A song snip:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16CN33M3eS
Beautiful words:
About the presence of God….
I am still here
I haven’t forgotten a single promise I made to you.
I wait in the same place,
and my presence surrounds and embraces you.
I will help you remember
the moments when my glory overflowed within you,
when love was given without reservation.
My presence calms and cheers you,
lifting you up, sustaining your soul.
– wraps around you, guides and carries you.
Life cannot be lived without my presence.
My presence restores, heals,
and gently lifts you higher.
making it flow – holds you close, surrounds you, and guides your steps.
Life feels impossible without my presence.
My presence heals, restores, and lifts you higher.
It moves within you, guiding and calming your soul.
My presence.
Now go listen to this little girl sing this in her language: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19pYQBxiJh/
The Gospel
Another who proclaimed the word bold and aloud died.
Voddie Baucham passed away to raise to Life with Christ this past week.
Historical Tidbit:
I am reading through Prayers and Proclamation in American history. On March 30, 1863, Abraham Lincoln called for a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer. The nation had torn itself apart in Civil War. He urged the people to examine their relationship with God and scriptures and to conform their lives to that standard. One line in the prayer caught my eye:
…I do not doubt that our country will finally come through safe and undivided. But do not misunderstand me… I do not rely on the patriotism of our people… the bravery and devotion of the boys in blue… or the loyalty and skill of our generals… but the God of our fathers….
Abraham Lincoln
As we handle patriotism in 2025, let us remember that love of country, bravery, and loyalty are honorable, but they cannot preserve us. Our hope is not in the strength of our nation, nor in its leaders, but in the God of our fathers—the same God who has guided us through division and trial before. True patriotism is not merely waving a flag or singing an anthem; it is humbling ourselves under God, seeking His face, and living by His Word. If we do this, then as Lincoln believed, we may trust that He will carry us through safe and undivided—not because of our patriotism, but because of His providence.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)
LIFE UPDATE: This coming week I will be out of state with our church staff for fall conference. This will be the last post from me until the following week.
Pray that God would meet us, draw us, empower us, and give us His wisdom and direction.
Thanks for Listening,
Starla
Sunday2Monday 