It’s all in the Details!

Our Creator sure paid attention to the details throughout His creation. Even in a dying weed in Simpson Park, I see the details that make God’s creation so amazing.

Even more incredible is the fact that God pays attention to and even DELIGHTS in the details of our lives. When I came across this verse, I had to read it twice!

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23 NLT)

He DELIGHTS in the details of your life! Let that sink in. Getting the kids to practice on time; finalizing the plans for your wife’s birthday; arriving at work early to help a friend on a project… You get the idea, right? He cares. He delights.

What do we do with that information? HONOR HIM ALWAYS! That’s worship. We talked about it this weekend, but here it is again. Worship isn’t just singing songs, it’s letting God be honored in the details of our lives.

All 5 are theirs!

This past year, Andrew and Holly Tremblay moved to Apply Valley where Andrew is the Worship Ministry Director at Redeemer Church. While they were in Hemet, you might remember, they were still working on adopting the last two kids. Well, as of a week ago, little Grace completed the process and they are now, ALL FIVE, adopted!

I thought you would love this update since so many of you at Community have been praying for them through the ups and downs of this special journey.

Congrats Tremblays!!!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1 NLT)

What would you take?

Our daughter, Megan, was evacuated from her home this week in Anaheim Hills due to the fires in the area.

She called me on Monday and asked a simple question: “Dad, what should I take?”

It’s actually a great question, and a great exercise for all of us. If it came right down to it and you could only take a few things, what would they be?

As a practical exercise, you could do a couple of rounds with your spouse, family or friends:

Round 1: We can only take one car. So, what would we take that would fit in that one car?

Round 2: We have to go on foot. So, now what would we take that we could carry?

It might get you thinking about what’s really important. It might get you thinking about what you could do without…now. It might get you thinking about what you could give away, because it’s just extra weight.

Try it. I dare you.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33 NLT)

Please take a moment and pray for all those affected by the fires throughout California. Pray for the families that have lost loved ones and all those who have lost their homes.

When God doesn’t seem to be in a hurry

No, this is not a reminder for TIME CHANGE weekend. That’s in a few weeks. This is, however, about time. 

There is no small sample of God’s perfect timing throughout the Bible. However, we tend to get frustrated and impatient with the One who knows best. So, as a reminder, let these truths soak in.

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” (Romans 5:6 NLT)

“For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT)

“He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” (1 Timothy 2:6 NLT)

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.” (Galatians 4:4 NLT)

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” (1 Peter 5:6 NLT)

I don’t know what you’re going through, but I know that God has not left you, deserted you or given up on you. He’s still at work. So, hang in there. Keep doing the RIGHT THINGS and let the timing of God’s blessing come when the time is just right.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

What happens in Vegas…doesn’t stay in Vegas

I’ve been simply shocked this week to find out how many people from our Valley and the surrounding area were at the Route 91 Country Music Festival when the shooting happened. 

Like you, I’ve tried to wrap my brain around how someone could do that. However, I’ve also been asking (and praying) about this: How is God going to USE this situation? He doesn’t cause evil, but He can use this tragedy and now bring His perfect purpose out of the mess. Here’s one of His many promises that we can cling to in times like this:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Here’s one more truth that I’ve been reflecting on…since we are not promised tomorrow:

“I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2b NIV)

This weekend at Community, we’ll be talking specifically about that “salvation” and how we can respond to God’s incredible offer…NOW.