I’m excited you’ve joined our church family in this exciting adventure as we experience The Power of Everyone coming together to thank and seek God.  Over the next 21 days we’ll pray, fast and seek God’s direction personally and for our church.  I hope you’ll pause at 10pm each night and pray for about 10 minutes; do this individually, as a couple, or as a family.

For the next 21 days on this blog, I’ll list a scripture for you to read and consider.  I’ll also share a few thoughts of my own, but my primary desire is that you ask God to reveal to you what this passage means in your life and how you should apply it.  I would also ask that you pray and ask God to speak to the hearts of all the people in our church about this particular passage.  It’s going to be a great adventure.   Bless you – Pastor BJ

Nov. 4                   Phil 4:12-13

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I’m not sure we understand the significance of this passage because most of us have never really been in need.  Yes, there have been times when things have been tough and we weren’t sure how we’d make ends meet, but we’ve rarely experienced the issue of really being “in need”.  

You may not agree with me on this, but would you at least consider the following thought.  When I think of people who are really in need – I think of the kids who make up the Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa who were with us on Wednesday, October 22.  When these kids return to Kenya, many of them will return to situations where they will not know if they’ll have a meal the next day.  A number of them have lost their parents; either one or both.  Even a good drink of water is not something they can take for granted.  They are “IN NEED”. 

Here’s what’s so amazing to me; they are some of the most joyful kids I’ve ever met.  They‘ve learned what it means to be content even in the most severe conditions.  When I asked Abbu Odhiambo (one of their sponsors) why they have so much hope and joy in spite of their circumstances, he shared with me; “The fact that they’ve allowed God to come into their lives and Jesus to be the Lord of their lives and the fact that they’ve surrendered their lives to Christ – that in itself brings joy instead of sorrow.”   These children demonstrated for us the truth of Phil. 4:13; “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” 

Here’s the deal folks; real joy and hope – real contentment doesn’t come from things.  Joy, hope & contentment come from an authentic relationship with Christ.  Over these next 21 days check out your pursuits.  Would you consider carefully if the things you are pursuing will actually bring you the things you want at the deepest level of your life?