April 1 – Via Zoom Video

Opening – Dustin Martin

Lord willing.

Do we remember to think and say – Lord willing – because whatever happens – God is in control.

Evening Message – Mark Bucher

When does God seem like a good God?

Is it only when everything is going your way?

Is God still a good God when everything is going wrong?

God is a good, good God no matter what is happening.

Mark told us a bit about his childhood and his love for farming. His father died when he was 5 years old. Because he was so small, he didn’t miss having a daddy until he got a bit older.

As far back as he can remember he wanted to get married, have children, and be a farmer and a preacher. Though becoming a farmer was not a desire that came true, he still loves the sights, sounds, smells of a farm.

We think we know our desires, but God may fulfil other desires – because He knows our needs better than we do.

On this night Mark’s entire sermon was a children’s story – a series of illustrations, examples and principles. These were all farm-related and things he bought at his family’s farm sale.

A Poker

This is something they used to stir the coals in the furnace, especially in the morning when new coals were added.

None of us like being poked, but there are times when we need stirred up.

Times when God needs to get our attention.

A Strip Cup

If you grew up on a dairy farm you will recognize this.

Stripping is how you test the milk to see if there is anything unusual in it – like blood or lumps – before the cow is milked.

The Bible asked us to test ourselves.

Where am I with the Lord?

Do I have a bad attitude?

It is good to examine ourselves.

Barn Door Hinge

Because of this hinge a child can open a very large barn door.

A hinge represents grace.

In our weakness His strength is made perfect.

Chain

John 10:10. The thief comes to kill and destroy, but Jesus came to give us abundant life and free us from Satan’s chains.

Old Farmhouse Door Latch

Used to open and close doors.

Sometimes God closes and opens doors in our lives.

God knows what is best for us.

Tool to Lead a Cow

If a farmer puts this in a cow’s nose, you can calm and lead her anywhere.

There are times when God needs to subdue us – when we become stubborn and proud.

Milk Strainer/Filter

This was used to make sure the milk was clean for our customers.

God wants us to be clean and pure and to strain and filter out the bad things in our life – even take every thought captive.

Conclusion

As we deal with this virus we need to adjust to a new normal and allow these changes to draw us close to the Lord.

This reminds us how easy it is to get attached to the things of this life.

Closing by Dustin Martin

It is amazing what we can learn from simple things around the farm.

I challenge those who may not be following Christ to surrender their life to Him.