The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Hear:

John 14

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus the Way to the Father

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Pause:

What might God be saying to us in these verses?

Wonder:

There are a lot of questions in the world today: When do we re-open our country? Is it too early? Is it too late? Is it safe? How do we fight social injustice? How do we deal with the great hatred in the world today? Most of these have divisive answers in which people on one side hurl insults toward those on the other for “not caring” about those who may suffer on either side of these decisions.

While these are important questions that our leaders should be wrestling through, Thomas asks the ultimate question, “Lord…how can we know the way?”

Oprah Winfrey once stated that there are “many ways to God,” but Jesus’ answer to Thomas is VERY different. It is not popular to say that Jesus is the only way, but it is the truth. We must remember that the beautiful picture of a mansion with many rooms is framed by Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (Ch. 13), the prediction of Peter’s betrayal, and the prediction that the world will hate the disciples (Ch. 15). In other words, the mansions should bring great comfort to us as we live lives serving one another, struggling through difficult times, and dealing with a world that will hate us simply because of our love for Jesus.

There are plenty of questions in the world today and there are real problems that must be addressed; but when it comes to getting to God, there is only one answer. Jesus is the way the truth and the life.

Why is it so “unpopular” to say that Jesus is the only way to God?

Would Jesus’ statement have been popular in his time?

Why are there so many different ideas on how to live in this world…even between Christians?

How can we honor God in the middle of a fallen world?

Bless:

Dear God,

The world is sinful and fallen. Help us to keep our eyes on You as you are the way, the truth and the life. Help us to love one another and treat others the way you would have us treat them. Thank you for Jesus.

Amen.

Worship Evaluation – David W. Manner

Asking the Right Questions to Encourage Worship Renewal Do I Have to Wear a Mask at Church? Wrong Question.

Will I be asked to wear a mask when we gather again for worship even if I don’t think it is necessary? Will I be able to sing again in a choir or even congregationally? Will I have to social distance from others even though I need to hug everyone? These and many other questions are being asked as churches begin to gather again for in-person worship. But even though these questions might be pressing, they are the wrong questions to ask first.

If “what’s in it for me” is our first question as we gather again for worship, then our focus is no longer on the worshiped, but instead the worshiper. But if we ask the right questions first, then those secondary question may have already been answered.

Here are some of those right questions:

• Am I looking not only to my own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4)?

• Am I seeking my own good, or the good of my neighbor (1 Cor. 10:24)?

• Am I responding from rivalry or conceit, or in humility am I counting others more significant than myself (Phil 2:3)?

• Am I bearing the burdens of others, and so fulfilling the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2)?

• Am I causing quarrels and fights among us? Are my passions at war within me (James 4:1)?

• Am I loving the Lord my God with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind and with all my strength and also loving my neighbor as I love myself (Mark 12:30-31)?

• Am I presenting my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is my spiritual worship? Am I conforming to this world, or am I being transformed by the renewal of my mind (Rom. 12:1-2)?

• Am I walking in love, as Christ loved me and gave himself up for me, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:2)?

• Am I acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God (Micah 6:8)?

• Am I gathering with unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind (1 Pet. 3:8)?

Who Are You?

John 1:19-23

19 This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He didn’t deny it but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “What then?” they asked him. “Are you Elijah?” “I am not,” he said. “Are you the Prophet?” “No,” he answered. 22 “Who are you, then?” they asked. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord—just as Isaiah the prophet said.”

For the Adults:

“Create a life that feels good on the inside

not one that just looks good on the outside.”

-Unknown

The Coronavirus has changed our world like nothing we’ve seen before. So many people working from home and so many people not working at all. We have also seen the amount of time people spending online skyrocket. The absence of time spent together physically has been replaced with spending time together digitally. And so many questions have risen. How can God allow this to happen? When will this all end? Is this going to be the new normal?

People are always looking for answers. Sometimes people just ask questions because they are curious, and many times the question that they ask is really not a question they want an answer for. For those of us who are parents we are all familiar with the questions from our 2 year old’s, “Why? Why? Why? Why?”

John the Baptist was confronted with a series of questions here in our text today. As followers of Jesus we are being questioned more than ever. They will notice your demeanor and how you handle certain situations, and they will want to know how you can be so calm especially during this time of the pandemic. Be prepared.

The way we answer questions will define who we are. John, instead of giving a description of his own character, work, or title, refers them to the words of the Prophet Isaiah. John says, “I am that forerunner of Christ of whom Isaiah speaks, Isaiah 40:3.” (my paraphrase)

A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness;

make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

Isaiah 40:3

With so many questions, “Wear a mask or not? Open the economy or not? Go to church or too soon?” We all have different stances on these questions, and how we answer will tell who we are. I’m not talking about which side we are on, but rather how we gracefully we offer our responses. Too many times we are quick to respond as we want to win an argument. Too many times we are more interested in winning an argument more than we are in winning a person to Christ.

As we continue to charter these unnavigated waters let us prayerfully consider our responses to all the different questions that come our way. Let us ask God to give us the right words so that we can point others to Him.

For the children:

Do our actions point people to Jesus?

What changes can we make in our behavior to point others to Jesus?

Read and meditate:

John 1:19-23

19 This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He didn’t deny it but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “What then?” they asked him. “Are you Elijah?” “I am not,” he said. “Are you the Prophet?” “No,” he answered. 22 “Who are you, then?” they asked. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord—just as Isaiah the prophet said.”

Pray:

Lord I know this pandemic has been hard on so many people, and so many people are looking for and asking about Jesus. Let my responses point others to you.  

