The economy is shaky.
The stock market is dipping to 16 year lows.
Unemployment is shaking people up.
And yet in the midst of this, God is growing His church! This should not surprise us; however. Jesus said "Upon this rock, I will build my church!" God also promises to add to His church daily!
In January of 2007, we began a remodeling phase to facilitate future growth. A little over two years later, we are reaching the 75-80% point of that growth, meaning that we are in need to build.
Today, I want to encourage you with the Word of the Lord!
Take heart. Be strong and courageous! God has never failed us yet, and He isn't about to start now!
The first Scripture setting is found in 2 Kings...
2 Kings 6:1 (ESV)
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us."
If you continue reading this story, you will find that Elisha and these sons of the prophets built a bigger place to accommodate their growth needs. God made a way, and they worked together.
This building phase that we are about to enter will require "all hands on deck." We need every man, woman, boy, and girl helping out as much as possible. Prayer is the first priority, followed by giving our time, talents, and treasure to see the work accomplished. I look forward to working alongside you as Nehemiah did when the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt.
In fact, Nehemiah brings up the second Scripture God wants me to share with you today...
Nehemiah 2:20a (KJV)
Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build...
God Himself will prosper us with strength and money to accomplish this task. I don't know how God is going to do it, but I know He will. NOW Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen! (Hebrews 11:1)
Notice that it's not "when" or "then" faith.
It's not "yesterday" or "tomorrow" faith.
It's NOW faith!
God's Word is going forth today and it will not return to Him void, but will accomplish the purpose He has sent it to do! (See Isaiah 55:10-11)
I boldly draw a line in the sand today and ask, "Who's on the Lord's side?" If you're willing to possess and act upon NOW faith, then join me in prayer, and join me in giving, and let's see what God will do.
Our Lord promised to prosper us according to how we give...
Luke 6:38 (KJV)
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
It's time to build!
