"Grow in Faith, Grow in Grace: Be Humble & Alert"

We recently returned to Maryland for the annual Sovereign Grace pastor's conference. It was an absolutely WONDERFUL time reuniting with our PC class after 5 months! I didn't expect to be so overtaken by emotion upon reuniting with these dear brothers and sisters. Just reminded again, of God's lavish goodness, and humbled beyond words that He chose us to partake in such a rich year of growth, friendship and grace.

One of the highlights of the conference was a message that Rick Gamache from Sovereign Grace Fellowship located right here in Bloomington, MN preached, a message on anxiety & suffering. His text was:

1 Peter 5:6-11, "6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

If you have the opportunity, I would encourage you to take time to listen to it. (This is actually the original message he preached to his congregation, so it is geared towards everyone, not just pastors. I found the link on another blog I follow, http://www.girltalkhome.com/). All of us at some point walk through suffering and I know that most everyone struggles with anxiety and with trusting & having faith in the Lord. Even if you find yourself in a place of contentment & peace right now, it is never too early to combat these temptations that may come to your heart.

http://audio.sovgracemn.org/2010/06/13/grow-in-faith-grow-in-grace-be-humble-be-alert/