FROM THE PASTORS DESK...
I don’t know about you, but I am more than excited about the days which lie just ahead. Though we are experiencing one of the most long lasting and costly droughts in the history of our great state; though our nations and other nations around the world are experiencing a financial drought likened only to the great depression of the 1930's; and though the souls of millions of Americans seem to be spiritually bankrupt, I am excited beyond description.
I am excited about the future because I know past performance is always indicative of future performance. You see, I know God personally and He is the same today as He has always been. Throughout history, when man allowed himself to degenerate to the lowest levels, God was looking for a time and method to restore him. Every time in history when man seemed destined to self-destruct, God’s power and glory were demonstrated at the highest level. Well, as I observe the situation our world is in, I see that God is about ready to knock our socks off with a display of His glorious power! I’m not sure exactly how it’s going to happen, but I am believing it’s about to take place.
Revival in the land: It’s happened before and it’s about to happen again. I’m believing it can actually begin
right here at Forest Hills. I know, some will say I’m being spiritualistic or even naive to even think such a thought, much less say it. But I honestly believe it. I have seen our church on fire for God: impacting lives and community. I have also seen Satan tear families within our fellowship apart; rip families out of our fellowship; and wreak havoc upon the church. Honestly, I see Forest Hills at its lowest ebb of the sixteen years of my ministry here. And you know what? That’s why I am so excited! I know God, and I know that when we are at our weakest, He is at His strongest! God is about to knock the socks off of F.H.B.C. and the surrounding community. Get ready. It will be a ride you’ll never forget. I am already seeing the signs. Men and women are gathering together to pray as they have not done in years. Lost and unchurched families are being identified and prayed over; not superficially but with tears of compassion and pleadings of intercession. Christians are boldly going where none have trod before in order to share the gospel with friends and neighbors.
God is doing something folks and the big question is, do you want to be a part of it? In John 5, Jesus shares three choices each of us must make if we have any hope of experiencing God’s glorious and restorative power. First, we must choose to “remain in” Him. In John 15:4 Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.”
Finding the perfect truth sometimes seems difficult. Jesus said, “I am the way, the TRUTH and the life” (John 14:6, emphasis mine) and when we discover Him, we must become absorbed into His perfect truth and then remain there. Second, we must choose to “obey” Him. In John 15:10 Jesus said, “Obey my commands.” Obedience is something that has lost its appeal in our world, but it is of paramount importance to the Christ follower. Isaiah said “All of us, like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his OWN way.” (Isaiah 53:6, emphasis mine). To be used of God, we must leave our own way and follow the way of God, which is Christ Jesus (See John 14:6 again). Third, we must choose to “love” like God loves. In John 15: 12 Jesus said, “Love each other as I have loved you.” Our love always has parameters, conditions and strings attached. Not God’s love. God’s love is totally unconditional and is rarely seen in our world. Loving like God loves is a choice we make, and one for which we will surely be criticized.
Our church and community are ripe for a powerful and glorious movement of God. There are signs of it beginning, but if we are to truly experience all that God desires to do in our church and community, we must choose correctly. Get ready to see a mighty and miraculous work of God!
In His Love,
Bro. Mitch
