We are indeed in tough times.  In prayer this morning we prayed for individuals who are facing the loss of their homes.  Many are concerned and heart broken at the prospect of losing the family farm.  I have personally experienced the heart ache of such loss.  A person has to face the loss of a home and dream much like the death of a close companion.  We invest much into homes.  Scripture says that our hearts and our treasures are closely linked (Matthew 6:21)  The loss of loved ones and those things which mean much to us are very difficult to overcome.  The reality is, we must have hope in something that is much bigger than the loss.  We must have hope in something that has the power to make good come from the loss.  If we do not have this hope, the loss becomes senseless and meaningless.

God’s desire is for us to walk in fellowship with him.  He does desire us to be blessed, however God never desires blessings on our behalf at the expense of good, true, deep relationship with Him.  Sad to say, as it was for me, it probably is the same for many others, that the loss of our home and dream was what I needed to began to walk closely in faith with my Lord.  Remember, without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)  We in America have become so used to cruising along on our own strength that few of us have learned to have earth shaking faith.  And it is this type of faith that we will need to have that will enable us to properly handle the times that lie ahead. 

I believe that the America you and I once knew is gone.  The America that proudly proclaimed God as the one she trusts is the America that no longer is.  We ask God to bless us because we desire the blessing, but then remove Him from every aspect of public life.  God is not a sugar daddy.  He wants a relationship with us.  Can you even imagine the brazen pride we have to expect God to bless us after treating Him in such a way?  I believe God has lifted His hand of blessing and has removed his grace and mercy upon our land that has protected us for many years.  We are now left to man’s scheming and vain greedy attempts to solve our dilemmas.  Without doubt, they will fail.  Ultimately, we will be faced to turn to a power that is much greater than ourselves for the solution. 

As you face greater financial obstacles, consider the God who blessed you with those things.  Consider once again entering into a trust relationship with the King of all creation.  He can provide all your needs according to the riches in Christ Jesus.  But you must first recognize Him as your provider, not the worldly system.  it is your faith, trust, and belief in His ability to meet your need and turn loss into great gain that will empower you to overcome large losses in this vary difficult day in which we live.  Trust this advice from a man who has experienced it.

It is always wonderful to have a place to go that has good atmosphere and is quaint.  It is more than wonderful when the leadership of that organization or business is Christian.  And it is absolutely fantastic when those organizations become recognized as a leading business in the area.  That is the case with Tea & Thee Tea Room located on the west side of the square in Butler.  The Butler Area Chamber of Commerce has awarded this year People’s Choice Award for Favorite Business of the Year to Tea & Tea, their first year of business.  And they deserve it!!

They offer a wonderful soothing reflective atmosphere for the diner along with delightfully and wonderfully arraigned soup, salads, pastries, and desserts as well as gourmet teas, flavored coffees, scones and handmade mints.  As soon as you enter you know there is something special about the place.  And if you ask the staff, they’re not bashful to tell you it’s the Lord.  Every bit of the experience at Tea and Thee is as if it has been bathed in prayer. Their goal was to create a dining experience that is meant to be a tranquil and relaxing; a place of comfort and rest.  They succeeded and the award is recognition of that success.

People are seeking what only the Lord can offer; peace, hope, love, and joy to mention a few.  In today’s world, people know where to go to find those qualities and attributes.  People are wising up and leaving those things that do not offer these qualities in abundance.  As times become more and more difficult, Tea and Thee will become more and more successful.  People desire to be lifted up, encouraged, and want those places that have something special to offer them that allows them to leave the stresses of life behind, even if it’s for a moment at lunch.  

Thank you Tea & Thee for offering a place that is centered around the things of the Lord.  Our community is indeed a better place because of you.  God Bless your future brightly.

-Pastor Herb