Jan 2016

What do you do when you need to get through?   
"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom." --Psalm 35:13

Most believers who have spent any time in worship, bible study or Sunday school have read about or heard the bible as it relates to trials and tribulations. While we can enjoy God's blessings and we can enjoy His favor, we will also encounter and endure many trials and tribulations. It is during those difficult times that we find ourselves calling on the name of the Lord. Yet there has been times, when each of us have struggled in our mind to get a prayer through. When because of our circumstances we feel discouraged and even in despair. What do you do when you need to get through?

The Psalmist in psalm 35 is David, and he is crying out to the Lord for help as he is being pursued by King Saul and other enemies. He is asking God to defend him and confound the enemy by putting them to shame. David is adamant that His situation cannot be resolved unless the Lord His God intervenes. The essence of verse 13, is that David reveals his role in ensuring God's power and His providential care manifesting in his now situation. He says, but as for me, I humbled myself, entered into a fast, put on sackcloth and then my prayer was answered.

It's amazing how we complain about our circumstances, yet scripture gives us insight that God has afforded us access to draw closer to Him through fasting and prayer. Will you humble yourself, will you deny yourself, and will you cry out to God without complaining. Jesus says, "Some things can only be done through fasting and prayer! What do you do when you need to get through?

Because of Calvary,
Pastor Stuart P. Courtney
RevSPCourt@BethlehemofBonham.net

Emma Williams: Always available, always accountable and always approachable. Emma has been a member of BBC folk 16 years. She has served in many capacities, including Sunday school teacher, President of the Women Mission, Youth Advisor, Prison Ministry, Secretary of the Sr. Usher Board and Director of the Youth Ushers. Emma has worked with the culinary ministry, Evangelism Outreach Ministry and she is always an active part of the Glory to Glory Youth conference.  She is a community volunteer at IW Evans and also a Countywide Prayer Warrior. Thank you Emma for all you do!

Jake Mathenia: As a member of our youth ministry, Jake is always available and committed to his calling as a Kingdom musician. Jake has only been at BBC for 2 years but his impact on the ministry has been noticeable. Jake has only been playing piano since August 2014 but he has shown a lot of progress because he holds himself accountable by practicing and attending his lessons each week. Jake is active in youth choir, drill team and is also active at school in theatre and culinary arts.  Jake is a junior at Bonham high school. Thanks Jake for being a young man representing the Kingdom of God.