Rushing Grove Pentecostal Church

06/23/2026

God Is Present in Dark Times
June 23, 2026

The path through suffering begins with trust, not understanding. Believe God is always working for your good.

Genesis 39:1-23

As Christians, we have a heavenly Father who promises to be with us in our struggles and is completely reliable. He knows what will happen before we do; nothing is hidden from His sight (Hebrews 4:13). God sees in the darkness of troubled times as clearly as in the daylight (Psalms 139:11-12). Through His Spirit, He offers us the comfort, strength, and wisdom to persevere.

The story of Joseph vividly illustrates this truth. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he was falsely accused by his master’s wife and imprisoned. But in the midst of those terrible times, the young man experienced God’s presence and favor.

Joseph probably did not fully comprehend the Lord’s intentions. But later, as second-in-command to Pharaoh, he understood God’s purpose in allowing those difficult years. In the end, Joseph testified to what he knew to be true: His brothers had meant to harm him, but God used all the hardship to accomplish His good plan (Genesis 45:4-8; Genesis 50:20).

When troubles hit, remember what is true and take heart. The indwelling Holy Spirit has the resources to provide what we need, equip us for any challenge, and sustain us with His presence throughout the dark days. Nothing can stop the purposes of our Lord from being carried out (Isaiah 14:27).

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

The Reasons We Serve
June 22, 2026

As you work today, remember you are serving the Lord.

Colossians 3:23-24
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

In His Word, God commands us to serve one another (Galatians 5:13). However, in life there will inevitably be people and situations that make this calling a challenge.

Thankfully, a biblically based understanding of service can help us obey the Lord’s instruction no matter who the recipient is or how problematic things can get. The reason? God is actually the One whom we serve.

When we have this motivation underlying everything we do, it will impact the quality of our work and keep us from becoming discouraged. Then, whatever our task—whether we drive a truck, lead a company, or teach children—if our goal is to glorify God, we will do our best in His strength. And we can trust Him to use us for His purposes, even if our labor might appear fruitless to us or to others.

Whomever the Lord calls us to serve and whatever He tells us to do, we can obey with joyful hearts when it’s done for Him. If this is our motivation, we won’t need worldly approval or evidence of impact. The only thing we need to know is that our heavenly Father is pleased and promises to reward those who serve wholeheartedly (Ephesians 6:7-8).

06/21/2026

The Keys to Success
June 21, 2026

God will work through any person who has a willing and obedient heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Have you ever felt discouraged about trying to live the Christian life? If your efforts to make a difference in the world seem fruitless, following the Lord’s example can change your outlook.

Christ served others in love, and His actions had a tremendous impact on the world. How was He so effective? Scripture tells us that Jesus did not speak or act on His own initiative but instead depended upon His Father’s indwelling presence to do the work (John 14:10). As His children, we are to do likewise.

True service is commissioned, empowered, and blessed by God alone. It may be our hands that are laboring, but our Father is the One at work. And the glory belongs to Him.

What a comfort this is! The Lord is not looking only for people who are extremely talented or influential. He will use all who are willing to let His Spirit work through them. And we can be confident that He will provide everything we need in order to do whatever He asks.

Who among us can serve the living God? Truthfully, none of us can, in our own power. Genuine service occurs only when we allow the Almighty to pour Himself out through us; we are mere vessels. Even if the impact is not obvious, we can trust that God always achieves His purpose.