Finding Stability During Transitions

by Lynn Marie Gault

Most of my adult life was full of transition. As an Army wife, I moved every 2-3 years for 22 years. My piano would be dragged onto the moving van yet again. I’d hug my closest girlfriends and cry my heart out yet again. And then, I would start over in a new place, a little lost, a lot forlorn, starting friendships yet again from scratch.

But, what I have found over the years is that transitions are powerful places where God does transformation in our lives. I have found that God meets me during those days when my life is tilted by change. Isaiah 33:6 says “He shall be the stability (faithfulness, sure foundation) of your times…the fear of the Lord is your treasure.” During transition, I find God hangs onto me very tightly.

Colossians 3:14-15 has been a passage of Scripture which has ministered to me recently, during this time of transition at First Baptist. Verse 14 begins with “beyond all these things”….God’s priority about to be revealed…”put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Sisters, let me say, that God’s love is like a wonderful warm blanket that wraps around us collectively and holds us close; despite the winds of change which may blow. Nestled there, close to the heart of God, we find comfort together.

And then (vs. 15), we are able to “let the peace of Christ RULE in our hearts to which we were called in one body; and be thankful.” I don’t know what’s ruling in your heart today, but if it’s anything, or anyone, other than Christ…it’s time to allow Him sole reign in your heart again. Your heart was created only for Him. Peace comes when He sits on your throne!

Because Singles are COOL!

Why is it that singles tend to think there's something wrong with them and that’s why they’re single? I hear it a lot. They feel they are in some way not good enough, not smart enough, not good looking enough, not thin enough, and their laugh is annoying.

Sound familiar? Actually, single, widowed or married, who hasn't had those thoughts? Satan has an annoying way of finding the things we're most self conscious about and turning them into the things we obsess about.
But what would happen if we started obsessing on looking at what God sees in us? Instead of obsessing about the negative, we obsess about the positive. It's a hard thing to do. Not often do we hear God audibly say to us, "You are beautiful. I created you to look exactly the way you do, to be as smart as you are, and maybe you could lay off the carbs but those extra pounds you're carrying don't make me love you any less. And that laugh you find so annoying? It brings me absolute joy!"

The State of the Ship Going Forward

by Pastor Chuck Gaines

Moving Forward?   To say the least!   God is working in some very special ways and it brings great joy and peace to our hearts to see His Hand at work.  True we are undergoing some unexpected changes in our leadership which temporarily startled us but we once again have our footing.  We know who we are in Christ and we are listening carefully for our Lord’s directions on where and how to get where we need to be.    

These changes are not a road block but rather a great opportunity to grow closer to our Lord as a staff and a body in ways that will continue to bring glory to God.   It calls for each of us to depend more on Him and less upon ourselves. This, obviously, is His church and our biggest difficulty going forward is not whether He has established  a way for us but rather to discern the way He wants us to go and then to follow Him. The staff and leadership of FBCEG are diligently seeking him and listening carefully to hear His voice.  Satan is busy at work, no doubt, however Jesus has long since defeated him and declared His church impervious to his destructive goal.

Praise God - Jesus Meets Us Where We Are

by Pastor Bill Maxon

God is always at work around us working wonders. But, in the midst of all of the wonders that God is performing, I have to admit that lately I have not always been joyful. I have had a little trouble seeing the wonder.

I have to admit it, because the Bible calls us to confess our faults one to another – because in our admission, Jesus heals (see James 5:16). The healing is not only for the one who speaks, but also for the one who listens. Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to constantly talk of God’s faithfulness. In sharing the Holy Spirit supplies hope, power and direction for life. So in obedience I share this recent encounter, hoping that in it, you will be blessed and encouraged, and knowing that by it, healing, peace and comfort are promised to follow.