True North

Almost everyone has asked, “Why is there so much suffering in the world? Why does God allow it?” Today, Pastor Gary suggests that some of our suffering may be preparing us to become vessels God can use to glorify Himself in a wonderful way. The Bible says that when we suffer for Christ, our patience grows. As our patience increases, our character is strengthened, and in turn, our hope is deepened. With greater hope, we can endure many hardships, knowing that God is with us, guiding us.

Everyone has moments when it feels like God hasn’t heard our prayers. We ask Him for something again and again, yet still do not receive an answer. Today, Pastor Gary encourages us to be patient. God is not ignoring you, and He has not forgotten you. God’s ways are higher and deeper than our own. He is preparing us for what He has already planned. When we think He has forgotten us, He is grooming, trimming, and refining the rough edges so we can be ready to handle what He has prepared for us.

Our churches are filled with broken, imperfect people, and sometimes we simply don’t want to go up and talk to someone. Today, Pastor Gary reminds us that we can all be tempted to judge others by what they wear, how they smell, how they talk, or their socioeconomic status. He encourages us to ask God for forgiveness before settling into a judgmental attitude and to respond instead with welcoming, loving, and friendly actions. By changing, we may even encourage someone else to do the same.

Most people think that once they’re out on their own, they’ll live exactly as they want. But as believers in Jesus, we are called to live as He has directed. In his message today, Pastor Gary reminds us that if we are called by God, we are set apart from the rest of the world in our actions, our words, and the way we live. Persecution for our beliefs certainly will also be a significant part of our experience, further separating us from worldly influences that will continue to pull us away from our calling to follow God.

When we’re in the middle of a long and difficult journey, it can become difficult to have faith that we’ll make it to the other side. But in today’s message, Pastor Gary reminds us that if we have gratitude, we will have the hindsight needed to look back and see how God has gotten us this far. When the road ahead seems impossible, we should take a moment to think back on all of the ways that God has provided for us to that point, and be grateful in knowing that He will lead us the rest of the way.

Sometimes, when things don’t go our way, we begin to ask God why He doesn’t treat us fairly. After all, if we are faithfully serving Him, don’t we deserve to have some things go our way every once in a while? Well, Pastor Gary reminds you today that God’s greatest blessing is that He doesn’t treat you fairly. If you got what you deserved, you wouldn’t have access to the Holy Spirit, or to Jesus’ gift of forgiveness. The grace we’ve been shown is deeply unfair, and God offers it to us despite our uncleanliness.

We can start to believe we need the perfect conditions to serve God. That everything has to be steady, peaceful, and figured out first. So when life feels like a dark valley, we hesitate, thinking this can’t be the time. Pastor Gary will tell you today that God does some of His deepest work right in the valley. He isn’t waiting for things to improve before using you. And neither should you. Even in the middle of uncertainty, you can serve, trust, and take your next step, knowing He’s still working through you.

Fear has a way of sounding urgent, convincing you to move fast and run the other way. And that’s exactly how Satan works, using fear to distort what’s true and push you off course. Instead of standing firm, you’re tempted to retreat, to doubt, to hide. Today, Pastor Gary will challenge you to listen to God by explaining that fear and faith can’t lead at the same time. But you don’t have to follow fear. You can recognize the lie, stand on truth, and keep walking forward in the direction God is calling you.

The Bible doesn’t tell you to build your life on a firm foundation in case storms hit. It tells you that storms will hit. Everyone goes through a storm in life. They may face seasons of illness, relational problems, or financial struggles. Pastor Gary teaches today that if you waste your time building on a weak foundation, you won’t be able to overcome the storms when they come. It’s not too late to start building on the solid rock of God’s Word! That’s the only foundation that will keep you standing during any storm.

The enemy knows that he can’t discredit God’s Word! The Bible has stood the test of time, regardless of who tries to stand against it. But what the enemy tries to do now is discredit those who are spreading the Good News that we find in Scripture! Pastor Gary reminds you today that if you are more focused on discrediting the messenger than listening to the message being given, you have lost track of your priorities! God will use imperfect messengers to deliver His perfect Gospel!