Brothers and sisters,
It was good to be with you all last Sunday, to sing to one another and to sit under God’s Word.
Sermon Recap
So far in our sermon series, “Habakkuk: Tough Questions for Troubled Times,” we have sat in on a conversation between Habakkuk and the Creator. Habakkuk asks why God would allow injustice to continue. God answers that he will not—he is sending the Babylonians to bring judgment on his people.
God’s response was not to Habakkuk’s liking, as we saw last Sunday. The Babylonians themselves were an unjust and wicked nation. How could God stand by and watch as “the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?” (Hab. 1:13b). Would the God of “purer eyes than to see evil” (1:13a) ordain an evil people to carry out his will?
Habakkuk’s world was being rocked. The revelation of God’s plan to punish his own people by a people more wicked than they confounded him. And yet, with his questions still unanswered, he recites what he knows to be true about the character of God. He is everlasting, with no beginning or end. He is covenant-keeping, faithful to keep his promises to Israel. He is holy, pure in all of his ways. He is the rock, steady and immovable. The knowledge of the character of God fanned out from Habakkuk’s soul to stabilize him in the storm, like a great ship that cannot be overturned by the waves. If you are currently facing a storm in life, what truths about God’s character might you meditate on to stabilize your soul?
For further application points from Habakkuk 1:12-2:1, which we ran out of time for on Sunday morning, go here.
Financial Need
The first month of the year is generally a slow one in terms of financial giving, but usually by the start of March the difference has been made up. However, currently Church on Mill is still behind budget. Would you prayerfully consider giving a gift to meet this need? A little bit extra from all the members will make up the shortfall in no time at all. Thanks for giving generously!
Mission Trips
In our desire to see lives changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ across the world, here’s the next two mission trips we’ll be doing as a church:
Italy: Consider joining the team headed to Serenissima, Italy to partner with our co-laborers in the gospel, Rob and Sandy Krause. There will be an opportunity to work with local refugee populations, help with outreach events for Serenissima Bible Church, and enjoy fellowship with brothers and sisters in northern Italy! (Approx. June 30-July 10). For more information, contact Scott Wakefield.
Thailand: Consider joining the team headed to Lop Buri, Thailand to work with and support the local churches there through English-teaching, outreach events, and student ministry (May 15-29). For more information, contact Erik Naylor or Phil Hoshiwara.
Both of these trips will fill up fast, so please let us know if you are interested in going.
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Ps. 18:2).
Your brother in Christ,
Phil Hoshiwara
