Exodus 2:3-4 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. Pharaoh had ordered that all the new born Jewish males to be killed. The parents of Moses did all they could to keep him alive. When they could not protect him any longer they made the ark and waited to see what God was going to do. We have all faced times when we had a legitimate outcome we desired but could not produce. These are times when we must wait to see what God will do. If God has called you to such a time this week, learn from the family of Moses. Take all the appropriate steps for as long as you can and then wait. God in His time and by His means will both reveal and accomplish His will.

Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Abram’s life had not been easy or predictable. Much like our lives are on a daily basis. And in this one verse God gives two truths that both Abram needed and we cannot do without. First, that God is our shield. And second, that He is our reward. Today let us turn from our fear and anxiety and trust God to ward off any and every force that would stand between us and God’s will. At the same time may we choose to be satisfied with God alone. Not just for all that He does for us, but simply for who He is! As we embark on the first week of the New Year we need both the confidence and comfort this verse gives. Let’s take it with us during every day and within every step of 2016! Happy New Year Pastor Tony Note: I want to thank all of our friends from out of town that so kindly helped with our 2015 Christmas offering. It was a great success and God kindly met our goal. Please continue to pray for, and when you can, support the work here at Still Waters.

I Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Our walk with God should impact our walk with others. We are called upon to honor (value as individuals), to love others within the body of Christ, and to respect those in positions of authority. Each challenge is rooted in a right view of God. As we come to the end of the year let us examine the ways we are or are not following the challenges in this verse. Then let us commit to living out the truth every day and in every way during 2016! Happy New Year!