God is still God.

Hi there!

How Are You?  Do you need anything?  If so, reach out to me!  Maybe we can help. 

I went to an ARC Conference this past Tuesday in West Palm Beach.  ARC stands for Association of Related Churches and they helped us launch Renew Church back in 2019.  This was our first In-person conference since before COVID-19.   It was a really good time.  I got to see some friends that I had not seen in a while and was able to encourage and be encouraged by other people facing the challenges of leading a church during this tough season.  

One of the speakers during the conference was Dr. John Maxwell.  During his session he talked about the challenges that all of us have faced during the last year- but he reminded me something that has been resonating in my heart since he said it, “Is our God not the same God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego?”

If you don’t remember the story from Daniel 3 in the Old Testament… let me remind you… King Nebuchadnezzar said if these three Israelite men didn’t bow down to his idol… they will be thrown into a blazing furnace, burned alive for all to see.  

Here was their response:

“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, THE GOD WE SERVE IS ABLE TO DELIVER US FROM IT, and he will deliver us from your Majesty’s hand.  BUT EVEN IF HE DOES NOT, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

So, the king had them thrown in the fiery furnace and even the soldiers that placed them in the furnace died from the heat.  And here’s what happened to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego:

“So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them.  They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and THERE WAS NO SMELL OF FIRE ON THEM.” Daniel 3:26-27

The world seems to be on fire.  But the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is the same God in the fire with us today.  

Come on, Renew family!  Let’s trust God.  Let’s be a people that season every word from our mouth and on our phones with grace.  Let’s be careful to not speak too quickly.  Let’s try to see things from each other’s perspective.  Let’s not prejudge anyone.  We have no idea what they have gone through- or what they faced when they woke up this morning.  And if you are in the fire, remember that the God we serve is able to deliver you from it.

So that when you come out of the fire, you won’t even smell like smoke! 

Love you all!  
See you Sunday!
 
Pastor Treavor 
www.renew.miami
IG @Renewmiami
FB @RenewMiami

P.S. It’s not too late to find out more about Child Dedication taking place this Sunday.  If you want more information, click this link and we will reach out to you!  

P.P.S. Blended and Blessed Conference is this Saturday from 9am-3pm at Renew Church.  If you or someone you know is part of a blended family, this is a great opportunity to hear encouragement from experts that have helped families navigate the challenges of being part of a step family.  Cost is free.  For details, contact Luis at 305-479-5451.  

If you would like to support Renew Church, CLICK HERE to give online or to set up recurring giving.