LOOK NO FURTHER
Discovering Hope, Forgiveness, Restoration, and Peace

Hi Folks,

            I really like this devotional by Rick Warren.  His perspective on faith, trust and God’s leading in our life is challenging and convicting yet very subtle.  It is our choice to believe in God’s leading and direction and it is our faith in the omnipotence of God that gets us through the difficult times.  Enjoy the devotional

At a Dead End? Expect a Rescue

by Rick Warren

 "'What do you mean, "If I can"?' Jesus asked. 'Anything is possible if a person believes.'" (Mark 9:23 NLT)

God will build your faith by planting a dream within you. But that dream will require a decision of faith, and then God will stretch your faith as you face delays, difficulties, and dead ends.  It is then that God comes in and delivers. God does a miracle. God provides a solution. For instance:

• In Moses' case, God parted the Red Sea.

• In Abraham's case, he and Sarah miraculously conceived a child.

• In Joseph's case, all of a sudden his dream came true, and he found himself no longer imprisoned in a dungeon; instead, he was the second in command in Egypt.

And Jesus was resurrected! God can even turn a crucifixion into resurrection, and that means he has the power to transform your dead ends into deliverance. He builds your faith through delays, difficulties, and dead ends, so that when he delivers you, God gets all the credit!

When faced with a dead end, the best response is to expect God to act. What are you expecting God to do in your life? Jesus says, "According to your faith let it be done to you" (Matthew 9:29b NIV).

When you wait for deliverance, then God gets the credit. And you can look back to see how God led you through a path of faith, expanding and increasing your trust of him with every step. Your faith is stronger, and now you can say with confidence, "I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see his goodness to me ..." (Psalm 27:13 LB).

Talk About It --

• How have you seen God deliver you or a friend or family member from a delay or difficulty in pursuit of a dream?

• What great expectations do you have for what God wants to do in your life?

 Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and most influential churches. Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller "The Purpose Driven Life." His book, "The Purpose Driven Church," was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. He is also the founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for pastors.

This devotional © 2012 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

 See you in church,

Pastor Bob

Transition Notes:

• Please keep Pastor Fred and Linda in your prayers this week and as God places them on your heart send them a card of welcome and support.
• Be in prayer asking God to speak to you very specifically on how you can help Pastor Fred and Linda feel welcomed and cared for when they arrive.
• Pray for Pastor Fred’s transition from his present appointment and ask God to help him say goodbye to those whom he ministered to for the past years.

Employment Opportunity

The following positions are “Open” and need to be filled as of May 1^st.  

EUMC Handyman – cares for basic maintenance needs of the churches buildings and property.

Groundskeeper -  cares for the outside grounds.  This includes mowing/trimming grass, shoveling snow off  sidewalks and entry ways,  bagging and disposal of leaves, etc…

If you are interested in either or both of these part time paid positions please email (eumcoffice @embarqmail.com) or call the office (652-2725).  Applicants must be 18 years of age. A complete job description will be provided to you prior to any interview by the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) .