But theirs is a classic case of taking for granted what has become familiar. God’s presence is a constant reality for them: cover of cloud to protect them from the sun by day, fire at night to warm and assure them the Lord is with them still. When their stomachs growl, they have manna. Dry mouths? No problem, water comes out from a rock. Drink like a fish. Cool.

Then, they arrive at the edge of the land God promised them with the instruction to go in and kick out the current inhabitants, as part of God’s judgment against these, who obviously rejected the Lord. Given what Israel knew about what God did on their behalf to get them out of Egypt and bring them this far along, you would think this is a no-brainer. But no, the people living in the land where huge, they felt like insects before them. So, they chicken out. God got so mad at the Israelites, except for Joshua and Caleb, not one from that generation who was old enough to know better - repeat, not one, entered the land God promised.

God Is Working Continually - Don’t take it for granted

Look around you. It may seem like God is not at work anymore. You don’t have to look very far. Take what’s happening right here at FFAC. Get closer, take a look again.

We used to ask around here: what about the men? where are the men? Lately, when you spot the men, it’s hard not to exclaim: “Whoa!” See the men praying. See the elders visiting. See the deacons getting going. See the Alliance Men going at their areas of service and giving assistance to other ministries we do here.

Guys are becoming more visible and noticeable at prayer gatherings. Their bodies are not just present; you’ll hear them call out to God. Yes, men are rising up to serve, to pray, to lead and to build up other men.

In case you missed it, the men saved the church 20 thousand dollars last year. The fire marshal thought our doors needed replacing. One contractor estimated $20 with three more zeroes in the estimated cost. Your deacons and Alliance Men went around and oiled the hinges. So when you push or pull the doors as you exit or come in to our building, thank God for working in the lives of men, from A-Z - Amor Abad and Thom Zamora; they’re trying to mobilize all other men between their last names. Presto! Working doors. Working men. Working God.

Another up and coming A-men is Brian Aquino. You should see a bunch of otherwise quiet and shy men fly up and down the basketball court. So if you want to add sizzle to your slow, sleepy Saturday morning, check out the fireworks in the smaller basketball court at Percy Paige School. The players come to sweat. With God helping us, we desire to see some of these players turn into pray-ers and turn their perspiration to inspiration.

God is working continually until now. Don’t take it for granted. Thank Him. Pray that more folks here will be set ablaze for the Lord, for people and His mission. Still wondering? The men are Exhibit A.

April is Missions Month

Next weekend is the launching of our missions months throughout April. We’re featuring Doug Nichols, Action International Ministries April 3-5, familiar names like Melody, Raul & Donna for the two weekends in between and David Blundell of Hungry for Life. Mark your calendars and plan to join the Friday-Sunday events.

Warmly,

ricky p. mapa, pastor