Uplook - October 7, 2023
Dearest Seattle Saints,
We rejoice in the wonderful services last weekend. We were thrilled with the visitors from so many different places. We were thrilled by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit present in each service to give each on exactly what was needed according to His grace. We were thrilled by the unity and hard work of all from Seattle who made the weekend possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and thanks be to God “for His unspeakable gift.”
But with all of the good news we are not ignorant of the audacity of the enemy of our souls to tempt, afflict, and challenge God’s precious people. In the book of Job (1:6 & 2:1) we read the phrase “and Satan came also” and it is just as certain that he will “come also” in our direction. We learn in Job’s case, Satan was bold enough to assert that Job would drop his faith “like a hot potato” as soon as the blessings stopped and affliction/sorrow began. We also learn God’s faithfulness and trust in Job was possibly greater than Job’s faithfulness and trust but as long as they remained together…it was enough to thwart Satan’s deceitful lies and bring Job through to victory. It is our prayer today that in the midst of trials, challenges, worry, exhaustion, grief, and losses that may come your way, you will focus on God’s faithfulness and love for you and yours rather than on your own situation and weakness.
The Apostle Paul stated it this way in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10:
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Today in all of our weakness may the Lord be strong on behalf of each one. We continue to pray for God’s deliverance, healing, restoration, and redemption but until the day it is fully realized at His return for His people. may we find His sufficient grace and strength which is perfected in our weakness. God bless each of you as we move into the fall season. May you take courage in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: But the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8
Housekeeping notes:
Musicians: Please check the Special Music Schedule on our Seattle Church “App” regularly throughout month as it has not only music specials but also scheduled choir practices. It is also soon to include the schedule for our AV staff who faithfully make services available to those who cannot attend in person.
Wedding Reception: Wednesday, October 18 at 7 pm we will celebrate the marriage of Bro. Yoshiki Ohno to Sis. Rei Takahashi (October 14). They are spending a few days in Seattle for their honeymoon and have agreed to allow us to celebrate. We will have light refreshments and cake. For those who wish to give gifts, it is customary in Japan to give cash rather than presents at weddings and easier to take home on the plane as well.
Water Baptismal – We are tentatively scheduled to hold a Water Baptismal service on Sunday evening, October 29 in the sanctuary. We already have 5 candidates who have requested water baptism. Should you or anyone in your family wish to be included please let me know.
In Christ,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
We rejoice in the wonderful services last weekend. We were thrilled with the visitors from so many different places. We were thrilled by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit present in each service to give each on exactly what was needed according to His grace. We were thrilled by the unity and hard work of all from Seattle who made the weekend possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and thanks be to God “for His unspeakable gift.”
But with all of the good news we are not ignorant of the audacity of the enemy of our souls to tempt, afflict, and challenge God’s precious people. In the book of Job (1:6 & 2:1) we read the phrase “and Satan came also” and it is just as certain that he will “come also” in our direction. We learn in Job’s case, Satan was bold enough to assert that Job would drop his faith “like a hot potato” as soon as the blessings stopped and affliction/sorrow began. We also learn God’s faithfulness and trust in Job was possibly greater than Job’s faithfulness and trust but as long as they remained together…it was enough to thwart Satan’s deceitful lies and bring Job through to victory. It is our prayer today that in the midst of trials, challenges, worry, exhaustion, grief, and losses that may come your way, you will focus on God’s faithfulness and love for you and yours rather than on your own situation and weakness.
The Apostle Paul stated it this way in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10:
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Today in all of our weakness may the Lord be strong on behalf of each one. We continue to pray for God’s deliverance, healing, restoration, and redemption but until the day it is fully realized at His return for His people. may we find His sufficient grace and strength which is perfected in our weakness. God bless each of you as we move into the fall season. May you take courage in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: But the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8
Housekeeping notes:
Musicians: Please check the Special Music Schedule on our Seattle Church “App” regularly throughout month as it has not only music specials but also scheduled choir practices. It is also soon to include the schedule for our AV staff who faithfully make services available to those who cannot attend in person.
Wedding Reception: Wednesday, October 18 at 7 pm we will celebrate the marriage of Bro. Yoshiki Ohno to Sis. Rei Takahashi (October 14). They are spending a few days in Seattle for their honeymoon and have agreed to allow us to celebrate. We will have light refreshments and cake. For those who wish to give gifts, it is customary in Japan to give cash rather than presents at weddings and easier to take home on the plane as well.
Water Baptismal – We are tentatively scheduled to hold a Water Baptismal service on Sunday evening, October 29 in the sanctuary. We already have 5 candidates who have requested water baptism. Should you or anyone in your family wish to be included please let me know.
In Christ,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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