“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. “ Pro. 3:5-6

No matter your level of education, you don’t have all the answers to everything life throws at you. Whether it’s a difficult predicament, an unexpected turn of events, or a tragic loss you may find yourself struggling to solve a problem and explain why something negative has happened.

Sisters and brothers, God has all the answers. You don’t need to look any further or seek comfort from anyone else. He has your best interest in heart. Our Father and our God knows what we need. All we have to do is submit to Him, praise him for the successes in our life, and turn to Him at times of hardship. Our Lord will guide us through everything we do. Let us turn every area of our life over to Him. There’s no halfway with God. We can’t’ choose to follow Him some of the time and ignore Him other times.

If we make Him a vital part of everything we do, He will lead us because we will be working to accomplish His will. God knows what is best for us always! Our father is a better judge of what we need than we are, so we MUST trust Him completely in every choice we make. Amen.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

The Apostle Paul says, “... I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me” and “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12 & 14.  Paul had Jesus Christ in view for his life, and heaven as his ultimate destination. Living for Jesus was a priority for the present and future for Paul. He lived each day with an attitude of “pressing on” regardless of how difficult or challenging life might become for him.  Engaging in faith-building activities with his brothers and sisters in Christ helped him “press on” and ultimately gain the prize by God’s grace.

Here are a few things to help us as we journey toward heaven with our wonderful Lord this month!

1.  Read the daily devotionals in HIS WORD DEVOTIONAL BOOK and read the corresponding chapters in the NEW TESTAMENT. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11

2. Today many have been be looking for a place to visit.  This is an opportunity for us to invite our friends and family who are not Christians to come and hear the truth about our Lord, His

wonderful Church, and salvation through His resurrection.  This is a beautiful truth we embrace as we worship every Lord’s day!

3.  Let’s engage in various acts of kindness to make a difference in the lives of our friends and family.  Let’s love our enemies and do good to as many as possible and follow the example of our Lord and Savior, JESUS THE CHRIST!  

We must “press on” in order to experience life with Christ now and forever.  Let’s be a going church for a coming Lord. 

When you think about love, what does it look like?  Like a precious lady teaching stories of the Bible to a class full of kids?  Like a sweet older couple who are madly in love with one another, hand in hand in faith and love, although their faces are lined with wrinkles and their steps are shortened?  Like the heart of one serving with respect and diligence to put food on the table for hungry mouths and empty bellies at a shelter? Like the innocent face of a newborn baby who is pure and sinless?  There are a lot of people who display selfless, active, and unconditional love each day by their actions. Love is a decision that acts unselfishly, unconditionally, and nonjudgmentally!

THINK ABOUT THIS, LOVE is Jesus Christ … Jesus suffers long, He is kind, He does not envy, He does not parade Himself, He is not puffed up, He doesn't behave rudely, nor does He seek His own, and He is not easily provoked. He thinks NO EVIL and doesn't rejoice in iniquity!  He bears, believes, hopes, and endures ALL THINGS. Jesus is love with flesh and bones. He is a compassionate heart with a loving nonjudgmental look for the worst of us and serves, cares, and sacrifices anyway! He is what Paul was talking about in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6.

Let's do all we can to follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and love with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”  -- 1 John 2:6

“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth . . . I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isa. 43:19  Our life with God is a journey. It may be hard sometimes, but it is a journey worth traveling!  Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations and the only impossible journey is the one you never begin. (Prov. 3:5-6, Jer. 17:7)

We all go though trials and obstacles. (Jam. 1:2-4) God uses events in our lives to shape us, to teach us, and to help us grow. We must  continually try to avoid Satan, confess our sins, and forsake them. Paul advises us to “Put on all of the God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Eph. 6:11) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” Isa. 41:10

New beginnings always bring feelings of excitement, refreshment and thankfulness. This happens at weddings, new births, graduations, retirement, etc. Reflecting on some our “New Westpark Beginnings” (new births in Christ, restored souls, land for a new building, established leadership, first permanent minister), we have a lot to be thankful for. No words can express how blessed we are. Praise and glory to our great God for all of the new things He has done! May His blessings and protection continue to rain down upon us as we continue this journey!

The Joyful Life we seek ... 

Let us rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, Rejoice. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. The blessing of the Lord, it makes it rich, and he added no sorrow with it. So, ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy.

Philippians 4:4, Psalm 16:11, Proverbs 10:22,

John 16:24, Romans 14:17, Galatians5:22