Faith Free Will Baptist Church news
Good morning to you. Hope you are having a great week. I was reading in the Book of James this week. There is some really good Scripture reading for us found there. Let's read Chapter 1: verses 1:12: (1) James, a servant of GOD and of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. (2) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not the man think that he shall receive any thing of the LORD. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (9) Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted [glory in his high estate]: (10) But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. (11) For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but [scorching wind and] it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth; so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. (12) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the LORD hath promised to them that love him.
Trials come in various categories. They may be physical, emotional, financial, relational, or spiritual. They may slip in unexpectedly and knock on the door of your business, your Church, or your home. They may arrive at any time or season. They may come suddenly, like a car accident or a natural catastrophe. They may be prolonged, like a long drawn out court case or a lingering, nagging illness. Trials can be public in nature or very private. They can be directly related to our own sin, the sin of others, or not related to sin at all.
A trial can be like a rock hitting the water. You don't cause the jolt, but you are impacted by it. You are just standing there, and suddenly the smooth lake of your life surges into giant waves and almost drowns you. Finally, some trials seem to blow in absolutely without reason. James says we experience trials so that we may be become "perfect and complete," like a plant that has matured to its maximun growth and fruitfulness. That, he says, is the "perfect result" of endurance."
Most often, because of the discomfort, the pain, or the hardship, we try to cut our trials short -- to put an end to them. Before long, we are resenting them to such an extreme that we will try anything to escape, to run from them. Instead, James says, endure the trial; let it come to completion. When it does, you will be a better person for it. Remember this: Nothing touches me that has not passed through the hands of my HEAVENLY FATHER. Nothing. Whatever occurs, GOD has sovereignly surveyed and approved. We may not know why (we may never know why), but we do know our pain is no accident to HIM who guides our lives.
One thing is for sure. We don't all look, act, and receive trials alike. We, also don't dress alike, we have different taste in the foods we eat, the cars we drive, and the music we enjoy. We all have similar backgrounds, goals and motivations. We work at different jobs, and we enjoy different hobbies. We have our own unique way of raising our children and education. Our weights vary. Our heights vary. So does the color or our skin. But there is one thing that we all have in common - that is our trials and suffering. We all know what it means to hurt.
Suffering and trials are a universal language. Tears are the same for all of us. Our dreams fade, we may express anguish in different ways, but each one of knows the sting of pain and heartache, disease and disaster, trials and suffering. Truly pain, suffering. and trials is the common thread in all our garments. Can you imagine going through such times without JESUS CHRIST? I can't. But frankly, that is what most people do! They face those frightening fears and sleepless nights without CHRIST.
Let's face it, it is inevitable. We will continually encounter trials and hardships. And people disappoint us. We disappoint ourselves. But GOD is constant and compassionate. We are not alone. HE cares. Against all reason, GOD loves us so much that HE has committed HIMSELF to us. The questions is, are we committed to HIM?
Trust HIM to work through the trials you encounter, through the extreme circumstances you can not handle on your own. HE is still the GOD of impossible situations. HE does what no earthly individual can do.
Remember, HE is fully aware of the trials in your life. The next time your life is filled with GOD-appointed storms, two things should comfort you. First - we all have storms in our lives, Second - believe it or not, we all need them. GOD has no other method more effective. The massive blows and shattering blasts (not to mention the little, constant irritations) smooth us, humble us, and compel us to submit to HIS script and HIS chosen role for our lives.
Wherever you are in this journey called life, wherever you may be employed, wherever you may in your home life, wherever you may be in your age, your health, or your lifestyle, GOD may be preparing you for a great surprise in order to find you faithful. Rather than running from HIM, Run toward HIM!
Are you weary? Guilty? Distressed? Come to the SAVIOR. Come immediately, come boldly. And be at rest. When was the last time you came to the LORD, all alone, and gave HIM your load of care? GOD does not dispense strength and encouragement like a druggist fills a prescription. The LORD doesn't promise to give us something to take so we can handle our weary moments. HE promises us HIMSELF and to be there! That is all and that is enough!
If you do not have a regular Church home, we invite you to Worship right here with us at 123 N. Oak Street in Holdenville. Our Services on Sundays are Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. with Morning Worship Services at 10:30 a.m. We also have Children's Church at 10:30 a.m. with Bro. Adam Abel, our Associate/Youth minister. Our Sunday Evening Worship Services start at 6:00 p.m. On Wednesday nights we have Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. while the Youth have their own classes. Nursery provided for all Services and classes for all ages on both Sundays and Wednesday nights. Come Join Us - WE LOVE VISITORS! GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILIES this week!
