Leaving Behind a Mantel

Trusting God often means releasing the need to control every outcome. It’s a surrender of our plans, fears, and what we think should happen, knowing that God’s understanding and ways are higher than ours. When we choose trust, we invite peace into situations that could otherwise overwhelm us.

The prophet Haggai’s preaching, found in the book of Haggai, emphasizes obedience and prioritizing God’s work. After the Babylonian exile, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem and began rebuilding the temple, but opposition and personal concerns led them to abandon the project. Haggai, sent by God, challenged the people to “consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5, KJV), urging them to resume the temple construction instead of focusing solely on their own houses and comfort.

Pastor Chris Parker

by Pastor Chris Parker

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in Daniel 3 reveals their courageous refusal to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. Despite the threat of death, they boldly declared that God could deliver them, but even if He didn’t, they would not bow (Daniel 3:16-18, KJV). Furious, Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into a furnace heated seven times hotter, but as he looked, he saw not three but four men unharmed, with the fourth “like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:25, KJV). God’s miraculous deliverance not only preserved them but also led the king to honor their God.

This account highlights unwavering faith, showing that God is present even in life’s fiercest trials, protecting His own and bearing witness to His power.

The Rapture is an incredible promise we hold onto as believers—a moment when Christ will come to take His followers to be with Him. The Bible describes this in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” Those who have died in Christ will rise first, and then those of us who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. What a beautiful reunion that will be!