Community Chaplain Services

----- How important is the future to you?------------
I know that God is sovereign. He does what He chooses. He doesn't need my permission for anything. He spoke, and I was born, and someday He'll speak again, and I'll die.

He spoke, and the world was formed—and everything in it. He is the Lord.

But have you ever considered the part that your prayers play in determining the future while on earth? I'm not sure I fully understand all of the ramifications between the sovereignty of God and the free will of creation, but I do know our prayers have an effect. Otherwise, we would not be exhorted to pray (Luke 11:1–13). The prayer and fasting part I find especially interesting.

My point today is to encourage us to pray, because it really does matter. What kind of future do you and the Lord want?

Remembering, William Temple, a church father of bygone days, said,

"I have observed that when I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don't, they do not."
How important is the future to you?

Blessings,
Pastor Dale

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God Grown Faith

If God wanted to grow our faith, how might He do that?

Not just in our belief systems, but in the inner most part of us that struggles to trust in what we can’t see. That wrestles with life’s meaning. That wonders why things happen the way they do...

Most of us have heard someone say, “There must be a reason,” when facing something hard or confusing. And deep down, many of us do believe that.

Scripture tells us in Romans 12:3 that God has given each of us a measure of faith. But like the man who cried out to Jesus, we often say, “I believe-help my unbelief!”

So, how does God develop that kind of faith in us?

1 Peter 1:6–7 gives us a glimpse:

“Now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith... may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Faith, like gold, is refined by fire.

Trials aren’t punishments, they’re invitations.

Opportunities for something eternal to take root in us.

So, the next time you’re facing something difficult or out of your control, try praying this simple prayer, “Lord, here I am. Teach me. Show me what You want me to see about You, and about me."

Let’s allow God to develop our faith- His way.

Pastor Dale

March Greetings from Chaplain Dale,

One of the great privileges I have as a Chaplain is meeting many of you in person or virtually. I see you in ways that many others do not. During my visits, I have noticed how hard so many of you work. I am reminded that you carry responsibilities at your jobs, deep concerns for your families, relationship challenges, financial pressures, and so much more. It can be overwhelming.

Today, I was reading Psalm 46 and found comfort. It reminded me—and I want to remind you—that God is our refuge and strength. Because of that truth, we don’t have to be afraid. He is with us.

One verse that blessed me the most was the exhortation to “Be still…” Think about that! In the midst of our busyness, we are told to STOP. Be still. Every day, let us take time to stop and simply be still. In that stillness, recognize God. Acknowledge His presence, His assistance, His blessings—and give thanks. It is energizing.

For me, this is a reminder of where my strength comes from. He is an ever-present help, even in times of trouble. He is a good God.

If you need to talk to a Chaplain, visit our website:
CommunityChaplainServices.org

Blessings,
Pastor Dale

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