The sign out in front of the church reads: WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN STAND, KNEEL IN PRAYER. God tells us in Philippians 4 that we should not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. That’s a great promise. But you want to know an even greater one? It’s found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 which reads “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
Did you catch the most important part? GOD IS FAITHFUL! Many of you may know (or may not) that my family has been going through some big trials that came upon us in flash! Didn’t have much time to prepare for any of them but suddenly, there they were. First, had to rush Janice to emergency on August 13. She’s doing fine now after several days in the hospital. Second, had to rush my Mom (who’s 99) to emergency on August 21 and she’s now in a hospice care facility. Talk about a lot of information and almost whirlwind activity! And the decisions we’ve had to make as well in both situations. Thank goodness we could go to the Lord in prayer.
Not only were we in prayer but hundreds of our friends and family were in prayer as well. And you know? WE FELT IT! Once again, we had assurance that God had everything under control and was proving Himself faithful. So if you ever find yourself in a quandary and don’t know which way to go, try this: (1) pray as a couple or family; (2) alert your friends and family and have them stand with you in prayer (it makes a difference); and (3) remember that God is faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13). It’s God who stills and quiets a heart that is agitated and replaces that agitation with His peace (Philippians 4) and all comes about via the avenue of prayer!
Many thanks to EVERYONE for standing with us — we couldn’t have done it without your faithfulness and tenacity!
This coming Sunday, August 28, it’s the 5th church in our ‘7 CHURCHES OF REVELATION’ series: SARDIS. Revelation 3:1-6 will be the text and I trust that you’ll be in worship this Sunday!!
Just around the corner is the COMMUNITY FAMILY FESTIVAL (Monday, October 31). It’s from 5-8 p.m. It’s a chance for us to minister to our community and meet our neighbors. I trust that you’ll use your gifts as ministers and reach out and make friends to those who come! Raud de Silva is the point person for this event and if you’d like to assist in any way, see Raud.
Several new classes are in the planning stages with a late September/early October start date. More information will be forthcoming so stay tuned!!
CONGRATULATIONS to Les and Reaiah Cubero on the birth of their daughter, MAKAYA HOPE CUBERO!! The proud Mom and Dad are doing fine (perhaps a little sleepy) and Makaya is keeping them busy (but a very good busy)!!
We’re getting closer to OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD — Lori Serpa is the point person for this. This coming Sunday, August 28, you can still bring school supplies and drop them off in the lobby. Each month we’re having a different item(s) to bring to BVC. August is “school supplies” month!
Have a great rest of the week. I’m looking forward to a great time of worship this coming Sunday!!
Love,
Pastor Chuck