Faithfulness, Family, and Triumph: A Journey through God's Promises

Good morning, friends! Today, we embark on a journey through a powerful message of God’s faithfulness, love, and the beauty of community. Whether you're a seasoned believer or new to faith, this reflection from a recent Sunday service will inspire, challenge, and encourage you. Let’s dive in!

A Celebration of Life and Community

There are few things more heartwarming than dedicating children to the Lord. This past Sunday, we had the joy of dedicating five precious little ones to God. As Pastor Jeremy said, "If you're ever curious about what heaven looks like, it looks like this." The stage was filled with parents, family members, and—of course—adorable babies. Each child was prayed over, their futures declared to be filled with purpose, strength, and God’s guidance.

Baby dedications remind us of an important truth: it takes a village to raise a child. Pastor Jeremy shared his own story of being raised by a community of godly men in the absence of strong leadership from his father. The church stepped in, showing him what it means to walk as a man of God. Similarly, we were reminded that as a church family, it’s our job to come alongside these parents—not just to say "call me if you need me," but to actively support them. "It’s our job to help raise them, guide them in righteousness, correct and love them," Pastor Jeremy emphasized.

God’s Faithfulness: A Promise You Can Stand On

One of the most profound parts of the service was the reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Pastor Jeremy reflected on Psalms 23: "For you are with me." He reminded us that God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on our choices. Whether we walk in His ways or stray, He is always with us. "The outcome of your life might change depending on your decisions, but His presence remains constant."

• God is faithful to every promise He’s made—both the ones we love and the ones we may not like.

• His promises span generations. You could be the fulfillment of prayers your grandmother prayed long ago.

• Even in your worst moments, God never leaves you. "He was with you in your addiction, your divorce, your brokenness," said Pastor Jeremy. "And now He asks, will you walk with me?"

This faithfulness extends to every area of life. Pastor Jeremy shared a moving testimony about a volunteer who had been faithfully Ubering to church with her nine-year-old daughter for months. This week, someone from the church donated a car to her. "If God can provide a car, what can’t He do for you?" Pastor Jeremy reminded us, "A car is small in the hands of a big God."

Discipline: The Rod and the Staff

Psalm 23 also teaches us about discipline: "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." While discipline may not feel comfortable, it is an expression of God’s love. The rod represents protection and correction, ensuring we don’t stray too far. Sheep, as Pastor Jeremy humorously pointed out, aren’t the smartest animals. When they wander, the shepherd sometimes has to break their legs to keep them safe. "It’s from your knees that God can build you back up again," he explained.

The staff, on the other hand, is used to guide and rescue. It pulls us close when we start to drift. "God disciplines to save, not to hurt," Pastor Jeremy emphasized. As believers, we need to embrace rebuke and correction, knowing it’s for our good. "If you can’t receive discipline, you’re living like an orphan, not a child of God," he boldly declared.

Triumph in the Presence of Your Enemies

Finally, we arrived at the line, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." What a triumphant image! God doesn’t just remove our enemies—He makes them witnesses of His faithfulness in our lives. "You only prepare a table when you know you’ve already won," Pastor Jeremy explained. This is a call to rest in God’s victory, even when surrounded by challenges.

• Your enemies aren’t just people; they’re anything that tries to keep you from God’s promises—fear, doubt, addiction, or even circumstances like inflation and politics.

• God invites you to sit at the table, confident in His victory. "You don’t fight for a win; you fight from the win," Pastor Jeremy said.

Imagine Jesus hosting a table where even those who doubt you—your "enemies"—can see His glory. Pastor Jeremy reminded us of the harlot who poured oil on Jesus’ feet. In a room full of critics, Jesus affirmed her place at the table. "I prepared this space for her before she even knew."

Conclusion: Trusting the Shepherd

As we reflect on this powerful message, let’s remember that God’s faithfulness never wavers. Whether we’re celebrating the dedication of new lives, walking through discipline, or sitting in triumph among our enemies, God is with us every step of the way. He is our Shepherd, our Protector, and our Host.