Well, this was another great day at the Cove. We were blessed with visitors today -- Sister Geneva Testerman's daughter, Kim; and Brother and Sister Walters' granddaughter, Paige. It's always a joy to have family sitting on the pew beside you. I'm sure you know what I mean.
It was also a special day for Pastor Bob and Sister Naomi; they both celebrated birthdays. Neither one look a day older than they did last birthday. Must be a blessing from the Lord!
Brother Daniel Cartwright sang "Kneel at the Cross," which is a favorite of all.
After our song service and prayer for those who were unable to be with us, Pastor Bob made a very profound statement. He reminded us that we are living in uncertain times. Do you ever look around you and ask, "What is going to happen next?" I sure have, and I don't like the way it makes me feel. In 1 Peter 5:7, we find that we are not facing these times alone. We are to cast all our cares upon the Lord, for he cares for us. While the world lives in fear, we can have peace knowing that we have someone who cares about everything we face.
Then Pastor told us we should try to be patient in all things. Hebrews 10:35-36 tells us to never cast away our confidence, which hath great reward. For we have need of patience, that after we have done the will of God, we might receive the promise. We want everything right now but must realize that God's time is not like ours. We must wait upon the Lord, for he knows the future. In Isaiah 40:31, we read, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." As the words of a dear old song state, "Teach me, Lord, to wait."
We never like to wait or be tempted, but in James 1:2 we read that we should count it all joy when we fall into different temptations. That is because we grow when we come through temptations and claim victory. We know that the trying of our faith works patience and makes us overcomers. Philippians 4:6 tells us to pray, and by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving we make our requests known to God. Prayer is our strength in time of trouble. Daniel was an example (Daniel 10:10). He prayed every day for 21 days. After this time, he felt a hand touch him and he fell upon his face. He was told that God heard his prayer and had came to answer.
Luke tells us that men ought to always pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 again says, "Pray without ceasing." We should think on the promises in the Word, for sometimes "No" is the answer when we want to be told "Yes." If we don't get our way, we tend to have a pity party and forget that God knows the outcome and will do what's best for our future. 1 John 4:4 stresses the fact that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. This is why we should never be discouraged to the point that we are unable to help someone else while we are going through the valley. This is how we show that the love of God dwells in our heart. We should want to share with others and walk uprightly before them to be a true example of Christian love.
In closing, I would like to challenge you to make an effort to be kind to someone this week. Move out of your comfort zone, if need be. You will be amazed at how good you will feel.
We pray God will send a special blessing your way. Try your best to listen to that still small voice saying. Be kind and show love.
Come visit us at the Cove and share the story of how God blessed you when you gave time to someone who was in need.
Religion on 06/30/2016