Pastor's Blog

And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered (understood) not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. (stubborn, unbelieving) Mark 6:46-52

As we experience the storms of life, may we remember that Jesus is mindful of our own situation, He is mindful of our fear, He is near us by His Spirit, and He comes to us in His Word. May we hear His words today: Be of good cheer: It is I; be not afraid.

May these words from the Lyle Matson family give us comfort, encouragement and hope today.
Monday, July 20, 2009 4:38 PM, CDT

"The test results were not what we would have liked to hear. The two masses that were found are clusters of AML cells, Natalie's original disease. We went home for the weekend. We are now back at the Children's Hospital. As I am updating this she is having another MRI and an MRV( to look at her veins) done. She will be having another central line placed tomorrow and begin treatment. Natalie will need to have another bone marrow transplant for the best end results. It's a good thing God sees What is beyond today and knows what is best for each of us even when it's hard to understanding. Continuing on in the strength of the Lord. Thank you all for your prayers and words of comfort. Remember to live like today is the only day you have. Don't be afraid to really love the ones you have. God wants us to hve abundant joy each day, and He shows us how to smile through our tears and lets us laugh when it seems there shouldn't be much to laugh about. Our JOY is in JESUS not in the things we have here on earth. Nothing can take that joy unless we choose to let the things of life make us bitter instead of better. Trusting that God will be with each of you through what ever Trials you each may be facing in your own lives. He has been so good to us and we trust that He will continue to give us what we need for each day and show us the blessings in each day. Resting in His love."

We are bound together in prayer with and for this family.

Pastor Orval Wirkkala

The prayer and the theme of our recent convention was "Lord, Bind Us Together In Love." As it had been our prayer for many months, it was with eagerness that I listened to and meditated upon His Word that was spoken, waiting to see how the Holy Spirit would do this "binding." As I kept notes for most of the sermons that I listened to, here I place a short summation of how the Lord expanded on our theme (to me) through the various brothers that spoke. This certainly is not meant to be the total message of the Lord, but rather it is what I received as I enjoyed time in fellowship with our Father, with His Son and with the body of Christ. I am sure that there would be much more that could be added to what I place in the following words. Please avail yourselves of the many sermons that have been placed on our website. As I place this list here, I am reminded of a part of the 77th Psalm.

Psalm 77:11-14 I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.

We remember, we meditate and we talk of the doings of the Lord, and as a result, we cry out with the Psalmist, "Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: Who is so great a God as our God?"

Here is what I received from the Lord during this time of fellowship.

We are bound together as jewels in his crown and we are precious in his sight. Luke 15

We are bound together through the Word and the Spirit. John 12

We are bound together even as our natural body is bound together. Eph 4

We are bound together in prayer as children of our Heavenly Father. Matthew 6

We are bound together in our desire and commitment to work toward unity in the body of Jesus Christ. Psalm 133

We are bound together in suffering and in His consolation. Mark 7

We are bound together in repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ so that we may follow Him to become fishers of men. Mark 1

We are bound together by our mutual object of joy: Christ Jesus Colossians 1:12-27

We are bound together in the grace which we have received from the Good Samaritan. Luke 10

We are bound together as we show mercy to those who are in need of it and in so doing, we are a neighbor to them. Luke 10

We are bound together as we follow the example of our humble servant, Jesus Christ. Phil 2

We are bound together in the reaching of the lost. Isaiah 55

We are bound together in humility and in obedience to the Word. 1 Peter 3

We are bound together in love as we deal with offenses/sin in a biblical manner. Matthew 18

We are bound together in the "good part,: Christ, and humbly accept our role within the body of Christ. Luke 10

We are bound together in the knowledge that Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1,2

We are bound together in our longing for His return for us. Acts 1:1-11

We are bound together as we rest in Jesus Christ and the victory He has won for us. Colossians 2:4-10

We are bound together in grace. Judges 16


As Jesus prayed for us in His High Priestly Prayer, He said these words in conclusion:

KJV John 17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

May the Lord add to that we have received from Him, even as Jesus promises that He will continue to reveal His name unto us so that the love that He received from God may be in us and that He may be in us.

Together in Christ,

Pastor Orval Wirkkala