The Hiding Place from the Wind (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Hiding Place from the Wind” – Whatever people do to you, whether they hurt your feelings or strike you; whatever they do in opposition to you, they do the same to Jesus too. That person who opposes and kicks against holy living or against speaking “with other tongues, as the Spirit [gives the] utterance” (Acts 2:4), is mocking the Christ who authorized the same. As you well know, I have been preaching and teaching about “authority.” Our “hiding place from the winds” of ignorance comes when we love and obey our God. Then He will give us the authority to speak on His behalf for any desires of our hearts. Beloved, we want to speak with the “authority” of Joseph and tell the devil, “I [am] in the place of God” (Genesis 50:19). Let us stand up for our God and follow His direction for our lives all the way.

Precious Ones, there are some who speak as though they know more than God and speak statements such as “Had I been God I would not have done this or that.” Yet, Beloved, true believers do not defame the Church of God. Rather, they are His ambassadors and stand in “the place of God” for their lives, especially for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Don’t take my word for it; remind yourself of what is written. Paul said, “I…open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador” (Ephesians 6:19-20).

Chosen Ones, ask yourself the question, “Can God depend on me to be His ambassador, standing in His place of authority for my life in this world?” I don’t see why not. This authority is our “hiding place from the winds” of any adversity. Why not stand up for Jesus? He stood up for us when the forces of hell were endeavoring to overcome us. I believe in standing up for the One who laid down His life on a cross and died for me – and so should you! Jesus took our place in sorrow, suffering, and death. He was “wounded for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5). Beloved, we should “hide” in the assurance that Jesus bore all of our pain and gave us His health in return. Stand up and walk in His stead!

I will write more next Sunday.

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

The Hiding Place from the Wind (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Hiding Place from the Wind” – I feel compelled to share with you that if you really love the Lord, you cannot go back on Him! You must ask yourself, “What profit is there in drawing back from God?” You cannot (no matter how frustrations tempt you to) deny the faithfulness of God! I understand that life’s challenges tempt us all at times to step out of the will of God. However, remember this – the apostle Paul teaches that we, as God’s Chosen Ones, have a “hiding place” even while we are being tempted to go against God’s will. Paul starts his teaching by reminding us that all of God’s creation must endure temptations of evil. Scripture teaches that “[t]here hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but [Paul reminds us that] God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; [God will protect you and me from “the winds” of any adversity that we are unable to handle – this is God’s promise! Paul continues by stating that God] will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (I Corinthians 10:13).

Precious Ones, God meant every word that He said, and for this reason, I don’t believe that anyone can provide a legitimate excuse for not yielding themselves to obey His will for their lives. Yet, Beloved, there is a question that all who seek eternal life must ask themselves in order to combat the temptation to turn away from God and lead their own lives. That question is, “Who knows more about where you are going and where you should be – you or God? If we know that the answer to this question is God, then we should seek to “hide” in Him – not in ourselves.

Chosen Ones, I have no fear about the future, because I have become acquainted with the Lord of Life!! I know that Jesus has “[a]ll power…in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). He holds “life eternal” (John 17:3)! I love Jesus, and He loves me; nothing can “separate us” (Romans 8:39). The same should be your conviction! Why should we not “hide in Jesus from the winds of evil and adversity”?

I will continue this subject next week. Until then,

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Your Pastor, William L. McCoy

The Hiding Place from the Wind (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Hiding Place from the Wind” – Did you know that in some cases, medical science is unable to cope with the new diseases breaking out among mankind? Some examples are AIDS, SARS, and others. Do you know that people are dying from these diseases as we speak? Florists are still making wreaths and bouquets for young and old victims of these horrible plagues. Yet, the saints have found a “Hiding Place” from that wind. Our God’s medicine is always on hand, and it is not some sort of bitter root or dry powder, but it is “the Joy of the Lord.” Solomon said that “[a] merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). We, as God’s children, are merry (happy) because we know that there is no disease that our God cannot cure!! “[The] joy of the Lord is [our] strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Precious Ones, it is a medical fact that when a person’s heart is filled with joy, this releases a large amount of endorphins into the brain, and the person’s entire being is filled with new energy and purpose. That’s why the fundamental act of praising the Lord will drive gloom and sickness away. David said that when you “…bless the Lord at all times [and] his praise [is] continually…in [your] mouth, [then]…there is no want to them that fear [reverence] [and praise] him” (Psalm 34:1, 9).

Chosen Ones, you discover that you have a true “Hiding Place from the Winds” when Christ comes into your life. You’ll discover that He makes a new man or woman out of you. When the demons are raging and when your friends have turned their backs on you, you’ll discover that you can still give God the glory by having joy in the midst of sorrow. Again, David taught us this principle when he wrote, “…when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [Jesus] that is higher than I. For [he has] been a shelter [and a joy] for me, and a strong tower from the enemy” (Psalm 61:2-3).

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this – I am so proud to be your Pastor.

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

The Hiding Place from the Wind (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Hiding Place from the Wind” – it was not that long ago that medical science had not yet found cures for certain diseases. Just a few years ago, the whole world was caught unaware by the terrible plague of influenza. This disease claimed the lives of many mothers, fathers, and children, and abounded on every side of their lives. People died by the thousands. However, God prophesied and said, “…I…will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world” (Revelation 3:10). Therefore, all who believe that God is their deliverance and that the Deliverer’s Name is Jesus Christ are safe in the “Hiding Place” of His provision. Now we understand the scripture that says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Notice that the righteous do not procrastinate when it comes to finding where the Name and integrity of Jesus abides. Rather, they run to His Name in times of trouble or threat.

Chosen Ones, there are many Christians who know that they are fellowshipping with churches and so-called fellow Christians that are not adequately representing “the Name” of Jesus. Therefore, many are wasting their time outside of the “Hiding Place.” Every born-again believer should “run” to be where Jesus is, not where he was! Beloved, it is a mysterious abiding place; although you cannot see it, it is there. I remember my grandparents telling me that many people died in the influenza plague because they were frightened that none of the remedies seemed to work. They then allowed their fear to overtake them and hastened their deaths. Do not let your fear kill you as it killed them. You know where to hide – it is in Jesus!

I will write more on this subject next week.

I love you SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy