Dear Mt. Vernon Church Family,
I pray this letter finds you well and filled with God’s peace. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on yesterday’s message and remind us of its relevance as we move forward this week.
Recap of Yesterday’s Sermon: "Repeat Offenders"
We looked at Exodus 10:14a & 16-17, where Pharaoh repeatedly ignored God’s command to free the Israelites, allowing his stubbornness to bring further suffering on Egypt. We talked about how Pharaoh’s actions highlight a tendency in all of us—when we are "repeat offenders," failing to let go of our own will and return to the same mistakes, thinking we can control the outcome. Just as Pharaoh cried out to Moses for forgiveness without truly seeking to change, we too need to examine our hearts. Are we truly seeking God’s will, or are we trying to do things our way over and over again?
Key Points to Remember:
- Acknowledge Your Own Patterns – Just as Pharaoh stubbornly held onto his power, we too sometimes hold onto behaviors or attitudes that hinder God’s work in our lives.
- True Repentance Requires Change – When we ask for forgiveness, it’s not just about saying sorry but turning away from the behavior. Real repentance transforms our lives and our decisions.
- God’s Power is Always Greater – Pharaoh learned the hard way that no matter how much power he thought he had, God’s authority was greater. Remember, God is sovereign over every part of our lives.
Devotion: God is Our Constant
In a world that often seems unpredictable, especially during an election season, it’s comforting to know that God is our constant. We are reminded in Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” No matter who is elected or what policies come to pass, God is ultimately in control. He uses every leader, every nation, and every circumstance for His divine purposes, even when we can’t see the full picture.
Reminder to Vote & Fellowship Opportunity
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5, is Election Day. I encourage each of you to exercise your right to vote. Voting is an important way we can be active participants in our community and fulfill our civic duty. Once you’ve cast your vote, come by the church for a free fish fry starting at 11 a.m. Just show your “I Voted” sticker, and you’re welcome to a fish dinner and fellowship with us! This event is open to everyone in our community, no matter their political views, because it’s about encouraging participation, not division.
Let’s remember to keep our hearts focused on God, praying for all our leaders and asking that His will be done in this election. No matter who wins, God’s kingdom will continue to grow, and His work through us will not stop. We trust that He is guiding us, and we can find peace in that promise.
In Christ’s Love and Peace,
Pastor Richard Williams, Jr.
