CCOG Newsletter

We have had a week to reflect on our 80th Homecoming (or "oak-iversary", if you will). Multiple people have mentioned that it was one of the best Homecomings in years! That was only possible because of your efforts. Everyone was united in the goal of making this time super special, and it showed. Thank you for inviting guests (whether or not they showed up), and be sure to follow up with them. Those that you invited to Homecoming, invite to our next events. Your persistence did/will pay off.

The food was super delicious, and our June focus of celebration was definitely accomplished. All those who ministered - upfront and behind the scenes - did a great job! Your prayers, giving, cleaning, organizing, inviting, serving, greeting, welcoming, etc. are seen by God. Results are in God's hands. Faithfulness is what He requires of us. Thank you for yours!

Shortly after the Exodus from Egypt, God led the Israelites to Elim, a place of rest and refreshing. Elim had twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees. Here they rested under the cool shade and had plenty of fresh water to drink. Sounds peaceful, right?

But let us rewind a little: Before they arrived at Elim, they came across a body of water in the wilderness of Shur, but were dissatisfied when they tried to drink and found that it was bitter. Understandably frustrated and worn out from their journey, they complained to Moses. Then God told Moses to throw a tree into the water, and the water was immediately made sweet.

But what is this tree a picture of, and what is this bitterness? The Bible records in Deuteronomy 21:22-23 that anyone deserving of death and hanged on a tree is cursed by God. This means that all they can expect is trouble and calamity. Where there is no blessing, there is a curse. This is bitterness. Since we live in a fallen world, we are faced with the very reality of trouble, calamity, and death. And one of those troubles is sickness and disease. But God makes a way for us to escape this trouble - Galatians 3:13-14 records that Jesus became a curse for us when He hung on a tree so that we may inherit the blessing of Abraham - a land flowing with milk and honey! A land of rest and refreshing!

It was at these sweet waters that God revealed Himself as YHWH Rapha - the God who heals us. He is our sweetness. Now, instead of a curse of trouble and sickness, we receive the blessing of peace and healing. Hallelujah!

Come to God in prayer:
1. What bitterness (trouble, sickness, or disease) are you facing right now?
2. How has God turned that bitterness (curse) into sweetness (blessing)?