It is through prayer that Calvary will move forward. It is through us crying out to God with all kinds of prayer, with perseverance, for everyone, through the help of the Spirit that the gospel of Jesus Christ will advance in our community. We cannot rely on programs or strategies or our strength to get done what God has called us to do, it is only through God’s help that we will see anything significant take place in this community. Praying is a sign of our desperation that we need God!

And God is answering prayer all the time…

We started in earnest praying once again for God to continue shaping us into a unified people, and I see and sense evidence of that when we gather. It is refreshing to walk, serve and worship among people who are like-minded. I love gathering together with you.

We’ve also been praying for God to meet our financial needs above what we deserve or expect. I continue to see God doing just that. Some weeks we are not hitting it out of the park financially, but I’ve seen God move powerfully in hearts in the last several weeks and have witnessed grand slam giving. Your response to God’s leading in giving has kept us above the water line. Thank you for responding generously to a God who is generous above all.

Finally, we just began praying for ten new families or individuals and God has added the first – welcome home to M.R. & Harriet Jones. It’s wonderful to see God answer so quickly and people respond so faithfully.

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18)

Life is war! Pray that God would prepare us to meet the daily challenges of the battle. Love one another by praying for one another. Pray as the Spirit directs you. Pray without quitting. Always pray depending on the Spirit of God to intercede and interpret your prayers for the glory of God and the benefit of His people.

Grace & Peace,

School is back in session! Most of our students, teachers, administration and staff started classes last Monday, and that means only 175 more days until summer vacation. Some of you are wondering, “How am I ever going to make to the end?” At times it can be overwhelming, think about it…papers to write, papers to grade, parent meetings, quizzes, tests, field trips, game days, snow days, exit exams, flu season, cold season, Christmas break fever, early mornings, late nights, anxiety attacks, band practice, spirit week, prom, career fair, class pets, science fair, driver’s ed, and the list goes on and on and on and…

How do we get to the end? We get to the end one day at a time. Perseverance is king when we look at a school year that begins in mid-August and lasts until the end of May. Quitting is not an option for our kids. We pray them through the tough times, we rejoice with them through the good times, and we walk them through each day giving them the assurance that we’ll always be there for them.

But the great truth of perseverance is not just for our kids, it’s for all of us; we all need it in every area of life. Perseverance isn’t just good for school days, it’s good for friendship, it’s good for worship, it’s good for exercising, it’s good for marriage, it’s good for careers, it’s good for parenting, it’s good for paying our bills, it’s good for taking care of aging relatives, it’s good for praying, and it’s good for walking with Christ.

The Bible has a lot to say on the topic of perseverance.

“…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1b-3)

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

“…The one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22b)

Imagine where we would be if Jesus quit. In what is God prompting us to persevere?

Grace & Peace,