Happy Monday to all! It was so encouraging to worship with the family of God yesterday. (We apologize to those who may have been watching on the livestream for the glitch that ended the service as we were just starting.) As we investigated Genesis 38, we saw in Judah a messed-up man who was not at that time living for the Lord. We also learned that despite him not walking with God, God was working in Judah’s life to bring Judah back to Himself and fulfill His plan of redemption for the world. As we looked at Judah’s life, we saw that God is watching over us even before we surrender to him. All those wrong choices and evil things we did before and since we were saved, God will use those for our good, the good of His children, and His glory. Also, the evil things that might have been done to us that cannot be undone God will use for good and His glory. We cannot undo what we did, or the evils of others done to us. We can move past the sorrow, regret, and bitterness caused by past sins. We can forgive others for what they have done to us. We can ask forgiveness for sins we have done against God knowing His promise to completely forgive. We can also seek the forgiveness of people we may have wronged. Yes, we can move past the sorrow, regret, and bitterness caused by past sins! Does not this encourage us as we walk with God? Despite all missteps, failures, sins, and wrongs done to us, God is working in and through our lives for our good and His glory. We cannot mess it up! God will not waste one circumstance in the lives of His children as He brings about His eternal purposes.
From Mother’s Day until Father’s Day, we encourage people to pick up a baby bottle and put their change, bills, and checks (make check out to CareNet) in these bottles. On Father’s Day, we will bring these bottles back to the church and then return them to CareNet to support their ministry to help pregnant women in our community choose life and help young moms as they raise their children.
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