20090119

Sunday, January 18 2009

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Even though it’s not the same as being ignorant, you shouldn’t worry even in the midst of the storms in your life. God does not say, “Look around. Look real good. Make sure you have nothing to worry about, and then trust Me.” If you focus on whether or not you really have something to be afraid of, you’ll find what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for something to worry about, you’ll find it. The battle that people have with fear really doesn’t have much to do with whether or not worry exists.

It has everything to do with trust. Everybody, from children to adults, can worry about many things. It can be as a result of circumstances, the past or current experiences, the way you were brought up, or simply because of what people say about you. Do not let any of these things conform you. Instead, what does God say about worry? Don’t worry. What does God say about fear? Don’t be afraid. If you want to get a relief from worry, simply do this one thing: STOP IT! Jesus said, “Don’t worry. I am with you.”

Worry exists because there is the slight possibility that what you worry about will happen. If there was no possibility of it happening, then most of us wouldn’t be worried. But the problem is, it could happen! And that’s where we get in trouble. Don’t plague your mind with “what if” questions. Trust Him! “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 Jn. 5:4-5, NIV)

During this time of global economic crisis, it is time to grow from little faith to great faith. A crisis, whether it’s individually or nationally, reveals our human weaknesses and prompts us to turn to God. When King David was afraid, he put his trust in the Lord. When the people of Israel were in the wilderness, they cried out to the Lord. Today, will you make the decision to trust your Heavenly Father? That’s the best we can do. When you are barraged with worry and fear, why don’t you say, “God, I have no idea what’s going on here, but I choose to trust You. I choose to believe that You’re guiding my steps, even though I feel completely lost. I choose to believe that You are good.”

Remember God’s promises to you. “You will go through the rain, the floods, and the winds. When you pass through the floods, they shall not overflow you, when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil; for I am with you.” Did you notice that all of God’s promises are able to bring you through all the storms of your life? So don’t quit in the middle of your storm. God is preparing you through the storms for a bigger purpose. Storms prepare you to be great. But don't be afraid, that great storm is proportional to make us even greater and stronger.

FRIDAY EVENING PRAYER

Corporate Friday Evening Prayer will be held on January 23rd. Prayer will be held at 7 pm at Ps. Rony's residence.

COMPASSION MINISTRY

Our Compassion Ministry is now offering a ministry opportunity to all members who have burden to involve with community work. This compassion team is planning to provide free professional services such as free tax preparation and free ESL course. If you want to know more about this project, please contact Sister Delia or Irene.

SHARE YOUR TESTIMONIES

When you have testimonies of the marvelous works of God in your life during this 3 weeks fasting, please let one of church staff knows. We can make arrangement for your testimonies. Your testimonies will help and encourage others!!

SATURDAY PRAYER

Every Saturday morning 10 am @ Peter Kurniali’s Residence (We would love to have you all join us.) Please feel free to contact us with any prayer requests or if anyone need personal/congregational prayer support, We are here to help!

CARECELL

All church members are always encouraged to be part of care cell. What is care cell?A CARE cell is a spiritual family where we experience God through relationships with one another. It is also place where we can receive support and encouragement and learn practical truths to help us to grow and overcome challenges of life.

CARECELL CONTACT NUMBER

  • Downtown Area (Wijaya/Angie Elham - 312-731-4621 )
  • Chinatown Area(Felix/Delia Widjaja - 708-351-0594 )
  • Schaumburg(Peter/Sunny Setiawan - 312-863-9407)
  • Libertyville(Akiong/Merry Gunawan - 847-414-4068 )
  • Oswego(Kasih/Tanfie Listiawan - 630-566-8602 )

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