Our Mission To love all people at all times and lead them into a new life in Christ.
Our Vision To be a church that will be multicultural and generational, having a lasting impact on the people to whom we minister.
To see the gospel extend beyond the walls of our church through various outreaches.
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“Catch me the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Solomon 2:13
Hello!! It’s been a few weeks since I have been able to write for the bulletin. I have spent that time dealing with a bunch of little foxes. The major surgery on October 19 did great and hasn’t caused any set backs at all. It has been the little foxes that have caused the trouble.
I have learned first hand that little foxes (side issues) can tempt you to become discouraged and give up hope. The key is not to give in to the temptation. It doesn’t matter what area you are dealing with; it is all the same. The devil wants you to give up and quit. That is what we must not do.
Stand on the Word and expect God to make a difference. Don’t get angry with God–just keep resisting the devil. No matter what the circumstances or time frame, God is always on your side. He wants you to win.
“But you don’t know what I am going through,” you might say. I ask, do you know what I am going through? Everything I believe in has been tested this year. I plan to pass the test no matter what!!! I am not about to quit.
“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod and staff, they comfort me.” Psalm. 23:4
Nobody likes the idea of being in the valley of the shadow of death. However, I would rather be in the valley with God than be anywhere else without Him. To know that God is with you is all that is really necessary. Just remember, He promised never to leave you. Yes, it has been difficult, but my God is forever faithful. So is yours if He is Jesus.
Dear Lord,
Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best
when they were called upon to serve and protect their country.
We pray that you will bless them, Lord, for their unselfish service
in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety,
and our country’s heritage, for all of us.
Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced,
for the sacrifices they made for their many different contributions
to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression.
We respect them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them,
and we pray that you will watch over these special people
and bless them with peace and happiness.
In Jesus’ name we pray; Amen.
By Joanna Fuchs
ACCOUNTABILITY
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834–1902). The historian and moralist, who was otherwise known simply as Lord Acton, expressed this opinion in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887.
It is my belief that men do not set out to become corrupt, but time and again, we see all across the world, leaders who fall from their positions due to a lack of accountability. CIA Director Petraeus is the most recent victim, but there are many. If we all will be held accountable for the words we speak (Matthew 12:36) then why would we think we would not be held accountable for all our actions? 1 Peter 4:5 tells us we all will be held accountable, but especially those who do evil.
How does it happen, good people becoming corrupt? It happens one step at a time. We all must have someone who holds us accountable for our actions, and especially our Christian Walk. One who will call us down on those “minor” offenses which no one really cares about, or those little things that no one knows about. We have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God, but it all begins with accountability- How about you? Who is your accountability partner? Don’t have one? Get one- Your life depends on it.
Returning to the old Ways
This Weekend was a time of enjoyment for those who attended the Fall Festival; yet many did not attend. We understand that this life is full of things which occupy our time, things which don’t require a commitment from us, things which may not be church related- after all we go to church on Sunday…. How much should one person have to go to church????
If we want the things of the past, such as seeing the powerful move of God, then we often must do the things of the past which brought those things to pass, like fasting and praying. In like fashion, we often say people are just too busy today- never taking time to fellowship. Then, when the opportunity arises, we must participate.
In order to move forward, we must do as Phillipians 3:13 says,”…but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” I have heard so many people speak of the Glory Days of this church- when the youth group was huge and the Services spectacular, and special events were always packed out….Yada, Yada, Yada… But what have you done for HIM lately?
Forget what used to be, and focus on what God wants for us now; however, reflect back on what got the church to where it was then- and see if it is present in the your life today. If not, then renew your commitment to attaining the “Prize.” Just Food for Thought-
IT’S YOUR CHOICE
Isn’t it amazing that our politicians have gotten to the point where they believe us to be so stupid, that we can’t see the truth….believing instead that if they repeat a lie long enough we will eventually believe it? What is worse, many do….So too is the efforts of the devil…We just completed an amazing healing event, where many were touched, and if you listen to the liar, he will tell you that you aren’t healed, despite the pain being removed, backs no longer being locked and immobile, but the question is- who are you going to believe God or satan?
