Learning to be okay with my enough

December 17, 2018

Devin Gough

The Apostle Paul wrote in the book of Philippians then 4th chapter in verses 11-13 [NIV]

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

I can honestly say that in my own life, I’ve struggled with what is “enough” for me. If I can be truly transparent with you, I’ve even been upset with God because I felt like my corporate career life was cut short due to the calling of God upon my life. I had (and still have at times) great aspirations of continuing to climb that corporate ladder so that I could build that dream house, drive that dream car and take that dream vacation. I’ve had many nights where I was left somewhat like Jacob; “spirituality injured”, after wrestling with the Angel of the Lord. I had to learn through a very tough season how to really be “okay” with “my enough.”

My dad used to tell me, “Dev, relax. It’s going to be alright.” He was right each and every time. Everything always turns out alright. My problem is that it doesn’t get to the alright state when I want it to. I’ve learned that God’s timing is always better than mine. When He shows up, He satisfies. He is not just enough, He is more than enough.

Are you struggling with feeling like you don’t have enough? Feeling as though you are not enough? Remember that you have the opportunity to access a Savior and a Friend who is More Than Enough for you. Rest and rely on Him and allow Him to be whatever it is that you be.

Ps. Devin

December 10, 2018

Devin Gough

Getting Positioned For The Promise

December 10, 2018

Devin Gough

Many of us have a false conception that if God is leading us, the journey will be easy. We might feel like If it’s the Lord then, it’ll be comfortable…it will all make sense. But I dare you to look at anyone God has ever done amazing work through, and I promise somewhere along their path you’ll see hardship.

God’s journey for our lives is a struggle because it takes us from our place of comfort to the place God has for us. If you’ve been called by God, you just may be robbed of your comfort and convenience. There’s no need to panic or complain, though, because there’s a reason for that discomfort. The reason is simply this:

THE JOURNEY POSITIONS US FOR GOD’S PROMISE.

We can be sure, if God has a journey planned for us, He will go along the way with us. More than that, He will prepare the way. My father would say often, “God is preparing you for what He has prepared for you.” The disappointments, inconveniences, hardships, and rough spots of life are all geared towards getting us ready to lay hold of the promise that He stands ready to give to each and every one of His children.

Aren’t you glad you are His child? You’re going to through life’s challenges anyway, but it’s so much better knowing that He is with you as you go through.

-Ps. Devin

December 7, 2018

Devin Gough

Comfort and Joy!

December 7, 2018

Devin Gough

The Christmas season brings great joy for many, but it also brings about great sorrow for people as well. Yesterday was one of those days for me. It was 2-years ago yesterday that my dad (David L. Gough) suffered a major life-altering stroke along with a massive heart attack. Although he passed away some 8-months later, December 6th will forever be the day that changed every day for me.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4).

Although I felt such pain and grief, I was also overcome with great COMFORT & JOY. I was cooking in the kitchen last evening and all of a sudden I felt the overwhelming presence of God feel my heart. I couldn’t control the tears and after a while I stopped trying. I embraced His presence as I realized what was happening. He came and fulfilled His word in my life. I knew in that moment of mourning, I was being blessed with His comfort. The tears of sadness exams tears of Joy because I knew that in the absence of my earthly father, my Heavenly Father was availing His presence to me all the more.

I encouage any of you who may be feeling a sense of mourning during this season, receive His comfort and joy! Enjoy this song from my dad: I Love Jesus More Than All.

December 2, 2018

Devin Gough

Tis’ The Season To Encourage

December 2, 2018

Devin Gough

This past Friday, our country suffered a loss when the 41st President of The United States of America; George H.W. Bush, passed away. They have been showing videos and photos of the former living presidents standing together, talking and laughing.

What was interesting to me as I watched those clips is that even though many former presidents ran on completely opposing platforms, and might have even spoken negative things about each other, there’s a certain ease with which they interact.

That’s because they all have experiences few people can relate with. The shared experience creates a point of commonality that few people will ever understand.

In the same way, the disappointments that we face can become opportunities to relate with someone in a way uncommon to most people. Similar experiences can often unite even those who are very different from each other.

This Christmas season as we reflect on the greatest gift ever given, I encourage you to consider your own personal disappointments that you have faced recently or over the course of your life. Maybe you; like Mary, experienced having a child out of wedlock and you wondered God why me. Why did I have to endure such shame? Maybe it was for such a time as this for you to show love and compassion to someone else who may be going through a like situation.

Sometimes, disappointments aren’t as much about us as we feel they are. Maybe, they’re actually something God wants us to use to accomplish his purposes on the earth.

When we can relate with someone in love, having had similar experiences, we can encourage them. We can become a point of healing for other people, which can ultimately lead them to God too. We all experience disappointments—even those God is using to fulfill his perfect plans on the earth. Disappointments aren’t setbacks, though. They are tools God can use. When we submit our disappointments to him by worshipping, trusting, and encouraging others with them, we overcome the disappointments. We use them as fuel instead of failure.

Check out the video from the first installment of the December sermon series entitled “Unwrapping Christmas”.