“...I’ve chosen, made, formed, and will help you...”

(Isaiah 44:1-2)

Listen carefully my servant Jacob; Israel, whom I have chosen. Thus, says the Lord, your Creator; who made and formed you from your mother’s womb and still help you: Israel, my servant, do not be afraid, Jacob, whom I have kept aside.For I will pour water upon the thirsty ground; I will por water upon your offspring and my blessings upon the sons of your sons.They will spring up as the new grass on the field like willows by a water course in the desert. Then, one will proudly say: “I belong to Him,” while another will name himself Jacob by saying: “My name is Peniel.” The Lord himself will respond: “You are mine.”

We all were and will continue being Jacob: awkward people of God—formed and transformed by Him to be called Israel; people who insist on fighting and overcoming barriers to live with God because we belong to God.

No matter what heavenly tongue you speak, what location on earth or seas you hold, YOUR NAME WILL BE PENIEL—YOU HAVE SEEN GOD FACE TO FACE.

(Isaiah 44:1-6 and Genesis 32:30Paraphrased)

Pr. Reuel Pereira Feitosa

His!

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing? Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yetthey shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.

ISAIAH 44: 6-11

Standard King James Version

GLOBAL MISSIONS PENIEL

Interceding for the missionaries

Sometime ago, a pastor asked me: “Do you still have the guts to send out missionaries?” Occasionally our church’s internal and external issues make us wonder if that respected fellow was right. I have given it some thoughts and even prayedabout it in front of God. Then, God spoke to me saying: “Lift-up your eyes and look at the wheat field ready to be reaped…” But, there are still very few laborers. He added: “Pray to the Lord to send labors to your harvest.”Jesus’ commend continues being as valuable as ever. We notice the effects of the lack of men and women of Godgenially called to Work in the homes, churches, and even out inthe missionary fields. But, this is God’s Work and His commend is for people to go out there and preach it while it’s daylight! Pray for all missionaries who are out in the fields around the world.

“He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.” (Ecclesiastes 11:4)

Pr. Reuel Pereira Feitosa

THE CHALLENGE CONTINUES IN NEW YORK!

New York’s church is a large, strong and blessed church. The fidelity and dedication of its members have enabled the church to overcome unbelievable challenges.  In addition, the number of its members is growing. There are new believers, which seven were baptized on the fourth of July, and others are waiting for the next baptism date. Many brothers are being blessed by returning to the church. Truly, God is working. The challenge of returning to the temple still goes on. The Lord will soon deliver us victory. Pray for the Peniel located in New York.

Pr.Reuel Feitosa

Trad. Michele Morato