In like fashion, when God promises you something, and you are walking in His light, following His ways, but your body appears to be falling apart- it gets more difficult, but who are you going to believe? We know satan is the father of lies, and we also know God cannot lie, so who are you going to believe? Just as Joshua had the children of Israel renew their commitment to God at Shechem (Joshua 24), He reminded them of the things God had already done, then in Vs 15 he stated, ”But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose this day whom you will serve……But as for me and my Household, We will serve the Lord.” Healing begins with faith in whom you serve- CHOOSE WISELY- life or death, healing or infirmity, joy or misery…..food for thought. Pastor Tim.
HOW TO RECEIVE HEALING (Necessary changes of the heart) p. 109-111
Many people are not correctly positioned in their hearts to receive healing. The Lord gave me the following list in a dream of the attitudes of that heart that we need to cultivate. I believe it will help and bless you.
1. We need to be humble. Luke 8:41
2. We need to seek. Luke 5:12-13
3. W need to press Into His Presence. Luke 8:43-48
4. We need to be fully persuaded. Romans 4:13-22
5. We need to judge God faithful. Heb. 11:11
6. We need to be obedient. 2 Kings 5:1-14
7 We need to put our faith into action. Luke 6:6-10
8. We may need to find support. Luke 5:17-26
*”The Word of God must be a mainstay to those seeking divine healing. In it we find God’s truth about His will and purpose and about the situations in our lives. Only in His Word do we find an accurate lens through which to see life.” Becky D.
Just today I read a daily devotion called “The Hardest Part of Faith,” written by the late David Wilkerson. In it he spoke of a lesson he learned from his Father very early on, when his father told him, “Son, the hardest part of faith is always the last half hour. When you feel like giving up; when you feel that your life is off track; when you don’t hear from God anymore, just hold on- because the last half hour is the hardest part of Faith.”
I truly believe this church is in the “Last Half Hour,” and if we will not only just “Hang On,” but push forward, then the breakthrough will come, God’s Power will fill the church again, and lives will be changed. We must pray like never before, seek God’s guidance in all that we do, and push through, NO- Pray through like they used to in the Good ole’ days.
Are You up to it? Will you humble yourself for the good of your Church, your family, and yourself? We will be conducting a 12 Hour Prayer vigil next Friday, from 7AM-7PM, here at the church. We are calling on you to commit to one hour, here at the church. Praying for our Pastor, our Church, and for God to pour His spirit out on this Healing Conference, that lives will be changed, people healed and souls set free through the Holy Spirit of God.
There will be a sign up sheet in the Foyer- PLEASE don’t just Blow this off- We need you to participate- One Hour……Remember what Jesus said to his disciples when he Prayed in the Garden…..”COULD YOU NOT TARRY ONE HOUR”? Please Honor your Pastors and Sign Up.
Acts 19:11-12 “God did powerful things through Paul, things quite out of the ordinary. The word got around and people started taking pieces of clothing–handkerchiefs and scarves and the like–that had touched Paul’s skin and then touching the sick with them. The touch did it–they were healed and whole.” (Message Bible)
A church doesn’t have a wonderful, anointed meeting with the gifts of the Spirit flowing and miracles and healings taking place just because they schedule it. Usually an anointed speaker can bring the Word of God to a meeting and it will minister and a return on that Word preached comes forth when the people have paid a price to prepare themselves spiritually for the services.
Several Sundays ago we ask New Life Church to “fast” something and spend that time praying for the Virtuous Woman’s meetings and the healing service on that Sunday. This is between you and God what you fast.
Another thing we have asked you to do is invite someone to come. Invite people to the Saturday and Sunday meetings.
As a way of concentrating on specific things we want God to do for New Life on that weekend we are asking that you do something else this morning. During the service you will be given what we call a “prayer cloth” and a pen. On this prayer cloth we want you to be very specific about what you want God to do by the end of October for you. It could be a miracle of healing for yourself or someone else. It could be a miracle of provision–finances or a job. It might even be a miracle of salvation for someone. Please write your specific need on this cloth. Don’t try to write five or ten. Get specific. “What do I need right now?”
Finally, we ask that you really believe and anticipate a great move of God is this place every day and especially on the weekend of October 27-28. Pray for Becky Dvorak–her health, her traveling–and that God gives her a word just for us at New Life for the Nations.
