March 2009

As I set down to write the Haven of Hope newsletter, I found myself in need of an encouraging word from the Lord Himself, as often we are left drained by the cares of this world we live in.

My heart is saddened as I see the body of Christ struggling for lack of the power and presence of God. And as I pray for the pastors and churches, I am reminded over and over again of the vision of God Isaiah had, recorded in Isaiah 6:1-8. 

That vision transformed him in a moment's time. It made him aware of his sins, and the sins of the people, and he confessed it before God. The angel flew down with the live coal from the alter of God and cleansed and atoned for Isaiah's sin. Then, and only then, Isaiah was ready to offer himself up to God for His service.

What We Need Right Now!

We need a vision of God! To know Him and the power of His resurrection for ourselves!

An author from 1937 wrote these very relevant words concerning the church: 

"The church is helpless without the presence and power of the Spirit. The church never talked so much about itself and its problems. That is always a bad sign. The lust for talk about work increases as the power for work declines." (Chadwick)

A Message for God's People

God's message to me concerning the body of Christ, the church, is simply yet profoundly this;

We all need a vision of God!! We all need to seek His face, turn from our wicked ways, so that we may hear from heaven and that God may come and heal our land.

I know I am sounding a bit preachy, but my heart is deeply moved for Christ's bride, the church, when I know what God's Word promises for His people.

How can we offer hope if we do not have God's fresh, powerful, fruit- bearing Spirit in our lives. Can we settle for less than a personal Pentecost?

Don't settle for less than what your heart is crying and longing for. May we seek God's face, confess, let God cleanse and fill us until that deep longing is satisfied.

Then we will overflow with the hope to others everywhere we go!

I guarantee you Satan has not let up, so how can we?

A Personal Thanks

I want to thank all of you who take time to read this newsletter and pray for this ministry. I also want to thank you for your obedience to God as you support this ministry which covers the expenses and frees me up to give myself more and more to carrying out the call of God to those who pastor and need a pastor.

Pastor Rick Messer