by George | Jun 22, 2021 | Community News, Newsletter
June Community Church Ministry Newsletter
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
What a difference a year makes! This time last year, we were reluctant to do any community events because we were concerned about the risks of Covid 19 for our workers, and the people we ministered to.
By faith we decided to do 5 back to school events. We did to go plates and gave out school supplies.
This year, we are completing a busy June schedule of 6 events, and prayerfully planning 7 back to school events in July.
Also in July, we look to purchase hoodies for our Christmas events. (They are cheaper in July!)
Please help us pray about several things:
- Volunteers to help with the events.
- Good weather and receptive audiences.
- Funds to pay for the hoodies.
- Churches, groups and individuals to catch the vision of reaching their neighborhood. Our desire is to expand into many other communities.
You may be facing challenges as well. I pray the Lord will meet your needs. Don’t be anxious or afraid. Remember:
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
Blessings,
G
by George | May 28, 2021 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
What A Difference A Year Makes
“So an officer on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God and said, “Look, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” And he said, “In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”
II Kings 7:2
My wife told me that she found cans of disinfectant marked down to $2 at a store yesterday. One year ago, it was hard to find ANY disinfectant spray. If you did, it was probably at least $5! I don’t think any of us would’ve believed that one year later, the price would be so low.
The famine was really severe in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet.
Prices were inflated on what little was left.
“There was a great famine in Samaria; and behold, they besieged it, until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a fourth of a kab of dove’s dung for five shekels of silver.”
2 Kings 6:25
The meaning of “dove’s dung” is unclear, but you get the picture. There was very little food available. People were also resorting to cannibalism.
The outlook was bleak.
Yet, God inspired Elisha to prophesy:
“Then Elisha said, “Listen to the word of the LORD; thus says the LORD, ‘Tomorrow about this time a measure of fine flour will be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.’ ”
2 Kings 7:1
Hearing this, an officer of the king, his “right hand man” sneered and said it was impossible. No way this could happen.
Elisha answered him and said that the officer would see it, but wouldn’t get to eat any of it.
Read the rest of the chapter. It’s a really cool story about how God ended the famine, in a very unconventional way.
Remember what Jesus said: “And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
Keep praying in faith, believing that God will answer, even when man says it’s impossible.
Oh, and don’t forget to go buy some disinfectant while it’s cheap!
by George | May 25, 2021 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
Did You Forget To Drink Water?
“And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.”
Mark 6:31
I was using the flashlight app on my phone this morning. An add popped up for another app. This one sends you reminders to drink water.
Seriously? A reminder to drink water? Are we THAT busy?
Jesus and the disciples were very busy. He had sent them out 2 by 2 to the surrounding areas. He gave them power over the demons and to heal the sick. The disciples were very successful!
“So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.”
Mark 6:12-13
They came back to Jesus to give Him a report.
Oh, and right around this time, John the Baptist was beheaded.
In addition to the busyness of ministering to others, Jesus was dealing with the loss of John the Baptist.
Jesus is the Son of God, but came in human form.
He got tired. He slept on occasion.
He instructs the disciples to come apart.
We use this verse to instruct folks to take care of themselves.
But, it doesn’t seem it happened right away.
“But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.”
Mark 6:33-34
Then, He feeds the 5,000.
I would like to think at some point they did get to stop and rest.
I think that the lesson in all this is that we do need to take time to rest.
Vance Havner said:
“Come ye yourselves apart…, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31) is a must for every Christian. If you don’t come apart, you will come apart!”
