RELIGION: The Promise Keeper

As everyone gathered to worship Sunday morning at Mill Creek Baptist Church, Doug Cory asked God's blessing upon our service. Special prayers were requested for Carol Wardlaw, Gene Hall, Mike, Debra's family and Susan's mother.

As Pastor Appreciation month begins, Brother Mark was presented with a bushel basket of thanks and appreciation. I Timothy 5:17 says, "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching."

Linda Abercrombie shared the devotional, "When It's Good to Procrastinate," and read Psalm 4:8. Sometimes we put off doing things we fear or just don't want to do because it keeps anxiety at bay for a while, but it really becomes just a catalyst for worry. Try this effective strategy at night -- tell yourself to worry about it in the morning. Worry in the middle of the night exaggerates problems for more anxiety. Daylight helps to find positive ways to cope. Faith makes a good pillow.

Rick Lett asked God's blessing upon the offering and he and Tyrel Lett served as ushers. Hymns of praise included "Revive Us Again" lead by Susan Cory and Karen Gardner. Special music blessings came from Jerry Abercrombie, who sang "God on the Mountain."

"The Promise Keeper" was the title of God's message from pastor, Brother Mark Hall. He began by telling everyone that the saying "the Lord helps those who help themselves" is not actually Biblical scripture. Instead, it should be that the Lord helps those who trust in Him. "We can't prepare for everything in life. Sometimes we can't help ourselves. Trust in God." Brother Mark read from Isaiah 41:10, "God's ability to keep His promises is only inhibited by our ability to trust Him." He also read Isaiah 41:11-20, where the Lord tells us "Fear not, I will help you."

Brother Mark told the congregation, the problem is that everyone always makes promises that they know are beyond anyone's control. God is the Promise Keeper. His name is Promise. God's covenant is making and keeping promises. We intend to but we don't always have the ability. God has the ability to override, intervene and get things done. But sometimes God's promises come with conditions. That is that everyone must trust in Him. Nothing keeps God from keeping His promises. Do you really want God to direct your paths? You will have to trust Him to direct your path." Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Brother Mark said that God has never been in a misunderstanding. He knows and sees it all. "Do you want God's way? If you do, you will have to trust Him. It is not about understanding, it is about trust. Sometimes Christians act like lost people because they don't trust God. Lost people don't know any different. If you are in church today, you trusted God with your time. He can manage it better than anyone can. God has superior understanding. When we see rejection, He sees direction. We don't always see clearly. Don't lean on your own understanding.

"Consult with God before acting on anything. Sometimes, we don't consult with God because we may already know the answer, and it may not be the one we want. Is that trust when you don't want His answer? If you trust God, trust His direction and stop leaning on your own. Until we do the 'if,' we won't see the 'then.' God stands ready for his people's trust. Do you really want God's direction for your paths? It is a simple matter of trust. It is easy on Sunday morning, but more difficult throughout the week."

Our hymn of invitation was "Lord, I'm Coming Home," and Jerry gave the benediction.

Everyone is welcome to come worship at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and morning service at 11 a.m. Mill Creek Baptist Church is located 3½ miles east of Noel or 8½ miles west of I49, just off Highway 90, on Upper Mill Creek Road.

Religion on 10/10/2019