by Mark Maynard

Our family loves Chinese food.  Perhaps like your family; at the end of our meal it is almost a ritual for us to amuse ourselves by breaking open the fortune cookies and reading the fortunes out loud.   Today, as I was searching for something in my top desk drawer, I uncovered a small slip of paper which I recognized as a fortune from a fortune cookie.  I don’t remember receiving this fortune or eating the fortune cookie; but the message was an unexpected delight.  On the small slip of white paper were the words, “Good news is on its way.”

I don’t seek out horoscopes or for that matter put my faith in fortune cookies; but I was taken by this message.  In my life time I have had a lot of fortune cookies, but I don’t remember saving other fortunes . . . why this one?  Perhaps it is simply the hope that those simple words offered.

Everyone enjoys receiving hope.  Everyone looks for hope.  Maybe that is why we look forward to those fortune cookies.  Today, maybe you need hope . . . maybe you need to hear the words, “Good news is on its way.” It is amazing how much power is released in our lives through hope.  Our minds, bodies and even our spirits our strengthened and refreshed by the expectancy that hope brings.

I can offer more than a hand-me-down fortune from a fortune cookie.  I can offer you words that were intended for you.

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Galatians 6:9  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Never forget, God knows you by name and He loves you.

Good news is on its way!

Pastor Mark Maynard
mark-maynard@sbcglobal.net
pastor@gocalvarylife.com

Mark Maynard has been the Senior Pastor of Calvary Life Church in Granite City, Illinois since June, 1990. He is a lifelong resident of Granite City. He and his wife Jill were married in 1987 and have two daughters, Paige and Abbigail.

Pastor Mark stays involved in the community. He currently serves as the Director of the Pastoral Care Board at Anderson Hospital, and a member of the Board of Trustees. He is a Granite City Police Department chaplain, President Elect of the Granite City Rotary and the Vice President of the Coordinated Youth and Human Services board. In addition Pastor Mark is a member of the Guatemala Evangelistic Ministry board, and a regional representative for the Independent Assemblies.

Rev. Mark A. Maynard | Calvary Life Church 4650 Maryville Road,   Granite City, Illinois 62040