I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ my Savior

Amen.

About the author:

Jose Aguilar Jr. is an Associate Pastor at FBC Weslaco and has served in this capacity for the last 11 years. He and his wife Blanca have served faithfully at FBC Weslaco since 2001. They are the proud grandparents of Lilyana Faythe and Trinidad Esperanza Aguilar.

Do Not Fear!

By Robin Wiley

Scripture 
Luke 12:4-7 (ESV)

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

For the Adults:

Are you a scaredy-cat of anything?
I am afraid of heights and I have to psych myself up to ride any scary rides at an amusement park.  I’ll do it but it is so difficult for me to not be paralyzed with fear. I wish I had memorized the above scripture to give me assurance that I do not need to fear anything – especially riding a nail-biting, hair-raising roller coaster!

In a conversation with his first disciples, Jesus addressed the reality of their pressing fears. He knew that because they would be facing persecution for their faith. . . even to the point of death. . . that they could be paralyzed by fear. Death is much more scarier to face than being afraid of heights!

The great thing is - he assured them that those who could kill their physical bodies had only limited power, since he had already secured the destiny of eternal life for his followers. Because of this, he was able to tell them “do not fear.” What a comforting relief!

He also told them that they should have a healthy fear of God. In this case, fear is not a paralyzing dread, but a healthy respect, honor, and reverence for the all-powerful God who cares for them. In order to reassure his disciples of God’s love and care for them, he paints an amazing picture of God’s love by showing them how God cares for even the simplest details of his creation. God values the sparrows, who were seen at the time as the most common and least-valued of all birds. God cares enough about them that he doesn’t forget any of them. I love the sound of birds singing and chirping and it reminds me of God’s love every time I hear it.

If God cares so deeply about the least of his creatures, then we should not be surprised at the unending depth of God’s care and concern for us. Jesus tells us that we are of more value than many sparrows! And to emphasize the depth of God’s love for his people, Jesus goes on to add that God’s care for us is so extensive and all-encompassing that he even numbers the hairs on our head! In the midst of living in a world ravaged by brokenness, destruction, death and even a nasty virus called COVID-19 – our God is present and holding us in his hands! 

For the Kiddos:

Enter:

• For adults - What were the greatest fears you had as a child? What scares you the most now

• For the kiddos - What are you the most scared of? 

Hear:
Read the Bible Passages. (Luke 12:4-7, Romans 8:28 (ESV)) For younger children, a picture Bible may be used.  

Pause
Take a few seconds, or maybe a minute to sit with the scripture in silence. This might be a great time to choose a different place to do your devotional time. Maybe sit outside or in the backyard and be still and let God’s word work in their hearts!

Wonder:

• What are some steps you can take to remind you of God’s care when we find ourselves dealing with difficult circumstances that cause us to fear?

• Image yourself and your family in the palm of God’s BIG hand – how does that make you feel?

• How many hairs do you think you have on your head?

Bless:

Affirm what was discussed about the story.

·      Read Romans 8:28 together. What does this verse tell us about God’s care and how his care works in our lives?[8 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.]

·      Draw or paint a picture of God’s love in your life on this earth. Show how God cares for even the simplest details of His creation.

·      Sit outside and listen to the birds singing and chirping around you. Can you recognize the type of bird’s song?

Praise God, Give thanks, Pray for others, confess sins, Praise God! 

Example:

Loving and caring Father, how easy it is to forget your presence and promises when we find ourselves getting scared. Help us to see the message of your care for us that is woven in and through your Word. And, when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, bring to mind those truths we’ve read and re-read regarding your care that will carry us with great confidence through our fears. We pray this in Jesus’ name - Amen.

A Timeless Memorial Day Message from Billy Graham

Original Post on BillyGraham.org

A decade and a half before Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971, Billy Graham was in Boston to deliver a memorial address to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The year was 1955, and he had just finished visiting many U.S. military installations in Europe. Below is an excerpt of his timeless message, which still rings true this Memorial Day as we remember with gratitude the sacrifices of so many for our nation.

In all the American idiom, there is no more endearing word than “buddy.” It is warm, with intonations of friendship, brotherhood and common purpose. We are assembled today to pay tribute to those, our “buddies,” who poured out their full measure of devotion upon the altar of freedom.

Thousands of you gathered here could tell dramatic stories of heroism which you yourself have seen acted out by your buddies on the grim stage of war’s theater. They have left this realm of time and space, they have out-stripped us in life’s races, but the sacred memory of their selflessness and the freedom they died to obtain will live forever.

Three weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending an afternoon with President (Dwight D.) Eisenhower at Gettysburg. He took me on a personally conducted tour of the Battlefield of Gettysburg, explaining the strategy used by both the Confederate and Union forces. Both of my grandfathers fought at Gettysburg. This famous battlefield, and hundreds of others like it, have become hallowed soil, where thousands of Americans have died either to preserve freedom, prevent aggression or keep intact the union of American states.

Some months ago when President Eisenhower was touring the Battlefield at Valley Forge and was being shown from one historic spot to another, he made this statement at the conclusion of the tour: “This is where they got it for us.”

What did he mean? He meant that those men, and thousands of others in all the wars that America has fought, purchased by their blood the freedoms that we enjoy today in “the land of the free, and the home of the brave.” That terse statement from the lips of our president has rung in my ears for many months. …

These battlefields of the world today are hallowed and holy to every American, and we pause to give them our highest honors, humbly realizing the sacred trust that these, our war dead, have handed to us.

