Dear Northside
I hope and pray that the sermon last Sunday ministered to you. I am looking forward
to working our way through the Book of Galatians. The Magna Carta of the Christian
faith. How many of you googled, “What is the Magna Carta?” By grace alone from God
alone by faith alone in Christ alone. This book inspired the Reformation, I pray it will
inspire you too.
We had a wonderful Newcomers Tea last Saturday. It was attended by 34 adults and
10 children. We had a wonderful time getting to know one another and God’s church
here at Northside. The Northside family is growing, praise God. If you missed this one,
watch out for the next one… it won’t be as long a wait!
I saw this article online (so I cannot take credit for it) but it spoke to me in these tough
times in our nation.
A one-word reminder as you struggle in your trials
Do you ever find yourself needing to be re-encouraged when a new challenge careens
into your life? Sometimes, when I’m bearing something heavy, it’s like I have spiritual
amnesia. I resemble the despondent father who pleaded with Jesus, saying, “I do
believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, NIV).
I’ve heard many promises that God is with me, that Jesus has overcome the world,
that I should be strong and courageous, that I should be still. I’ve heard them over and
over, and yet I need to hear them again and again. Maybe that’s why the Holy Spirit
so often speaks to our worries, from Old Testament to New. He knows we’re forgetful,
weak and fearful. He knows how human we are.
Here are two familiar Scriptures I’ve recently revisited (in the NLT). They’ve been the
reminders I’ve needed.
First, from James:
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an
opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance
has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you
will be perfect and complete, needing nothing (James 1:2-4, NLT).
The following passage in Romans helps shed more light on this relationship between
joy and endurance:
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help
us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character
strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to
disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the
Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Rom. 5:3-5, NLT).
The context of each verse is of course different, but their agreement about building
endurance resonates deeply with me.
If you’re a leader, whether at home, at work or in church, you will go through times
where your faith is tested. You will feel helpless or weak.
A single word has been on my mind lately: Persevere.
You and I can be encouraged by Scripture’s many promises in this area. If we allow
the Spirit to fortify our faith, he will help us endure.
God bless,
Pastor Gary