(A message from Bro. Trieber, the preacher at North Valley Baptist Church)
Dear Friends,
In Proverbs 23:7, we read, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” Thoughts that should engage the mind of a Christian—thoughts that will eventually manifest themselves into behavior and speech, failure or success—are delineated in Philippians 4:8: “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
However, it seems as if we live in a day when waves of negativity surge from all points of life, effecting tsunamis of pessimism and hopelessness. News reports and discussions about the state of the economy, subprime loans, unemployment—all are negative. Almost daily, someone we know is diagnosed with cancer or another grave illness; and our hearts grow heavy with their suffering.
Subsequently, all of these sorrows and hardships consume our thoughts until we fail to remember that “there is a God in heaven.” (Daniel 2:28) May I remind God’s people that the Bible is replete with times when the power and faithfulness of the Lord prevailed when all else might have appeared impossible? Recall Moses and the crossing of the Red Sea, Gideon and his diminutive army of three hundred, David and the giant Goliath, Elijah’s contest of power and faith on Mount Carmel, the feeding of thousands with five loaves and two fishes, the healing of “those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others,” (Matthew 15:31) and hundreds of other illustrations and miracles in the Old as well as New Testament. Remember the times in your life and the personal testimonies of others when the Lord intervened and “wrought a great victory.”
Rather than succumb to negativity, I encourage each of you to perceive every obstacle as well as opportunity with the eyes of faith and trust. God’s people can be optimistic about whatever the outcome may be, for the Lord “… is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20) I am also reminded of Psalm 78:19 which says, “Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” Our answer is a resounding: “God can!” Many years ago, I was given a small placard which now sits on my desk; it reads: “It can be done!” I believe that this country and the New Testament local church are poised for some of the greatest moments in history. Throughout Scripture, we see instances when God blesses a remnant; and “even so then at this present time also there is a remnant.” I challenge all preachers to mount their pulpits this Sunday not with the spirit of hopelessness and despair but with faith and confidence that God is able. I urge all homes (father and mother, child and teenager, husband and wife, single adult, senior saint, etc.) to believe that God is able. Our Lord wants to show Himself powerful in these days—days that might appear to be uncertain; His eyes “run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” (II Chronicles 16:9)
These may be dark times; but we must not give up, give over, or give in; rather, let us look up and believe that our Lord can and will meet every need. “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” (II Corinthians 4:8-9)
Please remember today that God can. Thank you for being my friends and for being an encouragement to me. God bless you.
Your friend,
Bro. Trieber
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