I stood by the bedside of a boy in Korea whose spine had been torn away by a shell blast the night before, but by some miracle he was still living. He was unable to change his position; and if he lived, the doctor informed me, the rest of his days would be spent lying on his stomach. The army medics had patched him up the best they could. I gripped his cold, perspiring hand and said words of comfort to him. He made a statement I will never forget. He said: “It was worth it if it will keep America free!”

That’s what you call “getting it for us”! As we think of the selflessness and heroism of such fellows, we are reminded of the words of Jesus Christ who said: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

The freedoms we enjoy, the freedoms we take so much for granted, the freedoms we so often trifle with were bought not by the gold of our millionaires, nor altogether the genius of our scientists, nor the sacrifices of the people at home, but primarily by the blood, sweat and agony of those whose names on this day we honor—those who died that we might live!

They found, as have brave men of all ages, that there are principles well worth dying for. Their noble, unselfish sacrifice is a silent, eloquent rebuke to the self-centeredness of this generation. Let those who want “peace at any price” remember this day that thousands have died for honor and freedom and that what we have today has come at the price of shed blood. …

As I stood in the hospital quarter of the Danish ship “Jutlandia” in Korean waters by an American boy scarcely 20 years of age and watched helplessly as this young life ebbed away, I thought: What right have thousands of pleasure-seeking Americans to go on living when this lad in the early flower of youth has to die? And in that moment, the fact dawned on me that if he had to die for America, some of us must live for America. Sometimes it is far more difficult to live than it is to die. They have handed us a torch, and we have a responsibility to see that they have not died in vain.

Even though the sacrifices of our war dead have been great, yet the greatest sacrifice of all time was made by a man on a cross who died not only physically but spiritually that men might live. We have neglected Him too long! We have rejected His plan for peace, and as a result, we have fought, bled and died for centuries! I challenge the world at this hour to accept His program of heart regeneration that can transform the society in which we live, and we can know the meaning of genuine peace in our time. …

Yes the bells of liberty ring in America today because these men we honor today got through for us. The sacred memory of their sacrifice will always live in our hearts, and we have a sacred and holy trust—and we cannot fail them!

My mind goes back 2,000 years to another battle which was fought on a hill called Calvary. It was a battle of one young man against all the forces of evil. It seemed like a futile, hopeless struggle as Jesus Christ took on Satan’s task force single-handed. The jeers of the rabble, the spittle of the soldiers and the sneering of the people were incidental compared to the inner struggle which was taking place in His soul. But I watch Him, in fancy, as one hand is stretched out toward God and the other toward rebellious man, and He makes the connection and says: “It is finished.” He got through for us!

If we are to be strong spiritually, it will be through Him. Thousands today are finding a fresh, new meaning of life through Him. They are learning to say with confidence, “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthened me.” We can best keep faith with those who have gone before by keeping faith with ourselves, with our highest ideals and with God.

Source: The Billy Graham Center Archives at Wheaton

The Transformation of Our Desires

By Charles Stanley (Originally posted on intouch.org on May 24, 2020)

John 6:9-13 New International Version (NIV)

9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

In John 6, a massive crowd has been following Jesus, and He miraculously feeds them by turning a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish into food for 5,000 people (John 6:9-13). The crowd recognizes that a prophet like Moses has been raised (John 6:14; Deut. 18:15), and the next day they continue to seek after Him—perhaps hoping to see more miracles or be fed in abundance yet again.

He challenges them, saying, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (John 6:35). They are excited that He can take away their hunger and free them from starvation, but they haven’t thought about the promise of salvation—of everlasting life in Him. Let us remember, then, that Jesus wants to do more than just fill us with food and offer us earthly comfort; He wants to transform our desires.

Think about it
•  Throughout this chapter, Jesus uses eating and drinking to speak about belief in Him. How can these ordinary practices remind us of our faith in Christ? 

• What does it mean to pursue the “food” of eternal life?

When We Ignore God

By Charles Stanley (Originally appeared on intouch.org on May 23, 2020.

John 14:7 If you really know me, you will know[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Have you ever felt ignored? We all long for love, acceptance, and attention, but perhaps an important person in your life has shown little interest in you or what you have to say. 

There’s something even worse, though, than ignoring others: disregarding God. But we’ve all done it. One way we ignore Him is by failing to obey His instructions. Or maybe we sense His leading but don’t follow. And unless we seek time with our Father—whether in His Word, prayer, or worship—we are neglecting Him again.

The consequences are painful. For one thing, neglect grieves God because He is our heavenly Father, who desires closeness with each of His children. We also miss out on the best for our life. Ignoring our connection with the Lord and choosing not to abide in Him would mean missing out on His plan and the fruit of the Spirit. As a result, we shortchange ourselves out of fulfilling the purpose for which He created us—glorifying Him. And remember, we eventually will be held accountable for our actions.

How are you choosing to live—do you pay attention to what God says, or are you living with your own set of standards? Your conscious choices affect your walk with Jesus. If you tune your spirit to listen and discipline yourself to obey, you’ll enjoy great intimacy with the Lord.

God and God Alone

By Chuck Swindoll (Originally appeared on Insight.org on May 22, 2020.

Job 28:20-28

20 “But do people know where to find wisdom? 

Where can they find understanding? 

21 It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. 

Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it. 

22 Destruction* and Death say, 

‘We’ve heard only rumors of where wisdom can be found.’ 

23 “God alone understands the way to wisdom; 

he knows where it can be found, 

24 for he looks throughout the whole earth 

and sees everything under the heavens. 

25 He decided how hard the winds should blow 

and how much rain should fall. 

26 He made the laws for the rain 

and laid out a path for the lightning. 

