitutional crisis!
Psalm 9:10 tells us that those who know His name will trust in Him! I am drawn like a moth to the flame to the news...and it concerns me. I long to be drawn closer to God, and to know His character better so that I might find rest and peace. I want to know Him more, and in that to find a trust that transcends all situations. Make sure to spend more time getting to know God than you do watching the news. Much on the news is fake, nothing in God's Word is, and He is faithful and true!
We have a BAPTISM service coming on December 8. If you would like to obey Jesus in being baptized as a believer, please contact one of our pastors and take this step of obedience for God's glory and our good.
Last Sunday night was very encouraging to me, and the time we spent hearing from those being persecuted and praying for the persecuted church. Encourage you to use the place mat that was provided and continue to pray for precious brothers and sisters around the world who need our prayers! God will use our prayers to encourage them, strengthen them, and bring His name glory through them.
Sunday Is Coming:
Title: Invest Your Life In Eternity
Text: Matthew 25:14-30
- What does it mean to be a steward?
- How are you a steward of your time, treasures and talents?
- Why do you think so many people have trouble giving their best to God?
- How should our relationship with God define what we do with our time and treasures?
- How does the return of Jesus help motivate us to give sacrificially?
- What is God's plan for you, to use who you are and what you have for His glory?
Privileged to seek God and His glory with you,
Pastor Rob