Tag Archives: Christianity

Cabot Church Community: Newsletter

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Written by Bonnie

In central Arkansas is Cabot. This small town is only about 30 minutes from Little Rock, but its proximity to the big city doesn’t cost it any of the small-town charms. The community is family-friendly, and residents of all ages enjoy spending time together at the city’s parks, which are equipped with playgrounds, baseball fields, soccer fields, walking paths, and pavilions for gathering. Community Pond Park has a fishing pond stocked by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, a dog park for large and small dogs, and an 18-hole disc golf course! Cabot also has sports leagues for kids and adults so you can play your favorite sport year-round. In the spring, the residents celebrate their famous crops with the Strawberry Festival. For one weekend in April, the community enjoys food trucks, local vendors, live entertainment, and a 5K race, all in the name of strawberries!

But what makes Cabot truly special is its strong faith community, which continues to grow and serve. As we reflect on the importance of ministry, we recognize that many hands make light work. There are countless roles in the church, and the gift of helps is one of the most significant. Whether it’s assisting with Sunday school, volunteering for community outreach, or helping maintain our place of worship, every contribution strengthens the body of Christ.

Recently, a young woman in our congregation had an experience that reminded us of the power of discernment. While visiting, she encountered someone who was speaking words that seemed true on the surface but carried a troubling spirit beneath. Just as Paul and Silas encountered the spirit of divination in Acts 16, we are reminded that true wisdom comes from God. Through prayer and faith, we can discern what is truly of the Lord.

We are also reminded that the enemy is crafty. False prophets may appear righteous and even speak truths, but their hearts may not be aligned with God’s will. Matthew 4:29 warns us that “an evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign.” Our faith must be built on the unshakable foundation of Christ, not on wonders that can deceive. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and we can trust in His eternal plan.

In our own lives, we often encounter trials that test our faith. One of our brothers in Christ, Jeff, shared his story of transformation. Once lost in addiction and seeking spiritual enlightenment through worldly means, he came to understand that only Christ provides true salvation. His testimony reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. His grace is sufficient, and His love knows no bounds.

As we prepare for the coming months, let us focus on unity, prayer, and service. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, participation in ministry, or simply encouraging one another, we are called to be the light of the world. Let us seek God’s will in all we do, remembering that He desires to work through us. As we read in Philippians 2:25-30, even the most faithful servants face hardships, but through perseverance and faith, we find strength.

Finally, we encourage you to get involved in our upcoming events. This spring, we will celebrate together at the Strawberry Festival, a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship and support our community. Beyond the festivities, let us also remember to support one another spiritually. God is at work in Cabot, and we are blessed to be a part of His plan.

May the Lord bless you and keep you always!

In Christ, Bonnie

Gilbert’s Heritage in Arizona

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Sermon: Embracing the Power of God’s Guidance in Our Lives

Good morning, Church! It is such an honor to be with you today as we come together to worship and grow in our faith. I believe today’s message is one that will inspire each of us to look deeper into the guidance God offers us in every moment of our lives. Just like Gilbert, Arizona, where we find a unique blend of the old and new, God’s guidance is a harmonious balance that leads us toward a place of peace, strength, and divine purpose.

Gilbert is a city that has experienced tremendous growth over the years. It’s now the eighth city on our list of the best places to live in Arizona. People are drawn to its vibrant downtown area, known as the Heritage District. It’s the heart of the city, filled with lively restaurants, bars, and local shops. Culinary Dropout, Liberty Market, and Snooze are just a few of the gems that bring this district to life. You can feel the energy of the city as it pulses through the streets.

Yet, much like the growth and vitality we see in Gilbert, we, too, are on a journey of growth. We may be surrounded by challenges and changes, but through God’s guidance, we can navigate this world with a purpose and confidence that can only come from Him.

The Challenges of Growth: A Call to Trust

It’s no secret that Gilbert has become more expensive over time. Home prices have nearly doubled since January 2020. And just like those rising prices, the challenges in our own lives can seem to increase. The daily grind, financial pressures, or perhaps strained relationships—these are the “costs” of living that many of us can relate to. Yet, just like those who call Gilbert home, we must remember that we are not in this alone.

Gilbert’s neighborhoods, like those of many cities in the Phoenix metro area, are built on a grid system. These well-planned streets reflect a sense of order and purpose. Similarly, God’s plan for us is not haphazard. It is intentional, and His guidance is meant to help us navigate the complexities of life with grace and strength.

You may feel like you’re on an isolated path, but I want to encourage you today that God is with you. Just as neighborhoods in Gilbert are connected, we, too, are interconnected with God’s divine plan. He leads us in ways that we may not always understand at the time, but when we trust in Him, His ways become clearer. He will provide the direction we need to walk through this life.

The Heart of the Matter: The True Source of Strength

We can take a lesson from Gilbert’s Heritage District. It’s the heart of the city—a place where life and community come together. Just like that heart, God is the heart of our lives. He is the source of all our strength, our peace, and our provision. He desires to lead us with purpose, even when it feels like the road ahead is uncertain.

In times of challenge, when it seems like the world is moving faster than we can keep up, we must remember that God has a plan for us. Even in seasons when life may feel like a constant hustle, we can trust that He is guiding us, step by step.

The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Just as the shepherd provides for his sheep, God provides for us. He guides us to green pastures and still waters, places of rest and nourishment for our souls. God does not want us to be consumed by the worries of this world. He wants us to walk in the peace and provision that only He can offer.

