Hello friends and family of Village Bible Church,
By the time you read this, I, along with approximately a dozen men from Village Bible Church will be several miles deep in Huron–Manistee National Forest, on a two-day rustic, backpacking trip on the Manistee River Trail. Please join me in praying for safety and God-honoring fellowship among the men who are headed out Thursday morning.
As my eldest son Colton and I pack our bags for the trip, you can almost feel the excitement building in our home! I am reminded of that wonderful truth found in the book of James:
““Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17 ESV”
For Colton and I this week, one of the many “good gifts" the Lord has given us is the opportunity to get outdoors and spend time together as father and son. What about you; do you regularly acknowledge the good gifts God gives you?
James 1:17 says every good gift is from the Father. This means that literally every good thing in our lives is from Him! Did you wake up this morning? That in itself is a gracious gift that should be received with joy. But that’s not all! The food we eat, the jobs we work, and the loved ones we cherish - all good gifts from His gracious hand. I hope you take time to think about and thank the Lord for His provision of good things to you.
Maybe you are reading this and would say “Pastor, I’ve had a horrible week. Everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong. I cannot think of a single good gift right now.”
Dear friend, the greatest gift God has ever given is Jesus Christ. No matter what difficulty you’re experiencing, salvation by grace, through faith, in Christ is eternal good news. There are many “good” gifts that God has given us, but there is only one “perfect” gift - Jesus Christ, who died in the place of sinners, that we might be made right before God. That is good news, no matter what this world throws your way.
Take time today to consider the good gifts He has given you, and also reflect with thanksgiving upon the perfect gift - Our Lord and King.
I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday. Lord willing, I will see you then.
In Christ,
Jon Collins, pastor
You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267