Slideshow image

Dearly Beloved,

 

The Lord Will Provide!
 

I love hearing stories of God’s provision. A pastor told me of a person in their church who was elected to the church board. The new board member felt that as he was now a church leader he should tithe. He and his wife discussed this but couldn’t see how they could afford to give 10% of their income. They were barely making ends meet as it was. They decided to step out in faith and tithe. Not long after they started giving 10%, this man’s boss called him in and gave him a raise of about 10%, retroactive to the time they started tithing. It covered their increased giving and a bit more. 

 

God does things like that!

 

Our fifth prayer priority for 2025 is “provision for building development.” The prayer is not for personal provision, rather we are asking God to provide for the church so we may do the building projects which will strengthen ministry for now and the future.

 

One of the names for God is Jehovah Jireh, which means the Lord will provide. The most famous verse with this name for God is Genesis 22:14. God provided a ram for the sacrifice in a dramatic way and Abraham called the place, Jehovah Jireh, “The Lord Will Provide.”

 

We see the concept of God’s provision also in the NT. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” This is an amazing promise, but I wonder if it is for everyone. God provided in an amazing way for the couple who stepped out in faith and started tithing, but would God have provided if they had been tight with their money? 

Leading up to v 19 Paul recounted how the Philippian believers had been generous in giving. They supported Paul in his missionary work. To a church that gave to Gospel ministry Paul confidently expressed, God will provide for you.

Jesus took a boy’s five small loaves and two small fish and fed thousands. We may not have much, but that’s okay because all God asks is that we are faithful. He takes our little and does great things. When we give what He asks, the Lord provides!

Our prayer is that God will provide for building development. There are three specific aspects to our request:

 

First, for future generations of ministry in the Comox Valley. It is so exciting to see what God is doing in next gen and other ministries. Much of this ministry takes place in our church building. We pray that our building will continue to be a place where people are introduced to Jesus and grow in Him. We pray this will continue to be place where Jesus’ name is lifted high in worship.

 

Second is provision for next steps in Phase 1 of building expansion. There are plans to improve and expand our space. Phase 1 includes a new kitchen and additional room. Some funds have been donated, particularly for the kitchen. A renovation of this nature would be an exciting improvement and contribute to further ministry. Pray God will provide and guide us in the plans and timing of this phase of construction.

 

The third aspect to this prayer is for a possible daycare. We think having a daycare in the church may be a great service to young families in the community and may be an opportunity for us to shine the light of Jesus to more people in the Comox Valley. We are praying God will make His way clear to us, and if we are to start a daycare, that the Lord will provide for the building development necessary.

 

Please include our fifth prayer priority for 2025, provision for building development, in your prayers for CPC. If we ask and are generous, the Lord will provide. It’s in His name.

Pastor Lorne.