Hello Cedar Grove Family!

Yesterday was an amazing day gathering together in the name of Jesus. We keep getting blessed with guests each Sunday. I challenge you to make sure to meet those who visit and welcome them! We had over 40 kiddos at church yesterday. Overall, there was 160 under roof to celebrate King Jesus. Wow, I will never get over the greatness of our God.

What pressures are you feeling today? I ask because in reality you have two options when facing tribulation. First, you can listen to the lies if the world. They usually sound like this: "you will never get through this...", "God has forsaken you...", "just give up." LIES. However, there is a second option. Its found in Romans 5

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Ro 5:2–5.

I don't know about you, I will take the the latter! I forgot a story of illustration yesterday as I was preaching. Allow me to share it this morning...

Mara, a young woman in a village devastated by a storm, had always dreamed of becoming an herbalist. But with so much to rebuild, learning seemed impossible.

One day, her grandmother invited her to climb a nearby mountain. As they ascended, Mara struggled with each step, overwhelmed by her worries. But her grandmother encouraged her, pointing out herbs that thrived despite the harsh conditions.

"Learning doesn’t happen when everything’s easy," her grandmother said. "It’s in the struggle that we grow."

By the time they reached the summit, Mara realized that even in hard times, she was learning. It wasn’t about perfection, but persistence. Each small step, like the herbs growing on the mountain, was a victory in itself.

Cedar Grove, keep taking those small steps for Jesus. No matter what's going on cling to hope. Be fully persuaded. Trust in Him.

I love you family. I thank God everyday that I get to pastor you and those you love who come! Lets keep it going, one step at a time.

Happy in the Lord, amen. Buh-Bye

Pastor Jacob Lannom