You Can't Follow God's Voice if you're not listening...

Dear StoneBridge Family,

Last night, as Patti and I were driving to our VBS meeting, my phone rang. On the other end was a Christian businessman I've known for many years. After a brief greeting, he got right to the point.

"Mike, our executive team met, and we've approved a $15,000 gift to StoneBridge."

For a moment, I was speechless.

He didn't know all the details of what we've been facing. He wasn't aware of the many conversations, prayers, concerns, and hopes that have filled these past months. He simply knew that our church had experienced some challenges and that God had placed us on their hearts.

As I reflected on that conversation, my mind immediately went to Joshua.

For several weeks, we've been talking about "Jordan Moments"—those times when God calls His people to move forward even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

The Jordan didn't part until the priests stepped into the water.

God didn't reveal every detail. He simply asked His people to trust Him for the next step.

This gift doesn't solve every challenge, but it is a powerful reminder that God is working even when we cannot yet see the full picture. Sometimes the light God provides is only enough to take the next step.

There are signs of His activity among us. 

We have 20 children sponsored for VBS, and we're only beginning to spread the word. We are praying for the chance to love on 50 kiddo's. Over 20 different families have visited in the past 10 weeks. I hear stories of God working. Seeds are being planted. God is at work.

So let me encourage you: Keep showing up.    Keep praying.    Keep serving.     Keep trusting.

The God who has brought us this far will not abandon us now.  Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for believing in what God is doing. Thank you for continuing to take the next step.

A check is coming. A visible “rock” as we talked about Sunday that bears testimony for us to simply say "Look and see what the Lord has done."

With a Heart full of Gratitude and Hope!

Pastor Mike

You Can't Follow God's Voice if you're not listening...

A few years ago, I finally admitted what everyone around me already knew—I couldn't hear very well.

I was amazed at what I'd been missing.  Suddenly conversations were clearer. Background noise wasn't as overwhelming. I could hear voices I had been straining to catch.

And after I started talking about how helpful they were, several men quietly pulled me aside to ask what it was like. Apparently, I wasn't the only one having trouble listening to their wife!

The truth is, hearing changes everything.   You can't follow a voice you're not listening to.

That's exactly where we find Israel in Joshua 3.  They've arrived at the Jordan River. The Promised Land is right there on the other side. The spies have returned. The people are ready.

Except for one problem.   The Jordan River is at flood stage.    No bridge.   No boats.   No way across.

Unless God.

So Joshua gathers the people and says:  "Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God."

Before God parted the river, He spoke.   Before the miracle came, there was a message.   Before the people moved forward, they had to listen.

Then came the hard part. The priests had to step into the water.  Not after the river parted.

Before.    They had to get their feet wet.

Three times in Joshua 3 we're reminded of this truth: God would do what only God could do, but His people still had to take the next step of faith.

I wonder if some of us are standing at our own Jordan River right now.

Waiting.     Praying.    Hoping.

And God may be saying, "I've already told you what to do. Take the step."

This week I started a new daily devotional because I want to hear God's voice more clearly. Not because He isn't speaking, but because I don't want to miss what He's saying.

What about you?

Maybe your next step is:

• Opening God's Word every day this summer.
• Making worship a priority for the next 100 days.
• Serving where you've been hesitant.
• Giving generously.
• Sharing your faith.
• Trusting God with something you've been holding tightly.

What if the miracle is on the other side of obedience?    What if God is waiting for you to get your feet wet?    This Sunday we're going back to the river.

Come ready to listen.    Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.    Keep your ears open to His voice.

I'll see you Sunday, friend.

Pastor Mike