Acts 19:11-12 “God did powerful things through Paul, things quite out of the ordinary. The word got around and people started taking pieces of clothing–handkerchiefs and scarves and the like–that had touched Paul’s skin and then touching the sick with them. The touch did it–they were healed and whole.” (Message Bible)
A church doesn’t have a wonderful, anointed meeting with the gifts of the Spirit flowing and miracles and healings taking place just because they schedule it. Usually an anointed speaker can bring the Word of God to a meeting and it will minister and a return on that Word preached comes forth when the people have paid a price to prepare themselves spiritually for the services.
Several Sundays ago we ask New Life Church to “fast” something and spend that time praying for the Virtuous Woman’s meetings and the healing service on that Sunday. This is between you and God what you fast.
Another thing we have asked you to do is invite someone to come. Invite people to the Saturday and Sunday meetings.
As a way of concentrating on specific things we want God to do for New Life on that weekend we are asking that you do something else this morning. During the service you will be given what we call a “prayer cloth” and a pen. On this prayer cloth we want you to be very specific about what you want God to do by the end of October for you. It could be a miracle of healing for yourself or someone else. It could be a miracle of provision–finances or a job. It might even be a miracle of salvation for someone. Please write your specific need on this cloth. Don’t try to write five or ten. Get specific. “What do I need right now?”
Finally, we ask that you really believe and anticipate a great move of God is this place every day and especially on the weekend of October 27-28. Pray for Becky Dvorak–her health, her traveling–and that God gives her a word just for us at New Life for the Nations.
“The atmosphere of expectancy is the breeding ground for miracles.” (Pastor Rod Parsley)
Several months ago I wrote on the following scripture from Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
This scripture follows the passage where Paul talks about sowing seeds. We all sow seeds whether seeds that will reap a good harvest of good choices or seeds that will reap a harvest of poor choices where we do whatever the flesh wants to do.
The NKJV says the key is waiting for the good harvest to come from the good seed we have sown. The words, in due season, could mean a quick return or a return that might not take place for years. Yet we can count on three things.
1. God will cause a harvest to come from our seeds.
2. God is never early or late–He is always right on time with our best interests at heart.
3. Our harvest will have the same nature as our seeds sown: good seeds brings good harvests. bad seeds bring bad harvests.
A year ago in the month of October we asked you to sow seeds of time, money, prayer, and faith in New Life for the Nations. We asked you to give 1 % or one hour a week to work in the ministry of New Life. Some of you dedicated yourself to doing this, and we are seeing the wonderful harvest of better attendance to services, finances increasing for the church, and people growing spiritually because of the seeds of love and the Word being sown in their lives.
What are you willing to do this year? There are needs to be filled at church that you can do.
1. Singers/Musicians needed for the Praise Team.
2. Substitute teachers needed for the different classes so each teacher will have one Sunday a month to sit in the regular services.
3. Weekly housekeeping chores to be done.
4. Prayer warriors for Prayer Force.
5. Faithfulness in giving your tithes and offerings.
Don’t get “tired” and quit because you are not seeing all the fruit you want to see from your seed.
It will come!!!! Don’t Quit!!!
************ Pastor LaVerne************
“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him and delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 NKJV
Ever think much about angels? I mean other than they might exist and sing songs in heaven? I don’t exactly know why I felt impressed to talk about angels, but I believe I an supposed to.
According to the above verse, angels are meant to watch after us and take care of us. Angels are important to us in our life on earth, and we should take their existence and purpose serious as we read God’s word. Angels are more than “heavenly gatekeepers” guarding heavenly territory. They have been assigned to minister to God’s people.
The writer of Hebrews says of angels in Hebrews 1:14, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.” Angels are unseen agents (most of the time) that work on our behalf in situations and circumstances that affect us every day. You never know what they may be doing. Don’t sell them short.
Several years ago when our son Scott’s house was struck by lightning and caught fire, a man in a service truck came and shut off his gas meter. The fire chief said that act saved the house. However, no one knows to this day who did it or where he came from. No one from the utilities company ever took credit. Who was the mysterious service man? Could he have been an angel on assignment?
“For He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 Bible scholars, including Dr. Billy Graham, believe we each have guardian angels assigned to protect us. We are said to be “under His wings.” Could this be speaking of our guardian angels’ wings which protectively cover us to keep us from falling, getting lost, or stumbling into unknown dangers in the unseen realm of the spirit?
