Our Relationship With God

November 2022

Dear Friends,

As we approach the most joyful season of the year, Christmas, our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In view of the unprecedented and unpredictable events taking place in our nation and the world, many are filled with fear, anxiety, frustration and confusion. Nonbelievers are “wringing their hands,” while the people of God are “raising their hands” in praise and thanksgiving to God amid perilous times! Psalm 100:4 enjoins us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Thanksgiving and praise ought to be a way of life for all born again believers. When we reflect upon the goodness and greatness of the Lord, declaring who He is, while proclaiming His wondrous works - we are praising Him!

There is so much to be thankful for! I thank the Lord for all of you. I am blessed that so many have responded to the series on hearing the voice of God. Several have commented, “I’m finally understanding it,” “I’m getting it!” and “The Lord is speaking to my heart.” Such positive reports have been greatly encouraging. Also, the spiritual growth of our young people has been greatly uplifting for the entire congregation! Thank you for sowing into their lives and holding them up in your prayers! Investing in our young people is investing in our future!

Developing a relationship with God takes time, commitment, dedication, patience and a deep desire to know the Lord and walk with Him in close fellowship. This does not happen instantly and involves a new life in Christ and a new way of living. Our journey with the Lord is a “faith walk.”

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

The word “without” can indicate the relationship of being “outside” the boundaries or perimeter of a specific space or area. We live within the borders of the State of Ohio. When we cross the state line, we leave its jurisdiction. As citizens and residents of God’s Kingdom, let us remain within its jurisdiction - its borders of faith. We are either living “in” faith or “out” of faith. It is impossible to occupy two places at the same time. We choose faith!

…we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.  ~Hebrews 4:2

…the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ~James 1:3-4

We must first pass the tests in order to qualify. In the Kingdom, there is no such thing as “instantly qualifying.” As we are faithfully and obediently responding to God, we will continue to grow in faith and spiritual strength. The Lord then empowers us to resist the many temptations we face in this ungodly world.

As we walk with God through this process, we will more effectively discern the Lord’s voice – carefully listening to Him, while doing what He instructs us to do, through the Scriptures and the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Lord is not like a drill-sergeant – shouting orders at every moment. He walks with us in a peaceful, quiet, unrushed, enjoyable and leisurely stroll.

Throughout the years, I have witnessed God heal many broken bodies, broken hearts, broken marriages and broken relationships. When my circumstances appeared to be unpromising or disheartening, the Lord was faithful to bring to my remembrance these extraordinary manifestations of His grace, mercy and lovingkindness,. He always makes a way – even when there seems to be no way in the natural realm. We have nothing to fear concerning our needs in these uncertain and trying times; the Lord faithfully sustains His children.

…my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:19

“…blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." ~Jeremiah 17:7-8

Let us remember each other in our prayers, as Paul did.

…I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. ~Ephesians 3:14-21

May the Lord richly bless you and your family in this joyful Thanksgiving and Christmas season!

Blessings,

Pastor Paul