Today’s message at Cloverhill was a continuation of God’s mercy! After writing the post on Friday I made a conscious effort to “work on some things”!  I woke up and asked a dear friend to spend time with me listening to my heart.  On a 2o minute notice we were at Starbucks. The conversation brought a sense of companionship in the journey of life.  It motivated me to move from ruminating and fear to purposeful joy.

At Cloverhill God answered a prayer.  Being a new person at a church is hard. You watch everyone know each other. It’s hard to feel lonely at church. You are still in the “Welcome to Cloverhill” category.  A friend of mine visited and it brought me great joy to sit next to her and worship.  Thank you Jesus.  During worship I began to think of our world and just cried out to God, “God please help us!”  Later in the sermon the Pastor discussed the state of Western Christianity in light of those who are martyred for their faith.  He said, “God please help us!”  YES!  A Holy Spirit Connection.  He also quoted our verse from Friday….

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

He shared about Mercy and I was blessed by the connection that he knew nothing about……Thank you Jesus!

The sermon today was on the church in Smyrna.  So powerful!  Revelation 2: 8 – 11.  This church was suffering from persecution for their faith, but they kept the faith.  They knew that even death would not keep them from Jesus.  I was reminded and convicted that in this world there is suffering.  Period.  We are to know Jesus not only in His Glory, but ALSO in His suffering.

Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Philippians 3:10

The pastor humbly shared that he was embarrassed about some of the things in life that discourage him in his faith.  “Me too!  Tired of it!”

Suffering exists in our lives as Christians.  To know Jesus, you will know suffering, yet within that suffering HE is glorified! His mercy!  Glorified!

Because we suffer, it should not sway us from our faith!  Run the race!  Keep the faith!  Fear not!

A song we sang in worship moved me after the sermon.  SING LIKE NEVER BEFORE… A NEW SONG…AND….

The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Oh Jesus, get us off this emotional roller coaster ride of good day/bad day.  Help us to number our days and bring You glory in all things.  Through tears let us rejoice.  In anger let us be captivated by Your love and sovereignty.  In shame let us see Your mercy and grace. In depression let us see Your hope.  In poverty let us see the richness of Your love.  In confusion let us know your discernment, and peace in the waiting.  Bless the Lord, O my soul!  Help me to sing a new song like never before!  He shared this one verse….”Consider Him….”  I just kept thinking….Consider Him!  We consider so many things, why not Consider HIM!  Consider Him who loves you, adores you, created you, will never leave you, nor forsake you!

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:3

Consider Him as you worship, listening to the song below!