Faith and Patience

This is a short message of encouragement to all of you in your walk with God to never lose heart and trust Him with every area of life. As we've just completed another powerful season of seed sowing in our house, I believe it's an appropriate time to encourage one another in the areas of faith and patience. Sometimes we can be so overwhelmed by the curve balls that life continually hurls at us and the unexpected turns that await us on our journey, but rest assured that no curve ball or turn ever catches God off guard. He is faithful and just to fulfill every promise in His timing. Our responsibility in every situation is to 'respond well' (to quote Pastor Francis Anfuso). As we await the fulfillment of every promise of our infallible, ever-faithful Father in Heaven, we must catch the revelation of walking in faith and patience. Faith because we believe that He who promised is faithful, and patience because the promise often takes longer than we would like for it to be manifested (Hebrews 6:11-15). What we need to realize is that God is not bound by our circumstances or our perceived limitations, He is well-able to do what He said He would. We simply need to walk in patience as we put our faith in Him, knowing that His word does not return void, but it will accomplish what He sent it to do (Isaiah 55:10-11).

As you look for harvest on your seed, trust God for the salvation of a lost loved one, believe for provision, stand for healing, or whatever it is, always know that He does not waver concerning His promises, and will always come through; He is trustworthy. With that settled in our minds, we can stand firm on His word as we continually walk in faith and patience.

Free to Worship

As we complete the week following Easter, it's always an interesting time. Most churches across the nation have experienced one of the most well-attended services of the year, arts ministries are taking a little break from putting on some of their most extensive performances of the year and people who wouldn't otherwise attend a church service are now wondering, 'Should I go back this week?' With all of these things to consider, I would like to propose to us that we don't get caught in the event mentality that so many others do. We have been set free by the Truth (John 8:31-32) and are not bound to seek Him at only a certain date and time, but as Hebrews 10 says, '... having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, ... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith...' (v.19 & 22 - read the whole chapter if you get a chance).

So in keeping with this, let's draw near everyday, every moment, at every gathering, at every opportunity with the full assurance that by the blood of the covenant, we are welcomed in as we submit ourselves to Him. He is worthy of everything we have, all praise and all honor. Never forget how great He is and how privileged we are to worship Him at all times and not just on a particular day of the year. We most certainly are, free to worship.