Take the ministry of angels seriously. After all, the scripture does say we may encounter them. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. “ Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV) What could angels do for you? You never know!!!
Where Are You God ?
As I sit here writing this article, my entire household is suffering from the Kentucky Crud- you know, that run of flu like symptoms, sinus infection, respiratory difficulties and just all around feeling “Yucky.” I could quickly decide that God has turned his back on Me and my family, and He is angry with me in some way….many do just that, yet it would be wrong.
I often think of the trials that The Apostle Paul went through, beatings, shipwrecks, being robbed, hungry and he may have wondered “Where are you GOD?”, yet he never accused God of being anything other than a “Just” God. We need to remember when we go through the hardships of life that we aren’t the first nor the last to suffer, study Matthew 5:45 “…..; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Part of being “Just” is to allow the hardships of life to mold and shape even those whom He loves, just as he did with us prior to our conversions. We aren’t finished yet, we are works in progress, and just like a hike of a thousand miles begins with one step, so too does our path to righteousness begin with one trial. Don’t focus on the trial or hardship- focus on the lesson to be learned and you will come out the other side a better person for it…..
Be Blessed — Pastor Tim
“Be sober, be vigilant’ because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8
Are you really aware of the fact that satan is seeking a way to take advantage of you and hurt you? He tries to entice us to give him an opportunity to negotiate a deal with us. He tells us what great things we can have and all it costs us is just one sin. In exchange for our gift of cooperation he offers us a “dream come true.” “Neither give place to the devil.” Eph. 4:27 This verse of scripture is also translated, “Nor give the devil an opportunity.”
Think of this line. “Boy, do I have an opportunity for you!” Cooperate and you will score big. My phone rang Saturday morning and when I answered a voice informed me that I had won $1.5 million and a new white Mercedes Benz car. He was so excited to inform me of my good fortune and asked how I felt to win that much money. This is where dreams or common sense vies for the will. It sounded so real and exciting on one hand and like a scam on the other. In real give aways there is no cost to the winner. This prize must be retained by “joining” their group for $1500. When I said no, the caller hung up on me. Did I lose $1.5 million or did I save $1500? I gained nothing but I lost nothing. Had I paid $1500, I would have lost it. Dealing with the devil is the same way. No matter what he promises in return for your investment, you will get nothing back and will lose what you have invested.
Your good name, money, reputation, and peace are some of the things the devil will steal from you if you let him. Remember, like the caller on my phone, the devil is like a lion and never tells the truth. If you cut a deal with him, you will have to give up something valuable and will get nothing in return.
You can’t deal with the devil so don’t give him an opportunity to begin with.
“…I humbled myself with fasting; and my prayer would return to my own heart.” Psalm 35:13 (NKJV)
Fasting is an established act of humility. In Scriptures it reflects focus on a particular event or situation. Jesus once told a man that the demon possessing his son comes out only by “prayer and fasting.”
There is no substitute for sincerity of heart. Fasting is not meant to impress God but rather to show us our own sincerity about the issue at hand. “What am I willing to give up in order to focus my energy and fervor?”
Fasting in the Bible is exclusively in reference to denying oneself food. It was eating something forbidden that caused man’s fall into sin. Fasting is the opposite in that it is refusing to eat something that is allowed. The issue is discipline. Am I strong enough to control my appetite and sacrifice what I otherwise would enjoy?
Today fasting can be with food or by giving up something else of pleasure to show we are serious about our actions. Can you fast by choice with a goal in mind?
The month of October is being declared “fast” month at New Life for the Nations because of the upcoming Virtuous Woman’s Conference on October 27. We are asking you to fast something based on your faith and ability. What you choose to “fast” is up to you. How much is up to you. You could fast one meal a week or give up something else, like television or cokes or certain kinds of food. What you give up is your decision. It is important that you replace what you give up with prayer and purpose–focusing on your desired outcome, a move of God’s Spirit in you and around you.
You are in control of your life. Use that control to establish an atmosphere of faith. Who knows what could happen with “prayer and fasting!” Let’s find out together.
DARE TO BELIEVE
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)
Superabundantly is an amazing word to ponder upon. And even more so, when we understand that this is how God wills to fulfill our every need and desire. It is time to take the limits off of Him, and DARE to Believe in the true power of the Holy Spirit to do superabundantly above what we can ask or think.
