Good morning church family!

I pray that yesterday was an encouragement to the saints. May I remind you of two points in regard to a Christian suffering. First, suffering is mandatory. "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." Romans 8:17. Do not be surprised by this. Rather, be prepared and aware of the spiritual warfare we face. The best battles are fought through proper awareness of the danger. Secondly, suffering is momentary. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be comparedwith the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18. What a beautiful reality for the believer! This pain. The suffering. This struggle. This sorrow. It will all expire one day. We can rest in that truth, even within the suffering.

Have you ever been sick? I hate being sick. I would say anyone who enjoys being sick is a sicko. Sickness is terrible. Some sicknesses are quite serious and require much attention. Others, like a cold, are in that moment the worst thing that's ever happened to you. In reality, however, it is soon to pass. As someone who hates being sick, the only way I am able to function is to believe that I won't be sick for long. Allow me to connect this to the spiritual application. When we struggle, we can fight the daily battle knowing it's temporary. Even if it lasts our entire earthly life, our life in heaven will fade it out of our memory. Praise the Lord.

This brings up an urgent truth. This is only for those who know Jesus. Those who are lost, in their rejection of Jesus Christ, will suffer for eternity in hell. I pray this motivates us to share the Gospel today. May we have a heart for those who are suffering with Jesus. Let us comfort and bear each other's burdens. May we have a heart for those who are suffering without Jesus. Let us share the good news that Jesus saves!

I love you Cedar Grove. I love being your pastor. See you at Midweek! Happy in the Lord, amen. Buh-bye.

Pastor Jacob Lannom