Fall Back
 
A simple hike. So simple the rabbis have been doing it for years. They would hike up Mt. Arbel and pray as they walked. I now know why they prayed - a 1300 foot vertical up the side of a cliff, with handholds to help you hang on, and a long tumble if you fall. It is a journey where you can exhibit faith rather than fear.
 
I often think about the things in my life that could keep me from attaining the top and of accomplishing the goal. Fear is often the first thing on the list. A fear of failure, of setting out and coming up short, of disastrous consequences for missteps. Focusing on the goal lets us put our energies and efforts toward its achievement.
 
With Mt. Arbel not only did I have the benefit of trekking up a cliff with people I knew, who provided assistance, community, and even a little laughter, but I had also done it before. It was on my list of top 5 things I wanted to do on my trip to Israel.I love the effort, even to the point of exhaustion. I love the challenge, and the feeling of a challenge conquered. And I love the view. Mt. Arbel has a stunning view of the entire Sea of Galilee and surrounding region - from Capernaum to the Jordan River. This was the place where Jesus spent the majority of His time in ministry. Here he taught the Sermon on the Mount and fed 5,000, walked on water, stilled the storm, and healed many people. You can see it all unfold before you from Mt. Arbel.
 
I don't want to fall back in my faith, I want to press on, and even if I fail, to fail forward. Each step I take I know the Spirit of God journeys with me. One of the Holy Spirit's jobs is being a guide (John 16). When I press on, I know God will guide me. He will give me the strength I need to climb mountains, overcome problems, and keep going up.
 
Where do you need to press on? What do you want to accomplish that might require exchanging your fear for a greater faith? What is the first step you need to take?
 
Don't fall back, trust God's Spirit to strength, guide, and walk with you each step of the way. The decision you make to ascend at the bottom is the beginning of the celebration that comes when you reach the top.
 
Together in the Cause,
 
Tom De Vries
 
P.S. This Sunday (November 2) we want you to fall back . . . remember to set your clocks back one hour for the ending of daylight saving time before you go to bed this Saturday night!

FourPoints: North/South/East/West
 
Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, the ends of the earth . . . I'm very excited about Fair Haven's focus on mission during the month of November and culminating with our Thanksgiving Offering for missions on Thanksgiving Day. Seize Eternity is the theme of our study of God's Word as we walk through Acts 3 & 4. Be praying about your involvement in this awesome movement of God and don't miss it!
 
In the Footsteps of Jesus Interested in hearing more about the experience in Israel and Palestine? Paul Boice, RCA Director of Communication and Fair Haven member, and I will be sharing the stories of our trip on Wednesday, November 5, 7 PM, Room 606. (Note the room change.)
 
Get a Global Perspective This Sunday, November 2, there will be a luncheon right after the second worship celebration with Brian Spoelman, our missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Malaysia.  There is no charge for the meal, and it promises to be a great time to meet with this special missionary family.  Please RSVP to Doug McClintic, Pastor of Mission and Multiplication at dougm@fhmin.org or call him at ext. 3021.
 
Purposeful Praying We stand at a critical time as a nation with a credit crisis, unemployment increases, and the election only days away. Fair Haven will be focused on prayer for these challenging times and for the upcoming election. We will be sponsoring a 12-hour prayer vigil on Sunday, November 2. If you would like more information or to participate, check out the information on our website or contact our prayer coordinator, Mary DeLaat at prayer@fhmin.org. Trusting God in faithfully praying makes a difference!

Currents is an electronic communication from Fair Haven Ministries - devotional thoughts, updates, and information for individuals connected to the ministry of Fair Haven. It is communicated via email and through the Fair Haven website - www.fhmin.org. If you do not desire to receive Currents, please follow the unsubscribe directions at the bottom of this email, otherwise, we hope you find meaning, encouragement, and hope through these regular communiqués!

Fair Haven Ministries

 2900 Baldwin Street
Hudsonville, MI  49426
616-662-2100
 
Sunday Worship Celebrations
9:00am & 10:45am