July 2023

Dear Friends of First,

Do you feel like you are missing something in life? There are a lot of people that simply cannot find a place of peace and satisfaction. They go from job to job, relationship to relationship, church to church, trying to find something that will satisfy their longing. This causes multiple problems in their life, such as instability within the family, their faith and even their finances. When a person focuses on self and begins the dangerous pursuit of living for self-indulgence, they will only find a plethora of “cruelest gods” to serve. What you think will please you never brings the pleasure you imagined it would, your satisfaction will never endure as you dreamed it could, your contentment is not found in things, or events. You can never make enough money to buy all the things you want or pursue all the interests you have. Your family will suffer when you are on the move from place to place, job to job, church to church. There will be no stability or sense of belonging for you or family. Your faith will decline as you blame your disillusionment on God. “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8).

Dissatisfaction is not the problem. It is a symptom, a symptom that is caused by not walking close to God and finding your peace and contentment in Christ. The Apostle Paul says “10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:10–13).

Friends, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge the Lord, and he will make your paths straight, and you will be filled with overflowing joy.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Have a beautiful summer and may the Lord bless you & keep you in His Care!

In Christ,
Pastor Jim