27 Then he saw wisdom and evaluated it. 

He set it in place and examined it thoroughly. 

28 And this is what he says to all humanity: 

‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; 

to forsake evil is real understanding.’ ”

Allow me to offer a simple definition of wisdom. Wisdom is looking at life from God's point of view. When we employ wisdom we are viewing life as God sees it. That's why it's so valuable to think God's thoughts. You look at difficulties and tests as God looks at them. You look at family life and child rearing as God looks at them. You interpret current events as God would interpret them. You focus on the long view. You see the truth even though all around you are deception and lies. 

Let's go a step further and define another scriptural term: understanding. What does it mean? Understanding is responding to life's struggles and challenges as God would have us respond. Not in panic and confusion. Not by forfeiting those things that are valuable to us, and not by compromising our integrity. Instead, when we have understanding, we respond to life's challenges as God would have us respond. We trust Him. We believe in Him. We refuse to be afraid. We don't operate our lives according to human impulses or in step with today's politically correct culture. 

How terribly important it is that we stand firm in wisdom, responding in understanding. Neither can be found by our own effort or as a result of our searching. God graciously provides both. Verse 20 asks two great questions: 

Where then does wisdom come from? And where is the hiding place of understanding?

Not, where can we get advice? Not, where does opinion come from? I could name a dozen sources, but most of them aren't worth listening to. Then where does this wisdom come from? Where can we find true understanding? 

You can earn four Ph.D. degrees and never gain wisdom or understanding. You'll certainly not get a grasp of the fear of the Lord from higher learning. Even in the finest of universities, there's no course offered on the fear of the Lord. The source? God and God alone. By "fear of the Lord" I'm referring to an awesome respect for God accompanied by a personal hatred for sin. Now we can see why Solomon wrote, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10).

When We Disagree Over COVID-19

Author: Lynn H. Pryor (See Original Post Here)

Hoo boy. You’d think Christians would be elated to be coming back together after so many weeks of physical distancing and online services. We’re coming back together—but we’re not happy.

• Some in our churches think it’s just plain stupid to cower in fear, hiding behind masks instead of hiding in the shelter of God’s protection. Where’s your trust in God, people?!

• Some in our churches think we’re being hasty to bring the church family together when there’s still so much at risk. Why do you think trusting God means you can be foolhardy?!

• Some despise the “snowflakes” who are afraid to do anything without first bathing in hand sanitizer.

• Some judge the callous, non-mask wears who don’t care who dies.

I don’t think there’s been this much dissension about meeting together since Sue Ellen Johnson wore that pantsuit to church in 1972 … or David Clark brought that pair of drum sticks into the sanctuary in 1987 … or, well,  come to think of it, we’ve been fairly consistent in finding fault with the way others have approached life in the church and life as a believer.

We can go all the way back to the first century. Jewish Christians struggled with letting go of the old dietary laws and judged the Gentile believers for being “too loose” in what they ate. Meanwhile, the Gentiles despised the Jewish believers for being so backward and not joining them in a pulled pork BBQ sandwich.

Paul jumped into the foray taking place in the church in Rome.

“Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters. One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables. One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him” (Rom. 14:1-3).

Paul did not rebuke either the “carnivores” or the “vegetarians” for what they believed, but he did rebuke them for their attitude.

• The “weak” group was condemning the other side.

• The “strong” group was despising the other side.

Paul also addressed their squabble over the disputable matter of observing certain days as holy. While Paul had a definite opinion on the matters, he didn’t argue for his viewpoint. Instead, he said that, whatever you do, be convinced in your own mind and do it unto Christ.

“Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat it, and he gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Rom. 14:6-8).

Whatever we do, we do it to honor Christ—and we do it with a heart of thanks. As Paul said elsewhere: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

OK, Paul, we get it: accept one another. But Paul isn’t through with us. Just leaving each other alone in our respective views is not enough. We must also work to build the other person up

“Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister…. For if your brother or sister is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy, by what you eat, someone for whom Christ died” (Rom. 14:13,15).

The world’s way is to tell the other person to grow up and get over it. But the law of love says to stop what you’re doing for the sake of the other person—even if your viewpoint is right. We face something far more important than being right. The most important thing is to act with love.

“Therefore, do not let your good be slandered, for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:16-17).

Let me put this in the context of the debate entering the church over COVID-19. The kingdom of God is not a matter of facemasks, distancing, and hand sanitizer, but living in the righteous, peace, and joy found in the Holy Spirit.

Incidentally, Paul kept referring to the weaker brother or sister. In the debate raging about how to come back as a church, who is the weaker person? With whatever issue we face, it’s always the other person, right?

OK, so let’s assume that, regarding COVID-19, you are right and you are the more mature believer. As the “stronger” person, your responsibility is to not put a stumbling block in the path of someone else.

• Don’t judge the other person. Build him up.

• Don’t despise the other person. Build her up.

We’re going to get past all this COVID-19. And when this is all past us, what will matter is how we loved and treated each other.

Jesus is the Word

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.

John 1:1-3

For the Adults:

Many Christians have so busied themselves with programs and activities that they no longer know how to be silent and meditate on God's word or recognize the mysteries that are in the Person of Christ.

-Ravi Zacharias

The Apostle John opens his gospel with a very familiar sentence, reminds us of Genesis 1. John refers to Jesus as the Word and the Greek word he uses is logos. When God wanted to tell human beings about Himself, when He wanted to give us the good news about salvation, He sent Jesus. Jesus is God's Word, His Message. And this Word was with the Father all along. Jesus is God and came to us as Savior, in human flesh. He is God with us, Emmanuel, the Messenger of messengers.

