Happy Monday to all! Yesterday, we looked at Genesis 32 where Jacob was returning to the promised land. When Jacob left, he had deceived his father and older brother out of the blessing that usually went to the oldest son. As Jacob came back to the promised land a changed and more mature man, he realized that God would have him seek to reconcile with his brother Esau, whom he had greatly offended. Jacob had to face an exceedingly difficult situation. It is always good to humble ourselves and acknowledge the wrongdoing we have done to others, especially to those who have been the objects of our wrongdoing. Yes, that is difficult. We all, from time to time, must deal with unpleasant situations. Sometimes we put off dealing with unpleasant situation for longer than we should and that unpleasant situation or confrontation we avoid leads to far more difficulties. If we are wise, we will prayerfully seek God’s guidance in dealing with unpleasant situations as God leads us but doing it sooner rather than later. Believers can do the difficult things in life if we remember certain truths. First remember, God goes ahead and with His children as we walk with Him. There is never anything we have to deal with that God has not prepared the way for us. Remember also, God’s children’s faith is tested and grows as we face with these difficult situations. Also, remember we do not have to wait for our faith to be totally complete to deal with difficult things, because it never will be fully completed in this life. God comes to us and helps us in our imperfect faith to do the hard things. God guides and goes with us as we obey Him in the difficult tasks of life.
I do not say this enough, but I am so grateful for those of you who faithfully serve in our weekly Bible studies and worship. Our Bible study teachers work hard to help us understand God’s Word. Also, those who are on the worship team and run the sound and video systems during worship give of themselves continually to help us worship our great God. Thank you to all of you who serve the Lord week after week.
During the month of April, we will be taking up the Annie Armstrong for North American Missions. All the money given goes to reaching people and starting churches all over North America.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other. None of us know fully the burdens our brothers and sisters in Christ might be carrying.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church