Judges 6:12...When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."

At first we might wonder what Gideon had accomplished to hear such words from God. What victories? What heroic deeds? And then you might wonder if such things could ever be spoken of you. I got good news for you, the story of Gideon may not be what you think.

These words are spoken to a man hiding in a winepress! It was here that Gideon was working to provide for his family. He was hiding to stay out of sight of the Midianites. For the last seven years they had tormented the Israelites. So that's why we find Gideon threshing out a small bundle of wheat for his family down in a winepress. And it was here that the Lord spoke to him and called him into service.

And the words spoken were, the Lord is with you mighty warrior! Mighty? I feel weak Lord! Warrior? I'm hiding Lord! And then Gideon proceeds to tell God that Jehovah has forsaken His people. Can you sense the tension? What's God going to do with such comments? What's God going to do with such a man? He's going to forgive him and use him to free the Israelites! Gideon, go! Gideon I am with you! This is your might. Go in My strength! I am sending you!

The Lord calls you as well. Each morning you rise to report to your own "winepress"-some days you may feel weaker than others. Hear His words. Hear Him say: I am sending you. Hear Him say, I am with you, this is your might! For when we hear those words we know that He will provide strength for the day. I'm counting on it, I need it!

So the next time you feel weak or overloaded or under oppression of sin or temptations remember your Baptism. It's when God first appeared to you. It's when He called you into service and that work is done in many ways. (are you excited about how God will use you?)Project 52 is about discovering ways to reach people with this Good News and then to have them share it with others.

If you need to be encouraged in your "winepress" write or call me. We are here to help you see the strength you find in knowing Jesus Christ.

In Christ,
Pastor John

In the midst of trials and hardships I find great comfort in the tools God has given to help us. First, we have His Word. It is full of so many promises. In the Word we are told how much He loves us, how much He cares, and how He is always there for us. In the Word we find the reason for such trials. Our faith is tested and purified. Listen to Job 23:10, But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

Secondly, the Lord has given us friends to help us through our trials. I personally have come to realize once again how important it is to lean on others. Someone once said that no man is an island. I remember a time in my life when I tried to be an island and it is a lonely way to live. Not only should you reach out to help others but you should also reach out for help yourself. The Lord has said to bear one another's burdens. He knew what He was talking about.

As you go through life with its ups and downs, rely on the things God has given us. And remember the outcome of these trials will be the same as the Lord's outcome, VICTORY!!! At Project 52 you have friends and hopefully we can help you to no longer be an island. Hopefully we can help you find the victory that is already yours in Jesus Christ.

You will come forth as gold!

In Christ,

Pastor John

Lamentations 3:22-23, Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

I think one of the best things about a lousy day is that it ends. I'm serious! Whenever I have had a bad day I figure instead of trying to solve problems at a late hour I'd be better off just calling it a day. It seems like, no matter how bad circumstances are, things appear more hopeful and bright in the morning.

Jeremiah is saying something like this in the chosen reading. Jeremiah had many problems that could have easily consumed him. He was a prophet of God speaking the Word of Truth. He must have been doing a good job because he got people mad at him. That usually happens when people are being told they are doing something wrong. What helped Jeremiah through this rough period in his life? The Lord's great love! Boldly Jeremiah could say that his problems may be great but he would not be consumed. They wouldn't ruin his life and destroy relationships, especially his relationship with God. And Jeremiah still loved and cared for the people who rejected his message. But he was not consumed.

Feeling overwhelmed? Call it a day, and wake to a new morning, a new morning fresh with God's love and faithfulness. Call us as well at Project 52! We are here to remind you of the Lord's great faithfulness and that nothing can consume you either. God bless you!

In Christ,
Pastor John