The flow of these first few verses makes this message pretty clear. The Word or logos was with God and is God. He did not progressively achieve or grow into this God status. He is, always was, and will always be God.

Everything John writes goes back to this fact; Jesus is 100% God and 100% human. The reason John nails this idea in these first few verses is because he knows that his readers have one of two lenses on, Greek philosophy or the teaching of the Jewish scribes.

That is still true of us today whether we come from a church background or not. Maybe your view is based on what your parents taught you, a pastor, or Sunday school teacher told you about God. Or maybe your view is rooted in some type of universal spirituality.

If you want to know who God is and what He’s all about, if you want to know what God’s purposes, His priorities, His desires, His heart, His mind, then look at Jesus.

For the children:

How does believing Jesus is God impact your view of Jesus?

How does Jesus challenge some of your ideas of God’s desires, purposes, and priorities?

Read and meditate:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.

John 1:1-3

Pray:

Lord I know this pandemic has been hard on so many people, and so many people are looking for and asking about Jesus. Help me be a messenger for you.  

I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ my Savior

Amen.

About the author:

Jose Aguilar Jr. is an Associate Pastor at FBC Weslaco and has served in this capacity for the last 11 years. He and his wife Blanca have served faithfully at FBC Weslaco since 2001. They are the proud grandparents of Lilyana Faythe and Trinidad Esperanza Aguilar.

Seeking Joy

by Robin Wiley

Scripture
Hebrews 12:1-3  (ESV)

Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Do Not Grow Weary
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

 Psalm 73:25-26
25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For the Adults:

Sam Storm wrote, “Someone once said that joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God.”[1] Joy is a vital and often misunderstood thing. It is frequently synonymous with happiness, but really joy is actually far greater. Happiness is fragile, and as quickly as it appears; it also vanishes. Joy, however, is a beautiful reminder from the Lord that our hope and peace are not built upon our circumstances or merely trusting in our own happiness. 

In our GriefShare ministry – joy is a key part of the healing process from grief or the loss of a loved one. The journey is from mourning to joy – all through the hope and peace of Jesus.

There is no disputing that each of us will have moments of sadness, anxiety, fear, doubt, depression, anger, etc., but it is joy that reminds us of the One who holds all things together.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us of this often, and this is clearly seen in Hebrews 12:1-3. We are prompted to do a few things here.

• We must lay aside the things which rob of us our affections for Jesus.

• We must keep our focus upward on Him.

• In all circumstance we must remember who God is in relation to who we are.

While things like suffering and sorrow are assured parts of our lives, joy is also assured to the believer. Joy is realization that even through the worst circumstances, Jesus is enough. Rest in this truth and pray Psalm 73:25-26 over yourself daily. Jesus is King, and that truly is joyful.

For the Kiddos:

Enter:

Being joyful means trusting in Jesus through all circumstances.

• What are some ways you can exhibit joy this week?

• In what ways is joy different than just happiness?

• How would your life look differently if you were able to be more joyful? 

Hear:

Read the Bible Passages. (Hebrews 12:1-3, Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV)) For younger children, a picture Bible may be used. 

Pause

Take a few seconds, or maybe a minute to sit with the scripture in silence. This might be a great time to choose a different place to do your devotional time. Maybe sit outside or in the backyard and be still and let God’s word work in their hearts!

Wonder:

• What are some negative emotions (fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, etc.) that you can give up and replace with joy?

Bless:

Affirm what was discussed about the story.

• Pray this over yourself daily:
  Psalm 73:25-26  (ESV)
  25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Praise God, Give thanks, Pray for others, confess sins, Praise God!

Example:

Father God, I do not always understand our circumstances or our situations. I confess that I might fear, worry, and grieve at times, but I trust that in spite of all these things, You are still on Your throne. You have not forgotten me. You surround me in the darkness with your grace and mercy. Teach my heart to see You working all things out for my good and for Your glory, and teach me to be joyful in all things because of you who You are. In the name of Jesus - Amen.

[1] Sam Storms, Pleasures Evermore: The Life-Changing Power of Enjoying God (Colorado Springs: Navpress, 2000), 52.

For God So Loved the World...

Gather:

Can you tell God’s story in a sentence or two?

How could you tell a friend about God?

Hear:

John 3:1-21 

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

Pause:

Reflect on these verses. What is God saying to you?

For Everyone:

One time, an atheist friend of mine asked me what John 3:16 said. Even though he was not raised in church, he saw it posted on signs at sporting events and it piqued his curiosity. In Treehouse Club last week (Ep. 8), we talked about John 3:16 being a summary of the major tenants of our beliefs. God loved the world, sent His son, Jesus, who will save all who believe in Him. God is saving the world through Jesus!

The Bible can sometimes be difficult to understand. When Jesus first spoke these words, Nicodemus, an expert in the law, had a hard time understanding everything Jesus said. Just think about that - an expert in God’s word had trouble understanding the words of God! That should be comforting for us. It’s o.k. if we don’t understand everything we read and study. God doesn’t ask us to understand everything we read and study. He doesn’t ask us to be experts and He doesn’t ask us to be perfect. But God does ask us to believe!

Belief is an interesting thing. I’m so glad that it is not about complete understanding because I still don’t understand everything about the Bible. With simple faith, though, we are adopted into God’s great story of love and salvation.

My friend has not yet become a follower of Jesus Christ. He believes his car will get him safely from point A to point B, but he is unable to believe that Jesus is the savior of the world. But miraculously, God has reached out to my friend through signs at sporting events! God’s word is powerful. I pray we have the confidence to share these words with others.

