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Pastor’s Blog, January 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012 I want to take time to share some of the things that have happened over the last couple of months at Faith Assembly. For quite some time, I have heard people wondering out loud what has become of the power, signs, and wonders we used to hear about. Truth being told, the power, signs, and wonders have never ceased. But, as it was in Jesus’ day, people will not to see them because they want them to happen a certain way, at certain places, and to certain people. Just as the Jews could not abide the idea of Gentiles being blessed, and of God saving Gentiles, so it is in our day: if power, signs, and wonders are not manifested according to certain fixed conditions, we will rather say it was the devil, than glorify God for His goodness to us. When Jesus delivered a demon possessed man, the Jews said it was by the power of the devil. It grieves me to the heart to hear people talking as if there is a time of blessing “coming,” but choosing not to recognize such blessings as we have seen. First, in the Lord’s perfect time, He directed our attention to a building available, right here in Larwill, which we could use for a meeting place. He provided the means to acquire this building, all paid for, eliminating need to pay monthly rental for a place to meet. As you can see from the pictures here, there is adequate parking, and two adjoining cheerful rooms for holding meetings. But, the provision of the facility is only the beginning. Second, as one might anticipate, the enemy went to work immediately, putting obstacles in our way, trying to discourage us. From the day we received the title deed and keys, it was one thing after another. Some might say this only proves we did not have God’s blessing. And, again, this is just why they are not seeing the power of God. For us, these obstacles have been opportunities to see the power of God manifested, as each obstacle is overcome: 1) multiple broken water lines (because the house had been unheated during several cold months) — all repaired; 2) leaking faucets and fixtures, some needing repair, and others needing to be replaced — fixed; 3) various upgrades and repairs needed for electrical outlets and switches — essentials fixed, other upgrades in progress; 4) a sewer vent that needed to be extended up through the roof — done; 5) a large tree branch that had fallen on the roof (no damage done) — removed without mishap; 6) a tree too close to the house, and a bush growing up around the L.P. gas tank, that needed to be removed — done; 7) the main connection of the sewer line to the city was modified by the previous owner, making it inadequate to handle solid waste without clogging — repaired; 8) leaking drains in upstairs bathroom — being repaired; 9) weakness and unevenness of first floor — braced and jacked up. It is clear that these are not strange things. Anyone who bought this house would have had to do these same things. But, they certainly have been opportunities to see God’s blessing, and if we lightly esteem His intervention, how can we complain we are not seeing “power, signs, and wonders”? As anyone who has done repair work knows, there are multiple opportunities for things to go wrong. In each step of the way, it is appropriate to recognize God’s intervention, and give Him the glory due to Him alone, rather than write everything off as, “well, that was just what you would expect.” Again, to question that we are seeing God’s power, if we are not recognizing His blessings day by day, is to deny Him the glory we owe to Him. Third — let alone the physical work to prepare the place — the move itself went extremely smoothly. We had enough space to put everything we needed in the main house, and the garage was adequate for things we only need to store until we can determine the best way to dispose of them. In the days ahead, I will post more testimonies of God’s faithfulness. But, Lord, let us never be guilty of not having appreciation for Your power manifested in our lives every day!
Monday, January 9, 2012 We are moved into our new location. See December 2011 blog for pictures.
Our new address and telephone number are:
Faith Assembly 201 E Main St Larwill IN 46764 Telephone: 260-327-3085
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