I’ve recently seen that some people like to post their favorite Bible verses to their social media accounts under the heading “Faith Friday.” What a fantastic way to help us shift our focus from our difficulties and worries to God’s promises and presence. Here are a couple of faith-inspiring Bible verses that have helped me gain new strength during this Chemo/Radiation Treatment classroom. 

The verse I needed most recently is found in Isaiah 40:28-31: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

I found myself at the weakest I’ve ever been – that I can recall – last week. You can read my reflection as I found myself at the bottom in last week’s blast/blog. There were moments when I felt so weak that I couldn’t get out of bed or off the couch. I cried out to God and asked first for the will to move and then for the strength to move. I didn’t quite soar around the house like an eagle but knowing that He was there with me and that I wasn’t alone was so encouraging. 

The second verse that helped me is one of my all-time favorites from Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” One thing I find comforting in this verse is that God gave us a direct command, and He would never command us to do something we are unable to do as we’re empowered with His strength. 

What brought this verse to mind is an email I received from an encouraging and empathetic friend who wanted to give me a boost. She began her email with one word. COURAGE. I needed that word so many times last week. God empowered me more than once to take that next step, drink more water, eat a bite, move off the bed, smile at my lovely caregiving wife, and engage to take the best care of myself during this season. 

Do you have a favorite verse that strengthens your faith? If so, why don’t you share it with me? But, even better, what if you decided to share it with a friend? You just never know when your verse or word will be what someone needs to help them take their eyes off their circumstances and shift them to God. Faith Friday is a great day to focus on the wonderful promises God gives us. 

Now that I’ve received my Chemo/Radiation Diploma, I’m ready to move out of that classroom and forward in my journey toward healing. I am now making plans to begin the trek to UCSF and surgery. I don’t know when that will be, but I’ll keep you updated. It’s probably 8-12 weeks out. I love you. 

Our next BAPTISM will be on August 22. It’s a great time to go public for Jesus as you take this step of identification and intimacy with Him. If you’ve never been baptized after you said “YES” to Jesus, please pray about this opportunity for you. Check it out and register on our website. 

GROWTH PATH is August 22. We’ve mentioned that over 40 families have moved out of Nevada County since COVID began. We will miss these people immensely. At the same time, several families have discovered Twin Cities and have started regularly attending either in person or online. Growth Path is a great time to find out more about our church and how you can fit in here. We all need a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated. I hope you’ll go to our website and register to attend the class that fits you best. 

GIRLS NIGHT OUT will be a fantastic opportunity for women of every age to gather together, celebrate, and have a fun time! Here are important details. This fantastic evening will be Friday, August 27 from 6:30-8:30pm. Make sure to register soon because it’s just around the corner. What a great way to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of something new. 

The next FOOD DRIVE collection day to support Interfaith Food Ministry is Friday, August 27, from 8:00-10:30am. Please bring your non-perishable foods to the church, and we’ll make sure all the food gets delivered to Interfaith. This is a huge help to the resource-challenged in our community. Please look for more information coming soon about how you can also bring specific items to help Hospitality House.

SUNDAY, we will continue a section of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus talks about our vertical relationship with God. Following the Way of Trust is about something we can all relate to well. Worry is our common condition as human beings, and yet Jesus says clearly, “Do not worry.” Once again, this is a direct command from God, and therefore it is POSSIBLE. The key is whether I believe in my heart that God is FOR ME. God wants me to trust in Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. 



Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

• Message Notes and Study Guide
• Weekly Spotify Playlist
• Children's Ministry
• Student Ministry 

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

Please pray for all those who have been impacted by the River Fire. That includes our First Responders, firefighters, those who have lost homes and structures and livelihood, those who been evacuated... by asking for God's protection and steadfast kindness.

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