CCOG Newsletter

I regularly contradict the statement that we should not question God. The Bible never tells us not to ask "Why?" or "How long?" or "Do you even care?!" In fact, we see often in the Psalms, Job, and sometimes in prophetic literature that those who love God also question Him. That - the fact that we love God - is the caveat. If we do not have a foundation of faith, questioning God will likely lead to further doubt, resentment, and the possibility of turning away from God entirely.

Those of us who love God will be able to lament from a place of trust. We trust that God is working all things - good and awful - for our good. We trust that His plans for us reach far beyond the struggle that we currently see. We trust that even when we are hurting, He is still the answer. As we focus on prayer, remember that lamentation - crying out to God with our questions - is an acceptable and necessary type of prayer.

Hey friend,
How are you?
No, really - how are you doing?

There has been so much unraveling in the world at times I think my head is spinning. From the dreaded files, to the scandals unfolding in the church it seems that places we regarded as safe and even innocent - are going up in flames.

But do you know what isn't spinning out of control?
The Kingdom of Heaven.

God is still on His throne, and He is in full control - and in full peace.

If we are honest, we can even say that we may have expected some of this shaking to come, even though we are trying not to lose our footing.
We pray and we cry out for revival and God is eager to send it, but there always comes a purifying first.

God is after our hearts, not our comfort level.

However let's remember that the presence of God is our comfort.
He is Home.
He is where our hearts feel complete, He is where our minds rest.
He is where our faith is expanded, and our joy is complete.
So if you find yourself lacking any of that today take time to run to your Father.
He is jealous for you, and it is His good pleasure to settle your heart, and quiet your mind.

We are surely strangers here. Pilgrims passing through. No wonder we feel misplaced. If you are feeling homesick for a country you haven't visited yet - know it is your spirit crying out for the living God, and your eternal residence in heaven.
He is our home - and we have full access to the peace of His spirit every moment of every day.

So come hell, high water, or more files – know that you are only passing through this world. Heaven is our home, and we are on the winning side.