Weekend Review

Wonderful, refreshing, encouraging, powerful were words that people used to describe the presence of the Lord this past Sunday at New River Worship Center.  I read some of those same words on other social media sites as people spoke about their services in the local churches in which they attend.  I truly believe that God will minister to His people even during times of difficulty and challenge.  The God that we serve and trust is alive and He dwells among His people and sees all that each one of us are facing as we travel the road of life. 

We realize that we are living in some "unique" times to say the least.  We are seeing problems and challenges across the wide spectrum of life but we know where to place our confidence.  The Apostle Paul wrote about some of these "unique" times in his day but he refused to lose his hope and faith.  Let us remind ourselves of some of the challenges that he saw among the people of his day.  2 Corinthians 4:8-9, "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--" (NKJV)  Paul understand that challenges were on every side but he also knew that God would never leave or forsake him regardless of what difficulties that he was facing.  We must remain steadfast in our belief in the promises of God.  There are times that we will be encouraged to praise and magnify God even in the midst of these "unique times."  And as we put these principles into action in our lives we are able to see the presence of God revealed in some marvelous ways.  Take some time to praise and honor God today regardless of what you are feeling or what you are seeing.  God is in the midst of your challenges, just remember the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace.  The presence of God was in the midst of their fire.  God is in the midst of your fiery trial today!