Wonder:

What does it mean to believe?

Do we have to understand everything to believe?

Bless:

Dear God,

Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus to save the world! Help us to live a life that reflects our belief in you. Help us to tell others about Jesus.

Amen.

Sunday Reflection: Our Longing for Eternity

By Charles Stanley (Originally appeared at Intouch.org on May 17, 2020)

Think of a time when you’ve deeply longed for something. Maybe you wished to live somewhere else or felt restless in your job or schoolwork. Or perhaps you were deeply anxious to grow your family, as so many in the Bible were. (See Gen. 11:30; Gen. 25:21.) How did you respond? Did you pray for change, escape through temporary satisfaction, or seek support from your friends and loved ones?

As you contemplate your deep yearnings, remember that one longing God has put on your heart transcends all earthly desires: the longing for eternity.  Keep in mind His words to the prophet Isaiah: “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you” (Isa. 55:3). The Lord calls each of us to everlasting life in Him.

Think about it
• Looking ahead to that eternal promise of redemption, what can you do today—in addition to deepening your prayer life—in order to draw closer to God? Consider things you could start doing as well as things you could give up.

• What would it take to have all your longing and restlessness satisfied?

God is In Control

By Charles Stanley (Original Post from In Touch Ministries May 16,2020)

Isaiah 45:1-7

1 “This is what the Lord says to his anointed,
    to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of
to subdue nations before him
    and to strip kings of their armor,
to open doors before him
    so that gates will not be shut:
2 I will go before you
    and will level the mountains[a];
I will break down gates of bronze
    and cut through bars of iron.
3 I will give you hidden treasures,
    riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the Lord,
    the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
4 For the sake of Jacob my servant,
    of Israel my chosen,
I summon you by name
    and bestow on you a title of honor,
    though you do not acknowledge me.
5 I am the Lord, and there is no other;
    apart from me there is no God.
I will strengthen you,
    though you have not acknowledged me,
6 so that from the rising of the sun
    to the place of its setting
people may know there is none besides me.
    I am the Lord, and there is no other.
7 I form the light and create darkness,
    I bring prosperity and create disaster;
    I, the Lord, do all these things.

Why do bad things happen? Honestly, it’s a question I can’t answer, but I believe God has a purpose for everything. My faith is in the fact that the Lord is sovereign (Psalm 22:28). 

When we’re in the middle of a trial, it’s hard to resist crying out, “God, why is this happening?” Sometimes we get an answer and sometimes we don’t. But we can be sure nothing happens by accident. We have His promise that He’ll cause “all things to work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8:28).

Seeing in advance how God will work all things for our benefit can be very difficult, if not impossible. Our limited human perspective often doesn’t allow us to grasp His greater plan. However, the Father’s good handiwork is in everything—even our pain, hardships, and losses. He turns mourning into gladness and provides bountiful blessings and benefits from our darkest hours.

As believers, we must accept that things won’t always make sense to us. Isaiah teaches that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than our own (Isa. 55:9). He sees the beautifully completed big picture. We can rely on the fact that God is in control, no matter how wildly off-kilter our world seems to be.

The Toby Challenge

By: Dr. Steven K. Parker

For the Kids :

·      What’s been the hardest thing for you about going through this pandemic?

·      Have you learned anything during this season?  Has God used this time to teach you anything about yourself? His word? life in general?

Take turns reading this passage and reciting this prayer:

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9-13)

 Take turns re-reading this passage and reciting this prayer.

Reflection For Everyone:

My nephew Toby was over at our house one day and all the boys were outside working on chores.  We had just finished our chores when the “dinner’s ready” call came out.  As we were washing our hands, he made a comment that has really stuck with me throughout this Covid-19 season.  He said, “People say you should sing your ABCs when you’re washing your hands to make sure you kill all the germs.  But, my mom told me that the Lord’s Prayer takes about the same time as singing your ABCs, so I pray the Lord’s Prayer when I’m washing up.”  I have to admit that ever since he said that, I’ve been doing that as well.  The ancient Celtic Christians were known for weaving prayer into their daily activities and I’ve wondered, to myself and now with you, what kind of a difference would it make if more of us would engage in this prayerful discipline.  We’d definitely have cleaner hands, but might we also develop cleaner hearts in this process?  I think it’d be worth a try.  Let me encourage you to take the Toby Challenge and make regular prayer a part of your hand-washing ritual and see how God can use that spiritual discipline throughout your day.

Wonder:

·      What do you think about Toby’s idea?

·      How might incorporating this spiritual discipline of hand-washing-prayer into our lives help us obey Paul’s instruction to: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)?

Bless:

·      Affirm what everyone has shared.

·      Encourage each other to spend special time in prayer throughout each day.

Pray together: (Recite the Lord’s Prayer.)

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9-13)

Regeneration and Renewal

Titus 3:3-6

3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Storms of every sort, torrents, earthquakes, cataclysms, 'convulsions of nature,' etc., however mysterious and lawless at first sight they may seem, are only harmonious notes in the song of creation, varied expressions of God's love.

John Muir

We all have a story of who we were before we met Jesus, this is our testimony. When we understand and see the gospel clearly, it gives us, every believer, reassurance that God has blessed us with a world-changing testimony.

In Titus 3:3, Paul includes himself in this ugly description of who we once were, “foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.”

During our time of shelter in place, one or more of these characteristics of our “old self” may have come to the surface. And we have noticed these behaviors in others. We need to make sure that that we recognize this and shake it off.

And then, we run into that small and very important word at the beginning of verse 4, “BUT!”

