WHAT DO I DO NOW?

What do I do when I am under severe trial, enduring pain of body and mind, and am full of fear? What do I do when dying seems to be easier than living with the circumstances the Lord has given me? The answer for the believer is simple: do the same things you do when the Lord blesses you: worship publicly, pray, and read God’s Word.

What do I do when I don’t understand what God is doing or how He could possibly bring good out of my painful situation? Go to the house of the Lord in the public worship service just like you do when the Lord blesses you. “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.” (Psalm 73:16-17) What do I do when I am so full of fear? Trust the Lord just like you do when the Lord blesses you. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” (Psalm 56:3) What do I do when I feel hopeless and helpless? Look to Christ just like you do when the Lord blesses you. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” (Psalm 121:1) What do I do when I don’t think I have the strength to endure for one more minute? Trust the Lord to be your strength. “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” (Ezek. 34:16)

No matter what our circumstances may be at the moment, let us say with David, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

Pastor

HOW IMPORTANT IS MY GIVING?

In one sense it is not important at all. God does not need my money and lack of generosity on my part is not going to affect the Kingdom of God. God will raise up somebody else to give generously for His cause. But in another sense it is so important that Paul says in II Corinthians 8:8 that giving “Proves the sincerity of your love.” The sincerity of my love is seen more by my giving than what I say. With every paycheck, giving should be the first priority - not waiting to see what is left after the bills are paid and entertainment is taken care of. Love for Christ dictates that I give the first fruits and not the left-overs. What I give and how I give is the test of my love to Christ according to the Scriptures. How important is my giving? Very!

Pastor Todd Nibert

Things that Promote Peace

“Let us therefore follow after the things which promote peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” (Romans 14:19).

1.) Be careful to LOVE one another with a true heart. “Love covers a multitude of failures.”

2.) Avoid a spirit of ARGUMENT AND DEBATE. One may win an argument and lose a friend.

3.) Beware of JEALOUSY. Jealousy destroys happiness and builds suspicion.

4.) Beware of ENVY. Let us learn to rejoice in another’s gifts, blessings, and happiness. God gives as HE will!

5.) Do not MEDDLE in the private lives and domestic affairs of others.

6.) Guard against a TOUCHY TEMPER: “For every trifling thing to take offense shows either great pride or little sense.”

7.) Learn to KEEP A CONFIDENCE. “He that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”

8.) Strive to HEAL DIFFERENCES. “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

9.) Be always ready to FORGIVE ANYTHING. “Forgive us our sins AS we forgive those who sin against us.”