Becky Dvorak
“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37
We sing a song at New Life known as “The Days of Elijah.” What made the days of Elijah something so special that prophecy said Elijah would come before Messiah? When we think of the days of Elijah, we think of miracles and great powerful acts of God. Elijah was only one of dozens of prophets in Israel. Of all the prophets, Elijah is the prime example of being used by God.
Obviously, Elijah had faith and trusted God at His Word. He believed that nothing was impossible with God.
Let us look at one day of the days of Elijah. In I Kings 18:19 we see a man with a busy day. It started with a challenge, “if God is God, then serve Him.”
First, Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume a water-soaked sacrifice, an act the prophets of Baal could not duplicate. Secondly, he slew 450 of the Baal prophets to remove their influence from the people. Thirdly, he was anointed to outrun the chariot of Ahab being pulled by the best horses of Israel. It was quite a day. Most people do not see a lifetime with that much of the anointing of God, much less it happening in only one day!!
We call this a “top of the mountain” experience–a true testimony that nothing is impossible with God. Oh, did I fail to mention the rain that broke a three year drought? I believe I did. After a day like that, there would not be room for doubt, right? Wrong!! Elijah’s next act was to run in fear of Jezebel and hide himself in a cave. Elijah was human, just like we are , and humanity can be moved by fear if we draw back.
Elijah knew God; he knew the power of God, but in a moment of weakness, caused by fear, he lost sight of the miracles that he experienced all day long. In the midst of God’s miraculous, we can forget that “all things are possible with God.” Doubt is not a result of what is going on around you, but what is going on in you. God doesn’t change so any change comes from us.
Even with all that God has done, I still get discouraged when I fail to remember what God has done. I look at what is still left to do and the enemy says, “You can’t trust God to keep His word.” BUT…”I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed unto Him against that day.” II Timothy 1:12 (NKJV) I declare that “with God nothing shall be impossible..”
“The Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.’” Acts 10:34 (NKJV)
Have you ever been tempted to believe that God has favorites that He blessed better than others? According to the above verse, God is no respecter of persons. If God shows no partiality, why do some people seem to be more blessed than others? When Peter said the above, he was referring to the event when the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles. God’s favor is never withheld from those who seek it. The promise is to all who believe whoever they may be.
The Bible tells us in II Peter 1:3 that God has given us (every believer) all that pertains to life and godliness. Even our constitution says we believe that all men are created equal and given rights by God, the Creator.
There is a parable in the Word about a master that had three servants. To one he gave five talents. To another he gave two talents and the other he gave one talent. The parable is not about what the master gave the servants. The parable is about what the servant did with the talent. When they were put to work, they produced a blessing for the servant. When they were not put to use, the servant did not prosper. It was in the power of the servants to use them. When used, they prospered. When you use the talents given to you , they will prosper and increase. Everything that God has to give He gives to ALL His children. How we use what we are given will determine the extent of our blessing.
We must also remember that blessing is an attitude of the heart not a condition of the circumstances. You first must believe you are blessed wherever you may be. Remember, Joseph was blessed even as a slave and while in prison. Blessing is not dependent on your condition. It is dependent on your relationship with God. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord will give GRACE and glory; NO GOOD THING will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 (NKJV)
“…and he was there in the prison.” Genesis 39:20
You may not readily recognize who this scripture is referring to. But, before he was in prison, he was a slave. Before that he was in a pit, put there by his own family. Of course you now recognize this is the story of Joseph.
He made a trip from his father’s favorite son to a common prisoner in Egypt’s prison. What did he do to deserve such a fate? Joseph was a man of extraordinary character as reflected in his encounter with Potiphar’s wife. He chose God over her in spite of his circumstances.
Joseph never knew what his future held, but he did know he could trust his God. Now that the story is complete we know that Joseph became second only to Pharoah in power in the land of Egypt.
Do not forget his “pit stops” along the way. They tested his character to the extreme. He was being prepared for the “palace” even in the pit and prison. He made it to the palace because he remained faithful in the pit and in the prison.
Joseph was mistreated and hated by his own brothers. He was lied about by a woman that got him put in prison. He was forgotten by a “friend” that was supposed to have helped him. Things went from bad to worse but Joseph never stopped serving God.
