Because He Is, You Are

Beloved,

We have nearly completed the first month of the new year of 2020. Wow!!! Is it just me or does it seem like time is speeding up? But, perhaps as is said, "Time flies when you are having fun." While all that we are going through is not fun, I hope and pray that you are experiencing joy.

Sometimes, problems in life can seem overwhelming and I do emphasize SEEM because we know that we are of Christ and Christ has overcome the world. So, what may seem overwhelming is not truly overwhelming if you are a child of God. We must trust in Him and Him alone to see us through all that comes to us or even against us. And, we know that He will provide for every need that we have.

If we have a God like that, if we have a Lord like that, if we have a Savior like that, you would think that we would run to Him time after time.

Do you run to Him?

You see, we are only Christian because we have chosen to be followers of Christ not simply by confessing one religion over another. And, in following Him, we should run to Him and see what He has in store for us each and every day.

Jesus put it this way in John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing."

Do you abide in Christ? Does He give your life meaning and purpose? Do you see yourself as a part of Christ and your wholeness found in Him?

I am a planner and a goal-setter by nature. By nature, I mean that is what I naturally do.

Setting goals, focusing on goals, and attempting to accomplish the goals set is what I naturally do.

Some might call it a formula for success.

But, success, in and unto itself, is not fulfilling. Quite honestly, after the celebration ends, success can be quite draining and emptying which is why some have to keep charging after the next big thing.

But, in Christ, there is another way, a better way, the best way.

While I like achieving goals, my fulfillment comes when I know that I am fulfilling the purposes that God has for my life. I am a true believer that God has destined me to do great things. And, I believe the same thing about each and every single one of you.

You see, Christ said that you can do nothing without Him. You can do something; BUT, what you do may not really matter very much in the big scheme of life as God has envisioned it and your part within it.

When your plans, your purposes, and your passions are aligned with God, His abiding presence will bring great things to pass that will amaze you and others around you. And, you will not feel drained and emptied. No, you will feel invigorated and fulfilled as you become who God has always planned for you to be.

You see, child of God, because He is, you are.

As a reminder, we will not have HOPE Wednesday this evening. We will resume next Wednesday at 6:30pm. May the presence of Christ in your life keep you hopeful for the great things that He can and prayerfully will do in you, through you, and for you as well as others who will be influenced for Christ by you.

I want you to take this Wednesday and reach out to those who have not been joining with us. Encourage them to come without excuse and let them know that, if they come, I (and I hope you agree) believe they will leave with a blessing for having come. As a church family, a growing church family, let us learn together so that we can love better.

And, remember, God loves you and I love you too!

Be blessed,

Rev. Cain