January 2025
Happy New Year
2024 is over, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of hope and possibilities. God has a plan for you, filled with new anointing, fresh vision, and increased impact.
I pray that "where you have planted with tears, may you harvest with joy." "Where you have toiled, may you see the results." "Where you have cried out to God in secret, that God will reward you in public."
I pray for a closer walk with Jesus, a more profound experience of His grace, that we all will linger in His presence and feed on His word.
God gives us strength. When doubts whisper, let His Word roar like a lion to encourage you and to remind you of your calling and His promises. So, embrace the new year with faith, knowing God will reward your efforts and strengthen you for victory.
Yours for the Kingdom,
Pastor Kinsey
Section 1 News
Mark your Calendars:
Save the Date:
Thursday, January 9th, at FPC
6500 North W Street, Pensacola.
Dinner will be served at 6:30 and the proceedings will begin at 7:30.
PASTORS
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PASTORS 〰️
Pastors,
Please feel free to submit a teacher from your local assembly receive the Fl District teacher of the month award. Submit photo and short bio to the CM Email: Fldistrictcm@gmail.com
Please submit any upcoming events you would like announced by emailing kherbst@firstpent.org
Youth Events
1/2-3 – HYC – Ocala – Registration is now live. $75. http://www.flupciyouth.com/hyc-2025.html
Navigating Life’s Challenges with Faith
It has been proven that we have all been through storms that has shaken us to the coreand has challenged our faith.
However, I think that every adversity is not a barrier or a hindrance but a chance to develop, to expand our knowledge and strengthen our faith.
The Bible presents to us men and women who have come out of their sufferings. They learned through faith to see things from a different angle. God has always promised His people to give us the strength when things get tough.
Throughout history, we’ve seen people like Job, Joseph, David, and the apostles go through tough times. They faced challenges, but they didn’t give up. They trusted in God and found strength in Him. And guess what? We can do the same!
We can hold on to the promise that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).”
Once we know that others have faced their problems with courage and the wisdom that they had in God,and they prevailed and became victorious. We too will be encouraged that it is also possible for us to win as we navigate the troubled seas of life.
The Story of Job: Endurance in Suffering
The Book of Job is one of the most inspiring stories in the Bible.
Despite facing unimaginable hardships and suffering, God described Job as a perfect man. Job was an innocent and God-fearing person who lived a righteous life, avoiding evil (Job 1:1).
But then, a series of terrible events struck him, and he lost everything - his wealth, his family, and even his health. These disasters, which the devil had planned against him, were devastating.
Yet, Job never lost his faith. He declared, “Even if he kills me, I will still trust in God” (Job 13:15).
So, what can we learn from Job’s story? Can we maintain our faith even when things seem hopeless?
The answer is yes.
We should never lose faith in God. However, it’s important to remember that our faith shouldn’t depend on our circumstances. We should believe in the God who is faithful and cannot be unjust. Job proved that it’s possible to keep faith even when suffering almost beyond belief. And he also showed that God’s plan will always prevail.
The Perseverance of Joseph: From Betrayal to Blessing
Let’s dive into the life of Joseph, as described in Genesis 37-50. It’s a story of patience and how Providence guided him to victory.
One misfortune after another hit him - he was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, accused falsely and imprisoned. It seemed impossible to overcome these challenges.
But Joseph never lost hope that God could turn things around for the best. As the story unfolds, Joseph rises to become the second-in-command in Egypt, a nation that helps many escape famine and is the lineage of the Messiah by saving his family.
When he finally revealed himself to his brothers, he told them, ‘You plotted evil against me, but God meant it for good.
This is what he said today so that many lives would be saved.’ (Genesis 50:20). This is a powerful lesson that teaches us to look for the positive and change our perspective.
The Courage of David: Facing Goliath with Faith
Another way that God has used the weakness of man to defeat the strength of the world is the story of David and Goliath.
Goliath had unnerved the entire Israelite army and nobody dared challenge him, but David came out with a sling and some stones and with faith, killed the giant and brought victory not only for him but for all the Israelites.
David told Goliath, I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, which you have defied. ” (1 Samuel 17: 45).
This shows that we should never rely on our strength or might to win the battles we fight in life but on the Lord who is the ultimate victor.
The Apostles: Joy in Trials
The New Testament apostles showed us how to handle life’s tough times with faith. Even though they were persecuted, thrown in jail, and suffered a lot, they still found joy in their trials.
They knew they were doing something important. James told believers, “My friends, count it all joy when you face different temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the testing of your faith builds patience” (James 1:2-3).
This helps us focus on the joy of growing closer to God and becoming more like Christ through our trials.
Personal Reflections: Finding Strength in Scripture
When times get tough, I find comfort and strength in the promises of Scripture. Take Isaiah 41:10, for example.
It says, ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’ These words are like a lighthouse, guiding us through the storm.
They remind us that we’re never truly alone in our struggles. God is with us, offering His strength, guidance, and unwavering support.
Conclusion: The Anchor of Our Souls
Adversity can be a chance for growth, the Bible proves this by giving us examples in the lives of Job, Joseph, David, and the apostles.
Their stories demonstrate that faith, perseverance, and a divine perspective can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Scripture offers comfort and strength during difficult times, reminding us that God is always with us.!
Pastor Kinsey
