God's Ways

What a great day on Sunday. Honoring all of our graduates and hearing the special from our Chinese ministry was such a blessing. We are so fortunate to have such a vibrant congregation with many talented individuals. Jessica did a great job at preaching the Word of God. Our teen ensemble was tremendous as well.

To hear the testimony of Diane Wilhelm being healed was an inspiration for many. God is on the move and we are blessed to be in the middle of it.

I have great news today to add to the many good things. Lee Burgard’s tests came back clear. The doctors are pleased with the way things are looking and we praise the Lord for that. There is a small spot that could be scar tissue or a blood vessel. As we gathered for prayer on Sunday morning, the Holy Spirit surrounded us and filled us. I believe that He does more than we ask or even know to pray. I believe that the faith of our congregation collectively is changing lives and allowing the Lord to reign in all things. 

When we gather and pray in the name of Jesus, the word “name” is from the Greek word onomos. It represents the full authority that exists in the person being named. The Bible says that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). When we pray for His will to be done and pray in the name of Jesus, then we pray in the power and authority of His name. Do you realize what that means?

God has a plan for all things. The following passage reminds me that He is totally in control and knows best.

 ⁸“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. ⁹“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ¹⁰ As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, ¹¹so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.Isaiah 55:8-11

Many times we question why things happen the way they do. I don’t think there is anything wrong with asking the question. It is who we turn to that is so critical. In the process of working through our struggles and questions, we need to put our total trust in the Lord. His ways are much higher than ours. He has an ultimate purpose in what we are experiencing. He has never been caught off guard.

God is in control. Our role is to increase our faith in Him and leave the future in His hands.

 ¹¹ Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.¹² Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Let us rejoice in what God is doing among us. The enemy has lost the battle for our mind. We need to live in such a way that it will remind him of his fate. Renew your mind and your faith daily as you walk the path laid out for us.

I am looking forward to what the Lord does as we come together on Sunday for worship.
Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike