::truth::
Trusting God
An insightful observation was given at our “pot-luck” service last week. Why is it easier to trust and depend on God during hard times than in times of abundance? As I reflect on this observation I am struck at the need we have to put ourselves in places where we must trust in God. In times of hardship, we must trust in God – we have no other option! In times of plenty we must step outside of our comfort zone and trust God for things only he can do.
I am reminded of a great man of faith – George Mueller. In his lifetime Mueller established 5 orphanages and cared for over 10,000 orphans. And this he did to glorify God for His faithfulness. In Mueller’s words:
“The three chief reasons for establishing an Orphan-House are: 1. That God may be glorified, should He be pleased to furnish me with the means, in its being seen that it is not a vain thing to trust in Him; and that thus the faith of His children may be strengthened. 2. The spiritual welfare of fatherless and motherless children. 3. Their temporal welfare.”
John Piper, in his autobiographical sermon on George Mueller, brings the point out:
“That was the chief passion and unifying aim of Mueller’s ministry: live a life and lead a ministry in a way that proves God is real, God is trustworthy, God answers prayer. He built orphanages the way he did to help Christians trust God. He says it over and over again”
This is a challenge for our church and for each of us to be willing to do hard things and go to hard places that we may experience the faithfulness and dependability of God. And in doing so, we commend His faithfulness and dependability to a world that is both cynical and searching!
So – where will that journey take you?
The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom
::prayer::
Jim P. -Â Pray for Rick’s salvation.
Wendy A.- Please pray for the folks going on the ECHO work day next Saturday. Pray safety as they travel, energy as they work, joy as they share fellowship and that God be given all the Glory!
Sandee L.- Pray that I would continue to trust God as I go through a stressful time at work. Pray that Jordan, Nichole and Brett would keep focus on God.
Debbie S.- Please pray for Lon’s Mom, Lu, who is in a nursing/rehab home and not doing very well. Also, please pray for Josh as he travels to Alabama Saturday. Also, pray for a Christian roommate to share an apartment in Titusville.
Maurice B.- Pray for Floyd Allen – in need of work. He’s a skilled handyman and equipment operator.
Nancy W.- Pray for Janna who is experiencing heart palpitations (went to ER Wednesday night). She needs to follow-up in Gainesville with an Electro-Cardiologist. Keep praying for wisdom and discernment for opportunities in Morocco next school year.
Pray for our Winter outreach and service opportunities:
- December 4-5th – ECHO trip to Ft. Meyers – volunteers needed.
Check out some service opportunities at The Church of West Orange website. The Church of West Orange is a coalition of churches in our area seeking to be “The Church” to our community! Good stuff.
Check the church “directory” on our website so you can follow-up you prayers with a call or email! (http://swchurchonline.org)
::community::
Light-Up Winter Garden: Join our community this Friday night for an evening of “Lessons and Carols” to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Invite a friend to join you at 6PM in downtown Winter Garden. Click for more info.
Opportunities to be Jesus to our community:
- December 6th – Toy Sunday – to provide toys for Project Angel Tree for Edgewood Children’s Ranch. Just pick an “angel” off the tree at the Y.
- December 13th – Sock Sunday – to provide socks for those who need them. Bring a new package of socks to church!
- December 20th – Undie Sunday – to provide underwear for those who need it. Ditto above!
- December 27th – Car for the Kongs Sunday – Final Sunday for special offering to support Joe and Kay Kong in Cambodia
We are glad you were born!
- Anthony Lyons – December 2
- Darlene Morales – December 6
- John Kelly – Â December 11
Sunday Servants!
- Set-up: Jeff & Tony
- Nursery: Jolene Small
- Snacks: Patti Tindall
- Prayer: Anthony Lyons
::mission::
Outreach Idea of the Week: Serve through the Season: Do you know anyone in your neighborhood who is elderly or who has a hard time getting around. Offer to help them with their holiday preparations. Put up their Christmas lights, help them wrap presents, or even take them shopping. When they ask the “reason for the season” let them know!?
Linda Pace (Home Assignment from Dominican Republic) – Continue to pray for Linda as she cares for her ill mother. Pray for the Bible Studies that she was involved in while in the DR, that they will continue and those in attendance will grow in Christ.
Tim & Penny Iverson (Taiwan) – Taipei Nangang Church has sent a team for the 4th time this year this week-end to assist with outreach. Pray for open doors for the message.