Trusting the Process: The Journey of Faith

As we look at Gilbert, we see a city that has grown and evolved over time. Its parks, such as Freestone District Park and the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, offer spaces for rest and reflection, providing the community with places to recharge. Similarly, God leads us to places of spiritual rest. In those moments, we may not always see the bigger picture, but we must trust in His process.

The journey of faith is much like the process of growth we see in Gilbert. The landscape changes, homes are built, and new spaces are created. Likewise, our lives are shaped through the moments we walk with God. Each step builds upon the last, and before we know it, we find ourselves in a place of spiritual abundance.

God does not promise us a life without struggles, but He does promise to be with us through them. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” The challenges you face may feel overwhelming, but know that He is holding you up, strengthening you, and guiding you through each and every moment.

Moving Forward with Confidence: Our Future in God’s Hands

As we look at the city of Gilbert, we see growth, challenges, and a future full of possibilities. The same is true for our lives. Just as Gilbert’s community continues to evolve, so does our spiritual journey. God is preparing us for greater things, just as He has prepared this city for a bright future.

The question today is: Are we ready to trust Him? Are we ready to step forward with confidence, knowing that He has equipped us for whatever lies ahead?

Remember, we are not meant to live in fear or uncertainty. Just as Gilbert’s streets are laid out in a way that guides its residents, God’s Word and His presence will guide us through every season of life.

Today, I encourage you to embrace God’s guidance. Trust that He has a plan for you, and that His ways are higher than ours. Just as Gilbert has grown and thrived, you too can thrive in the path that God has set before you. Trust Him, step forward in faith, and allow His guidance to lead you into a future filled with hope and purpose.

God bless you all!

Bible Study in Chandler, Arizona

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As the sun sets on another warm evening in Chandler, a group of believers gathered in the heart of the city for a time of Bible study and fellowship. Chandler, a city known for its mix of urban amenities and laid-back living, became the backdrop for a deeper exploration into faith, community, and God’s will for the lives of its residents.

Chandler, located just 30 minutes southeast from downtown Phoenix, offers a unique blend of old and new. The city has deep agricultural and industrial roots, and those who seek to understand its history can visit places like the Chandler Museum and the Arizona Railway Museum. But as we gathered in prayer and study, we were reminded that just like Chandler’s history, our lives too can be filled with chapters of change and renewal. While Chandler has seen a transformation from agricultural land to a tech hub, so too can our hearts experience spiritual renewal as we embrace God’s plan for our lives.

The evening began with a reading from Psalm 51, where David cries out for renewal and a clean heart, saying, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). This passage reminded us of the importance of spiritual renewal, something that is just as vital for us today as it was for David. In Chandler, the growth and change around us can serve as a reminder of the transformation that can happen within our own lives when we open ourselves to God’s guidance.

As we continued, we reflected on the community we live in. Chandler, though growing in industry and technology with massive Intel campuses and other electronic engineering firms, still has a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. Much like Chandler’s mix of the modern and the tranquil, our spiritual lives often require a balance of productivity and peace. The busy work of life—whether it’s in the office, at home, or in the community—can pull us in many directions, but we must always remember to take time to rest in the presence of the Lord.

One of the key themes of the evening was the power of prayer and trust in God during times of transition. Just as Chandler has changed and adapted over the years, we too go through seasons of change, whether it’s in our jobs, relationships, or personal lives. In these times of uncertainty, we must remember to trust God’s plan for us. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” We are reminded that even when we don’t understand the changes happening around us, God’s plan is always greater.

Chandler is also a city that enjoys the excitement of professional sports, with the Cactus League MLB Spring Training games bringing energy and enthusiasm every year. This excitement parallels the zeal we are called to have for God’s work in our lives. As believers, we should bring the same energy and excitement to our faith as sports fans bring to their favorite teams. But instead of cheering for a team, we are cheering for the Kingdom of God and working together to spread His word and love to those around us. As 1 Corinthians 9:24 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Our goal is to live with purpose and passion, striving towards the prize of eternal life with Christ.

One interesting feature of Chandler is its proximity to the Gila River Indian Reservation, which lies to the south and west of the city. This proximity invites us to reflect on the importance of understanding and respecting the communities around us, and how God calls us to love our neighbors—whether they are from our own city or from other backgrounds and walks of life. Jesus made it clear in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) that our neighbors are not just those who are like us, but anyone who may be in need of our help and compassion. As we live in Chandler, with its diverse and growing population, let us remember the call to love and serve those around us.

We also took time to reflect on the luxurious neighborhoods in Chandler, such as Ocotillo, built around a beautiful golf course. It was a reminder of the importance of community—how God places us in different areas of life to work together, build relationships, and support each other. Just as a golf course is shaped by design, our lives are shaped by God’s intention. We are called to be good stewards of the resources and relationships God gives us, and to use them for His glory.

As the evening drew to a close, we spent time in prayer, asking God to give us a heart for growth, transformation, and service. Just as Chandler is a place that has seen many changes over the years—where new industries rise, and old histories are celebrated—so too can we experience personal growth and spiritual renewal in our own lives. With God’s help, we can navigate the changes we face with faith, trust, and a heart of service.

In closing, we left the Bible study with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that God has a plan for each of us in Chandler. Whether we’re called to serve in our careers, in our families, or in our communities, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s presence is with us, guiding us through every season of life. And just like Chandler continues to grow and evolve, so too can our faith grow, allowing us to embrace new opportunities and face challenges with strength and perseverance.