I would like to take this opportunity to express a voice of gratitude to our city leaders, and the many state and local service agencies. They have provided compassionate and courageous leadership to our city in this time of great turbulence and trouble.
The reality of life tells us that no community or family is exempt from times of trouble. In fact, the Bible plainly states that in this world we will all experience our share of troubling times.
It is hard to imagine God being a part of life's heartaches and tragedies. After all, God is God. The truth is, that in the midst of life's greatest times of trouble, we can experience the greatest measure of God in our lives.
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Rev. John Brady
In the book of the Bible called Lamentations, you will find the story of a man by the name of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was a man who knew times of great tribulation and trouble. In a time of overwhelming discouragement and despair, Jeremiah cried out, "I am a man who has seen affliction. I have been deprived of peace and my soul is downcast within me."
It was in the midst of this haze of hopelessness that God revealed himself to Jeremiah. In the presence of God, Jeremiah's heart and spirit came alive. He confronted his troubles with this statement of truth: "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed. For God's compassions never fail, they are new every morning. God is a faithful God." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him.
Minot, God is greater than all of our troubles. He will see us through. Yes, he will see you through. He is a faithful God! The Bible tells us, "Don't let your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Trust him." Place your hope in God and seek him. Know this, our God is greater than any flood!
Fact Box
Reflections, a mini-sermon written by Minot and area clergy, will appear each Saturday in The Minot Daily News. Clergy interested in writing a mini-sermon should contact Religion Editor Loretta Johnson at 857-1952 or Debbie Sandvold at 857-1950. The toll-free number is 1-800-735-3229.
Know that I am praying with you and for you.
The Rev. John Brady is pastor of First Assembly of God, 1805-2nd St. SE, Minot.