Sunday Words of Encouragment June 28, 2015

We had a lovely Sunday School visit with our Brother E from Haiti. He spoke in stumbling English (since none of us could translate his French or Creole) and shared his thanks for us in a similar fashion as Paul gave thanks to the believers in Philippians 1:3-11. “E” was not in prison but he was imprisoned by poverty and a defeated spirit. As “E” noted, it is amazing that “E” came to our community and met our Sunday School teacher at church and on the street. In other words, the hand of God put us together. There are times we question “why” we have troubles and struggle, then, at a future time it becomes clear. God knows who you will become and He is faithful if we will only submit to God’s plan.

“E” was like Jonah - running from a mission because he didn’t have the resources to teach in an area controlled by voodoo worshipers. He came to America hoping only for work so he could send money home to his own family. Instead, God provided the backing, prayer and financial, to return and claim the area for Christ!

“E” is certain that even God’s light can shine through darkness of voodoo worship. The land that has been purchased was once used for voodoo worship but, as “E” acknowledged, God owns all the land (Psalm 123) and the work is protected by God’s hand (Psalm 91). The plan is to set up a building and start teaching 100 children (Proverbs 22:6) in September! Brother “E” prays for wisdom, prayer support and generous giving that rewards the giver. Corinthians Proverb 19:17. He closed saying that he reminds himself daily to be like Joshua: Don’t be discouraged.

We then had a very moving praise, worship and healing prayer time. This led to Pastor’s Sermon titled: God’s Grace Changes Things. Pastor’s message came from Haggai 2:1-9. Haggai admonished the people to stop looking at the past, at “better days.” God had restored to them freedoms and help to rebuild the temple even though it did not match it’s former glory. But instead of praising God for the restoration the people grumbled.  God wants us to keep our focus on the positive promises and blessings. Haggai reminded the people to ‘be strong.... Do not fear’ (v4-5). Faith is a walk, it is not a sit. Any mistakes we make, as humans, are only temporary. Don’t give up for the best is yet to come. God will fill His house with greater glory (v9).

Interestingly this song seems to go with both messages:

God is stronger than the darkness and His glory is forever!

Verses for Today:
Haggai 2:6-9
6 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”


I am so glad that God's light does shine in the darkness and that we are victorious through His Grace. God has a plan that we can rely on even though we do not understand His ways.