Happy Friday evening church family!

I pray you are able to relax and rest this evening in the blessings of God – how He has given us good things! The extra blessing is that we can say this even when struggling, when hurting and when barely hanging on. Because what we hang on to is that God is faithful – so faithful – and loves us so much! So much that he tarries yet more - even though the world is quickly darkening to a scary level – yet He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9 – a great Awana verse this year!). Our world often is dark and difficult and can overwhelm us – yet His light will shine through.

And God will not wait forever. There will come that promised day when He says “Enough!” On that day all will be made right - justice will be done. Until then, it is increasingly important that we turn to God and urge all around us to do so as well. And Be Ready! Be Ready for the Son of Man’s returning (Matthew 24:44) and at the same time Be Ready to give an answer to the questioning world around you for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15)! As the classic hymn declares: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness!”

-- In faith, Pastor Eric

The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11b-12 NIV