Uplook - January 4, 2025

Saturday greetings from the Philippines and a most happy new year to you all.  

We spent New Years Eve in a watchnight service here which featured many testimonies of God’s goodness throughout the past year and hopes for the new one.  The saints gathered in front of the church  following the service  where they barbecued hot dogs and marshmallows to usher in the new year.    After much preaching and praying during the campmeeting which ended last Monday, my voice was nearly gone but has recovered mostly and I will preach tomorrow afternoon’s anniversary service for the Philippine HQ church.  We will travel early next week to visit churches on the east side of the island of Luzon retuning on Wednesday for Bible Study and then meeting with pastors on Thursday before our return home on Friday.  It is hot and humid here which is quite a switch from Seattle but the Spirit of the Lord has the same sweetness as at home.   Please continue to pray for us.  

I will do a Bible Study in our Salay church on Monday evening and have chosen Psalm 3 for my text.  Consider the words.  

Lord, How are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. 2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, And he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, That have set themselves against me round about. 7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: Thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.  Psalm 3:1-8

David was fleeing from his son Absalom, who had seized the throne.  Challenging times indeed.  Yet the Psalm gives us a model to follow during our hard times.  First there was a declaration to God of the desperate situation.  Then a reminder of the covenant promises of God’s promised protection,  glorious presence, and encouraging hope.  Following that came a simple prayer with assurance it would be heard by God.  And then simple trust in and provision by God.  A call to banish fear and a final declaration calling on God to arise and save…reminding of the past where God has triumphed over enemies and challenges.  And a final declaration that God is in control and has promised blessing to us as His covenant people.  

I’m not sure what any of us will encounter during the new year but I am sure of God’s love and providence toward us as His beloved covenant people.  May we be challenged not to lose hope no matter the circumstances but to hold on tightly to God’s promises.  

God bless you all.  

BB

William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Recent

Archive

Categories

Tags

no tags