FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK, 21 JUNE 2026

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK, 21 JUNE 2026

Although shouting (“i)n a religious context, ‘shouting’ refers to two distinct but related practices: vocally crying out to God in prayer or praise, and a physical dance of ecstatic worship-AI) comes forth with great joy, it is born of great pain, which waits to see what GOD is going to do about that pain.  The shouting comes forth when we finally have living proof that GOD never leaves us and never lies.  GOD keeps GOD’S promise to never leave us nor forsake us.  LOOKAHERE, at what GOD has done!!  GOD promised.  GOD promised.  GOD keeps GOD’S promises.

When my nephrologist told me it was time to start dialysis, that I was in the final stages of kidney failure, I thought, “is this the end of my life on earth?”  I thought I heard GOD whisper, “no.  It’s the beginning of a new chapter.”  I asked GOD where GOD was taking me?  I only heard “follow me.”  I remembered who else GOD gave that answer to.  It was Abram, in the desert.  Abram asked Yahweh where they were going (because Abram knew he couldn’t go alone).  GOD told him, “I’ll show you along the way.”

ALONG THE WAY!  What does that mean?

It means we have to trust GOD.  All along the way.  For everything.  We have to trust GOD to lead us where we are supposed to go, even when we have no idea where we are going or how to get there.

We can only true GOD with and for everything when we believe that GOD loves us unconditionally.  When we come to know that GOD knows our name and every hair on our head.

We come to trust GOD on earth and in eternity when we’ve watched GOD save us, time and time again.  Even when we know we don’t deserve to be saved.  Even when the trouble we are in is of our own choosing.  Even when we knew we were wrong and chose, of our own free will to do what we wanted to do because we wanted to do it.  Especially because we wanted what we wanted, against what GOD wanted.

When we have followed GOD to take us where GOD is taking us, while showing us where we are going “along the way;” when we have trusted GOD’S love to grant us a future, and not destruction; when we arrive at a future we had no idea how it would come, with clear minds, healthy bodies and souls full of praise and gratitude, we shout! 

I am shouting because, GOD gave me a new kidney and has granted me new life.  I shout as I pray for the family of my donor and honor the gift of life he extended to me, as his earthly life ended.

GLORY HALLELUJAH!  GOD HAS BEEN SO GOOD!!  WE SHOUT UNTO THE LORD AND GIVE PRAISE!!!

Praise GOD, my brothers and sisters.

PRAISE GOD.  FOR “GOD’S MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER.”  THANK YOU, LORD!

Blessings,

Pastor Brenda