___________________ No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 ____________________ This past week we saw crazy amounts of rain. It's likely that some of it ended up in your basement. For others, much of it ended up in your basement. If that latter, it likely had some devastating effects: it ruined carpet, equipment, and leaves the lingering possibility of mildew build up. Then there's the clean up, the bills, and the ever so tight fisted insurance guy with whom you have to deal. This is just one example of the various providences that come our way on a daily basis. If this wasn't your experience, you can no doubt fill in the blank with your own horror story. Let's pause here and get some perspective. Put on your Biblical lenses and consider what has happened. Weigh these events from God's point of view: "The Lord withholds no good thing from them that walk uprightly." If you translate the double negative, it means that God is astoundingly liberal in his goodness. When it comes to His children, He is a fountain that gushes with radical generosity. You may need to read it again and again to convince yourself. Most do not see the Lord in this light. Typically our theology of God and His goodness is quite impoverished. We see Him as gaunt and comparable to Pharoah's skinny cows. This ought not to be so. Scripture is clear: God withholds no good thing from his people. The blessings of His covenant are secured in Christ and "the Lord has promised good to me." Do you think something bad has happened? Do you feel that heaven is against you? Think again. It is not possible for God to hold back any good from you. The gate of His eternal benevolence is open wide to you and it ever flows in your direction. You will say, "Why then do I not have riches and health and honor? Why are these good things withheld from me? All I have is a basement full of water!" If God has given you such things, it was for your good. He is to be praised for it. If He withholds them, it is for your blessed welfare. They would not serve your betterment and advancement in life. God would rather have you stoop under the pains and difficulties of trials. He would rather cultivate in you humility, dependence, and faith. These are His gems and treasures; they have greater profit than those things which your carnally crave. Even as you stand in the ankle deep waters of your basement, remember that before you are overflowing buckets of his generosity. So too is the peace of mind that you may have in the midst of it. Ministry Spotlight: Ashland Christian Health Center This month we are collecting donations for our friends at the Ashland Christian Health Center. Items include: Manilla envelopes, legal size (non-window) envelopes, reams of colored copy paper, rolls of paper towels, Depends pull ups (esp. larger sizes XL and 2 XL), and $20 visit vouchers. This ministry serves those who lack or have little insurance coverage by providing affordable medical care. Learn more about ACHC Family Day @ the Lillo's Come join the fun this Saturday (July 27)! We'd love to have your fellowship as we swim, eat, and hang out. Lunch is scheduled for 1pm, but you can join us anytime in throughout the afternoon. Friends are welcome! Membership @ Hopewell
Are you interested in membership at Hopewell? Is a young one ready to make a profession of faith / be baptized? We'd love to have that conversation or help you learn more.
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HOPEWELL CHURCHA Reformed and family integrated Church in Ashland, Ohio. Come & Worship
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