Are you in a pit? In prison? About to give up? Reconsider your position. You are a child of God. You are destined for the palace. Don’t give up before you get there. Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
Hold on to the promises of God and expect to see the salvation of the Lord. The temporary “pit stops” are used to test our character. It is not God who needs to be convinced of your determination and ability to success. He already knows you are well able to win. The enemy is the one who must be convinced of your faithfulness.
Do not be distracted by where you are; keep looking at where you are supposed to be. Even if you are in the pit, remember, you are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. See yourself where the Word says you are and do what the Word says you can do.
God prepared Joseph to save his entire family, but there was a cost. Thank God that Jesus paid our cost for victory. We must not forget that we always triumph in Christ Jesus. Don’t be moved by the devil’s shadows and mirrors. The palace is your goal. Stick with it.
ARE YOU WISE OR FOOLISH?
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew blasted southern Florida, literally leveling thousands of homes. Most areas looked like the after effects of an atomic bomb. In the backdrop of devastation, one house remained firmly anchored on its foundation. When a reporter asked the homeowner why his house had not been blown away, he replied, “I built this house myself. I also built it according to Florida state building code. When the code called for 2″ x 6″ roof trusses, I used 2″ x 6″ roof trusses. I was told that a house built according to code could withstand a hurricane – and it did.”
In Matthew 21:24-26 we read about the two type of people-a wise man and a foolish man. The man of wisdom builds his house upon the rock, and the foolish man builds his house upon the sand. None of us will get through this life without our foundation tested by the storms of life. A foundation built upon the sand produces destruction. A foundation built upon the Solid Rock produces duration. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only solid foundation upon which a man can build his life. Everything else is sinking sand.
The difference between a wise and foolish man: the wise man is not only a hearer of the Word but a doer. That person takes the Word and makes it applicable to his life. The foolish man hears the Word and fails to make them applicable to his life. As I write the above words I keep hearing the words to a song, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly trust in Jesus name, on Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand.
Are you building your life according to code–the Word?
Here are 8 principles that help you live a life prepared to receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. (Chuck D. Pierce-Protecting Your Home From Spiritual Darkness)
1. Meditate on the Word of God. Joshua 1:9
2. Praying is communicating with God. Col. 4:2
3. Fasting removes spiritual clutter. Matt. 17:19-21
4. Giving is the very heart of God. Luke 6:38
5. Warring–Ephesians 6:10-18
6. Worshiping to enter into intimacy with God. John 4:23
7. Working–There is a time to do something. James 2:26
8. Resting–God rested on the seventh day. Heb. 4:10
“In the beginning God…” Gen. 1:1
We are very familiar with this statement, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” To be a true believer we must believe that all things originated from God. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. This means our lives are a product of God’s energy and creative effort.
When considering your own life, remember, the Word says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” (Jer. 1:5) You have been in contact with God since your “beginning.” This is not just a play on words but a basic truth that fosters faith in our walk with God.
In the beginning of every situation and circumstance, God is there. He desires to be the first source of help we seek after. It is a sad reflection on our faith when God ends up being our last resort.
Several years ago I heard a story about a woman taking a ship to Europe. After several days at seas the ship encountered a tremendous storm. Being concerned, the woman spoke to the Captain. “We have a strong ship. It will be fine,” said the Captain. Nothing changed, and the storm continued. Becoming more concerned, the lady approached the Captain again. “We have an excellent crew; we can weather the storm,” he said.
The storm continued to rage and the lady spoke to the Captain again. This time his response was, “ All we can do is pray.” To which the woman replied, “My God! Has it come to that?”
Seeking God as our first alternative gives Him a chance to work in our behalf. Putting our faith in Him brings peace from the beginning of the trial. Why wait until all else fails before we think to seek God?
God says in His word, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.” (Ps. 50:15) Don’t wait until you are worn down by circumstances after days. Ask God for help in the very beginning of every issue of life.
Whatever faces you today, put it in God’s hands. If it is just beginning, give it to God now. If it has been going on for awhile, give it to Him now. He is your Helper. He is your source of strength. You don’t have to handle it yourself until the only thing left is prayer. Make prayer the first thing, after all, “In the beginning, God….”
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