Cleveland First Methodist Church

✝️Today we reflected on Isaiah 43:1-3 and God's promise✝️:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you."

Not if you pass through the waters. When.

Deep waters come in many forms; grief, illness, uncertainty, caregiving, unanswered prayers, strained relationships, and burdens we never expected to carry.

The good news is that God's promise is not the absence of deep waters. His promise is His presence within them.

Before God spoke of rivers and floods, He declared: "I have called you by name; you are Mine."

Our identity is not found in the storm. Our identity is found in the One who claims us as His own.

We also looked at Peter stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14. The storm was real. The fear was real. Peter's weakness was real. But when he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out His hand.

What a reminder that we have a Savior who walks on what threatens us and does not abandon us when we begin to sink.

Sometimes the deepest waters are not the crisis itself, but surrendering our need to control what happens next. Deep water faith is learning to trust God's presence when we cannot see the whole path ahead.

The remnant is not defined by comfort. The remnant is defined by endurance rooted in God's faithfulness. Have a blessed week, church family! 🙏💜 Link to today's service: https://youtu.be/CyxNHrge6c8?si=vowBcOGCeyZKPqR1

Today, we celebrate Pentecost: the day the Holy Spirit came upon the believers, empowering them to go forth with boldness, faith, and purpose.

As we gathered for worship today, we were reminded that the same Spirit is still moving, still guiding, still strengthening God’s people.

May we be filled anew with His presence, walk faithfully in His calling, and carry Christ’s love into our homes, our community, and our world.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for worship this Pentecost Sunday. We pray you have a blessed week filled with peace, hope, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Link to today's service: https://youtu.be/t4ASBTm1Dw0?si=ZtoJbNAmlkwQz8ya

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. — Zechariah 4:6