...and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. Numbers 21:4
I have been thinking much about our world and our church since this COVID craziness and chaos has seemed to resurface and really despite our best efforts, doesn’t look to be going away anytime soon. However, I have always said, taught, and preached that the answers to life are always found within the pages of God’s Word, the Bible, and this issue is no different.
Our world is discouraged and divided. Politics, religion, and race have all become dividing lines that tear the fabric of our society. Hatred, anger, and pride damage the foundation of our communities.
Our world is overwhelmed. These are indeed trying times. All around us, there is uncertainty and unrest. We have experienced COVID-19, disasters (both natural and man-made), and rumors of wars and conflicts around the world.
This is in the world but if we aren’t careful we can allow the overwhelming, discouragement, and division affect the church as well because while we are not of this world we are still in this world.
I want you to realize that what we are facing right now is so much more than just another battle with COVID-19. The Devil does not like to see a church that is unified. He does not like to see a church that is on fire and doing things for God.
Just think a moment of all the ways God has blessed our church so far this year:
-Visitors
-Souls saved
-Baptisms
-Members added
-Projects completed
-Great offerings
-A great Spirit of unity
Now we face a small setback, no doubt partly orchestrated by Satan himself. Remember, he is the prince of the power of the air. The question is this; how are we going to respond? Are we going to let Satan claim a victory and get us overwhelmed, discouraged, and divided? Let him ruin what God has done in our church so far this year?
This should not be! The Bible begs us “By the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... that there be no divisions among you.” I Corinthians 1:10. What does that mean for you and me, our country, the world, and the church?
You see, friend, “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace...” I Corinthians 14:33. In this era of division, where can we find a solution and receive true peace? It’s only through God! Trust me, I understand, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. So where do we turn? What can we do? How do we overcome fear?
Let me share the secret with you. In the Bible, Jesus reveals the recipe for dealing with feelings of fear. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7.
You see, God doesn’t want us to live in fear! He desires us to know His power, His love, and peace of mind! “There is no fear in love; but perfect love fastest out fear.” I John 4:18.
Remember today to “cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” I Peter 5:7.
We’ll gather together again soon and the church will go on. Satan won’t get the victory so don’t even give thought to him. We’ll pick up right where we left off but most importantly we’ll get through this together! We love you all
Overwhelming Discouragement and Division
...and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. Numbers 21:4
I have been thinking much about our world and our church since this COVID craziness and chaos has seemed to resurface and really despite our best efforts, doesn’t look to be going away anytime soon. However, I have always said, taught, and preached that the answers to life are always found within the pages of God’s Word, the Bible, and this issue is no different.
Our world is discouraged and divided. Politics, religion, and race have all become dividing lines that tear the fabric of our society. Hatred, anger, and pride damage the foundation of our communities.
Our world is overwhelmed. These are indeed trying times. All around us, there is uncertainty and unrest. We have experienced COVID-19, disasters (both natural and man-made), and rumors of wars and conflicts around the world.
This is in the world but if we aren’t careful we can allow the overwhelming, discouragement, and division affect the church as well because while we are not of this world we are still in this world.
I want you to realize that what we are facing right now is so much more than just another battle with COVID-19. The Devil does not like to see a church that is unified. He does not like to see a church that is on fire and doing things for God.
Just think a moment of all the ways God has blessed our church so far this year:
-Visitors
-Souls saved
-Baptisms
-Members added
-Projects completed
-Great offerings
-A great Spirit of unity
Now we face a small setback, no doubt partly orchestrated by Satan himself. Remember, he is the prince of the power of the air. The question is this; how are we going to respond? Are we going to let Satan claim a victory and get us overwhelmed, discouraged, and divided? Let him ruin what God has done in our church so far this year?
This should not be! The Bible begs us “By the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... that there be no divisions among you.” I Corinthians 1:10. What does that mean for you and me, our country, the world, and the church?
You see, friend, “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace...” I Corinthians 14:33. In this era of division, where can we find a solution and receive true peace? It’s only through God! Trust me, I understand, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. So where do we turn? What can we do? How do we overcome fear?
Let me share the secret with you. In the Bible, Jesus reveals the recipe for dealing with feelings of fear. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7.
You see, God doesn’t want us to live in fear! He desires us to know His power, His love, and peace of mind! “There is no fear in love; but perfect love fastest out fear.” I John 4:18.
Remember today to “cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” I Peter 5:7.
We’ll gather together again soon and the church will go on. Satan won’t get the victory so don’t even give thought to him. We’ll pick up right where we left off but most importantly we’ll get through this together! We love you all
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Nacci