10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

The God of the universe, even the Creator of the universe is WITH us. That’s what He said. Then He went on to give us several more promises just in this one verse! He’s not just with us, He will HELP us. Friends, it doesn’t get any better than that. Think for a moment about your worst day. Was God with you? I think He was.

Now, think for a moment about things to come. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but we can find rest in the promises in this one verse. If we search the Scriptures, we’ll find thousands of additional promises. One source states that there are 7,487 promises from God to His children (while I haven’t independently confirmed that, there are certainly thousands of promises). How many can you find? We all have days of uncertainty, and some might even say that we live in a day of complete uncertainty, but let’s remember God’s promises and cling to them, because those promises are certain.

By: Marcus Steury

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Over the last couple of months we have been going over a study with the youth and junior youth by Ken Ham called Demolishing Strongholds. It has been a growing experience for both me and Lydia. The study looks at the theory of Evolution and the many lies that the world uses to trick people into believing that evolution can sum up all of creation. The study demonstrates the tactics that are used to “prove” evolution, thereby eliminating the need for God, when science “sums up” everything. It has been a really neat study and one thing they point out is the fact that the “evidence” that evolutionists use is all about perception. In one of the sessions, the speaker showed a pile of dinosaur bones and explained that this set of bones was put together by 5 different scientists. After the bones were in their correct places, each scientist wrote about what the bones showed. Most of the scientists saw only one type of dinosaur, but the other 2 scientists believed the bones showed an evolving stage in 2 distinctly different types of dinosaurs. Ultimately none of the scientists came to an agreement about the bones and just agreed to disagree. This was a perfect example of how when we as humans define our past, we can come to so many different conclusions. However, when we look to God and His word for wisdom of the past, He is never changing and His truth is always consistent. This reminds me a lot about our moral values and standards as well. When we as humans attempt to define what is morally right or wrong, we are definitely going to have many, many, many differences among people. But God’s word is ultimate truth and can give us the guidance we need to live virtuous and holy lives! Praise the Lord for His Word and the fact that we can always count on Him for truth!

By: Pastor Kevin Troyer

I've discovered that one of the more unique aspects of parenting is how much God uses my relationship with my son to teach me about Himself. Currently, we are working on the necessity of my son's response and obedience when he is called. I’ve been utterly astonished at how many little detours he is able to take on his way to obey my summons: down the stairs, over the couch, under the high chair, and around the table — all while being able to insist that he is indeed responding to my call. How delightful a journey for him and how frustrating for the ones who are waiting! 

As Renita and I were discussing this stage of his development I was reminded of a phrase from Friedrich Nietzsche that well-known pastor Eugene Peterson has popularized over the past several decades as a description of Christian discipleship: “a long obedience in the same direction.” I’ve always found that phrase sort of cool. We experience many fits and starts in our faith journey and yet the long term trajectory is one of obedience and submission to God. And sometimes I’ve even arrogantly presumed that God should be delighted by my “long obedience.” Well, all of my own pride came tumbling down as I realized that my obedience looks very much like my son’s “longgg” obedience. I sometimes can take a very long circuitous route when obeying God, rather than immediately responding to His call. A “long obedience” is wonderful in regards to persevering until the end. Matthew 24:13 states “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” However, our relationship and obedience to Christ ought to be more in line with Psalm 119:60 ​​”I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.” May our obedience be quick and our perseverance long, as we keep our eyes on the One who saved us!

By: Pastor Jay Mast