Then something transforming begins to happen. God’s character is revealed, and we begin to see His grace, His mercy, and His goodness. We see His love for His people, His desire to set His people free, and give us eternal life.

Our Heavenly Father has poured out His Spirit on us through Jesus Christ, our LORD, and there is no doubt that the Spirit is at work in our lives. Paul uses the same word here that Luke used to describe the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:33). Just as the Spirit was “poured out” on that day, every believer receives the Spirit when they first trust Christ. Paul then tells us that the pouring out is done richly with the divine and sovereign generosity of our God and Father by means of Jesus, our Savior and King.

As we engage with neighbors, friends, and family on the issues we are confronted with every day, so many are looking for answers. We should all be sharing the beautiful transformative gospel with them in a way that lifts their eyes and their hearts to Jesus who offers regeneration and renewal to all who put their trust in Him.

For the children:

Who are you sharing your testimony with?

Who in your circle of friends needs to hear the story of Jesus?

Pray that God put someone on your heart that needs to hear about Jesus?

Read and meditate:

Titus 3:3-6

3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Pray:

Lord I know this pandemic has been hard on so many people, and so many people are looking for answers. I ask that you reveal someone to me, so that I can love them like Jesus. Help me to be obedient to your Holy Spirit and do something that can help them.

I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ my Savior

Amen.

About the author:

Jose Aguilar Jr. is an Associate Pastor at FBC Weslaco and has served in this capacity for the last 11 years. He and his wife Blanca have served faithfully at FBC Weslaco since 2001. They are the proud grandparents of Lilyana Faythe and Trinidad Esperanza Aguilar.

Yes There Is - Hope For All!

By Robin Wiley

1 Timothy 1:12-17  (ESV) 12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 

 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen.

For the Adults: Wait? Did Paul really just claim to be the worst of all sinners? He didn’t really mean that, did he? This is the Apostle Paul—the one who wrote almost half of the books of the New Testament (13 out of 27!). Surely, he was exaggerating to sound humble. Or was he?

Earlier in his ministry, he admits to being the “least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). Later he claimed to be the least of all God’s people (Ephesians 3:8). And now, he believes himself to be the worst of sinners?

But as we get more mature in our faith, aren’t we supposed to grow more holy, not less? What Paul is bringing to light is that as God works in our life to grow us, He is at the same time revealing how sinful we really are.

When you are playing outside at night, it doesn’t seem dark. Once you get inside and look out the window, it is only then that you discover how truly dark it was. So, it is with our faith. The more light that comes into our life, the more clearly we then see the darkness. The response to seeing ourselves as bigger sinners than we initially thought is to see a bigger need for Christ and His forgiveness. The more we see our sin, the more we need Him, and the more we will run to Him for forgiveness. The more we then experience His forgiveness, the more like Jesus we will become!

For the Kiddos:

·      Is it hard to be a Christian in today’s world and to not sin?

·      What are some ways that you see God working in your life?

·      What are some areas in your life that God is working on right now to help you grow closer to Him?  (give up things: social media, video games, tablet or smart phone)

 Hear: Read the Bible Passages. (1 Timothy 1:12-17, 1 Corinthians 15:9, Ephesians 3:8          (ESV)) For younger children, a picture Bible may be used. 

 Pause: Take a few seconds, or maybe a minute to sit with the scripture in silence. This might be a great time to chose a different place to do your devotional time. Maybe sit outside or in the backyard and be still and let God’s word work in their hearts!

Wonder:

·      What sin are you hanging onto that you need to let go?

·      How can you let Christ’s light shine more in your life this week?

 Bless: Affirm what was discussed about the story.

Have you ever tried staring at a bright light really close for about 8 seconds and then shut your eyes and cover them with your hands?  What do you see?  In the darkness you see the outline of the light image peeping through. It stays there quite awhile. That is an illustration of God’s love and grace shining through the darkness of our sin. He stays with us to shine Jesus’ light in our lives.

·      Praise God, Give thanks, Pray for others, confess sins, Praise God!

Example:

Father God, thank you that you are working in our lives—both to make us more like Jesus AND to show us more of our sin. Help us when we are confronted with our sin to run to Jesus whose love and forgiveness is far greater than we can ever fathom. Please bless our family with your grace and love.  In the name of Jesus - Amen.

A New Normal...an Old Story!

By Raymond Sanchez

Gather:

How have things been different during the COVID-19 pandemic?

How have things been the same?

Hear:

John 3:16-17 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Mark 8:34 (ESV) And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Philippians 1:6 (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Pause:

Take a moment and meditate on God’s word

For Everyone:

“The New Normal” is a phrase that has been used by our society in regards to life after COVID-19. For many, it has been a chance to reprioritize their lives.

For our church, “The New Normal” started with a bang! Our first purely-online Youtube service started with 770 views. Our first Treehouse Club video had 370 views, and hits on our webpage with people participating in our daily devotionals were higher than they had ever been. Even our small groups’ phone-in and online meetings exploded with people attending in record numbers. This was a new normal! The world was upside down, but there was comfort in the rhythms of Sunday and Wednesday worship and excitement in the new format that could be enjoyed in the comfort of our own homes. People were returning to God with gusto!

