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From Paul’s Pen

            Please pray for Chris, our teens, and adult chaperones attending CYC this weekend. It is a great opportunity for their spiritual growth, and may God protect them in their travels.

            I know everyone is anxiously awaiting the announcement of our next minister. Please continue praying for our elders, their selection, and a smooth transition. Our responsibility is to honor the elders’ decision and love and welcome this new family.

            Do we ever throw ourselves a pity party? It is so easy to do – thinking no one cares about us! I’m reminded of an incident on the Sea of Galilee when the disciples awoke a sleeping Jesus. It was stormy and water was starting to fill the boat – and they were afraid. Listen to their words in Mark 4:38 – “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Yes, the wind was blowing hard, the waves were beating the boat, and water was filling it. But notice who was in the boat – the Son of God and Creator of everything. His response was to calm the storm.

            If we are where we need to be spiritually, Christ is always with us (Matthew 28:19-20). Does He care what is happening to us? Of course, He does. And He can still quiet the storms in our lives. However, if we are not where we ought to be spiritually – if Jesus is not in our boat, it is because we have distanced ourselves from Him. Maybe it’s time to change ships before the next storm and pity party.

            Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

            Too deeply for mirth and song,

            As the burdens press, and the cares distress,

            And the way grows weary and long?

            O yes, He cares, I know He cares,

            His heart is touched with my grief;

            When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

            I know my Savior cares.