But God has been in the business of “New Normals” since long before the COVID-19 pandemic ever hit. God’s “New Normal” is actually the oldest and greatest story of love the world has ever known (John 3:16). Those who believe in Him are “new creations” who leave their old lives behind. Sometimes, a COVID-19 wake up call helps us to get our priorities straight; but as the newness and excitement of the “New Normal” wears off, we are reminded that God’s old story is one of denying oneself and carrying one’s cross. Our Christian life was never meant to be easy. It can be difficult. But we know God is carrying it through to completion until the day He returns.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, our Youtube views and website hits have steadily declined along with attendance participation for the small group studies. We understand there are many reasons for this, and this is not a plea to consume more FBC Weslaco online material. It is, however, a plea to remember that we are called to live into God’s old story of love, sacrifice, redemption and re-creation that has been going on for two-millennia. It is a reminder to continue to live as new creations. It is a reminder to carry your cross daily. It is a reminder to have faith that God is completing something inside us that we would never be able to do on our own. As we continue to re-adjust our lives, let’s continue to set our eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Wonder:

What has God been telling us during this pandemic?

As things start to open up again and school is ending, what are new routines we should keep?

What are old routines we should not let back into our lives?

Where do we see God’s Old Story of love, redemption, renewal and sacrifice happening around us now?

How can we live into that story?

Bless:

Dear God, thank you for making us new creations! Help us to honor you with our lives and not slip back into our old story of putting ourselves first. May we live into your story no matter what is happening around us.

Does Prayer Influence God?

By Charles Stanley (originally posted on intouch.org on May 9, 2020)

James 5:13-18 New International Version (NIV)

The Prayer of Faith

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.Our heavenly Father chooses to involve the prayers of His children in the outworking of His plan (2 Kings 20:1-6). But what about a circumstance like a friend’s serious illness? Perhaps you wonder, Why should I pray about it if God already knows how the situation will turn out?

When you pray, God works in your heart so that you are in harmony with His will. Prayer lets us in on what He is doing. In the event that God calls your friend home, He also prepares you with awareness of His presence—that way, when you walk through the valley, you have peace. And in some situations, your prayer may be the very instrument God plans to use in bringing about a result He desires. 

No farmer can control the yield of his crops. He can till the soil and plant the seed in the best way he knows, but it is the Lord who causes growth. Of course, God could produce crops without help, but no farmer reaps a fantastic harvest sitting at home. In a similar way, the heavenly Father chooses to work through us because He is a God of relationship. He wants to involve us in His work, and that includes our prayers. 

Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 25-27

Drawing Closer to God in the Storms

By Ray Sanchez (Originally Posted June 30, 2019 on raysanchezmusic.com)

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Psalm 34:17-20

About a year ago, we had just finished leading worship at Convención in McAllen and we loaded up the van to make a twenty mile drive home in a terrible storm that had just knocked out the power. The Rio Grande Valley floods quickly in storms like this, but we had made it home in a bad storm a year ago, and we were confident we could make it again. As we drove 35 mph on the expressway, cars had stopped on the high parts of the freeway to stay out of possible flooding. Our usual exits looked to be covered with water, so we took one we had heard was clear. It wasn't.

 The worst parts of the night were that my wife and daughters were in a different vehicle, my phone was dying, and I was running out of gas. As I hugged the side of the curb on the frontage road to stay as high as possible, I had a decision to make: get back on the expressway or try our chances of making it through the rising water. I chose the expressway.  

So we drove looking for the next clearest exit. We drove more. We drove more. It was pitch black except for the occasional brake lights of stranded cars littered on the side of the freeway and frontage road. Those on the frontage road were covered with water. Later we learned that we were driving in the same direction of the storm keeping the worst parts right above us! We got word that San Benito was clear so we kept driving in the heavy rain and finally found an exit that was passible. We took refuge under the overhang of a Circle K gas station. 

I can't explain how calming it was, for just a little while, to not have the sound of the rain pounding on the roof. I sat in the car with my wife and daughters and we called friends who had also been on the road to check their statuses and plan our next move. We eventually made it to a hotel in Harlingen where my family made it in dry. After parking the cars, I practically had to swim back to the hotel where my wife was able to dry my clothes in the machine there.  

We faired better than many of our friends in this storm. Our pastor, Dr. Steven Parker, was swept off the road and had to be rescued by the Elsa fire department. Izzy and Eva Alfaro, who had been running visual production at convention didn't make it home until 4 am. Rachel and Gavin had to park their car a block from their house and walk through flood waters to make it home. A shelter was opened at our church, FBC Weslaco, to take in fifty people rescued from the storm. 

 In all that time, I prayed that we would be safe. I prayed the rain would stop. I prayed the floods would subside. I prayed our cars wouldn't be damaged. I prayed our friends would be safe. But, I never asked God for more rain. I wasn't glad that we had stayed in the teeth of the storm by continuing our drive east.  

A few days later, I happened on the new David Crowder song, "Let it Rain." The modern day Psalmist reminds us that problems bring us closer to God, so if it is God's will, let it rain!

"So let it rain, let it pour

 Lord, I need You more and more 
Let it rain, rain down on me 
Every day, whatever You want
Not my will but Yours, Lord "

That's bold! We usually ask God to lessen the storms we pass through. We seek refuge - even just a few moments from the rains pouring down around us. God, however, might just be using the rains to draw us, and others to him. The way we face the difficulties of life has the power to be a great witness to those around us. In the coming weeks, our church, alongside Texas Baptist Men and Christian Aid Ministries, will be able to share the love of Jesus with others by mudding out houses and getting them ready to be restored.

 I don't know what storms you may be facing, but as Crowder says, "The same God who brought the sunshine, is the same God who brings the rain." So may we seek the will of the One who brings the sun and the rain. It is good to be reminded that our trust through storms of this life is not found in vehicles, hotels, Circle K's or any man-made thing: Our trust is in the God who commands the storms. It is good to find refuge in the One who created heaven and earth. May we boldly pray for rain that draws us closer to Him and draws other to Him as well.