Bruised Reed, Smoldering Wick

In-Person Services Canceled This Week

A live stream will be offered each Sunday at 10am.

Pursuant to the Governor's order banning groups of 10 or more, our church leadership has decided to offer Sunday morning services online. Wednesday evening activities are on hold until the order allows for groups of 50 to gather again. Some of our Bible studies have continued to meet online as well. Our food pantry, Joseph's Storehouse, is also fully operational.

Please note, the leaders of SVCC recognize that this is a time when we should not be casual, but instead be even more proactive about interceding in prayer and deed for our world and for one another. The devil never misses an opportunity to stoke fear, loneliness, depression, and division. We are deeply troubled by the prejudicial lines of racism and poverty this disease has so quickly exposed in our society. Even though our church may not be meeting in a large group setting, we will be praying harder than ever, encouraging one another more than ever, and standing up for all of those in need - of any faith, color or social standing - more than ever.

If you are struggling with fear, loneliness, or depression at this time, our Pastor has made himself available just to talk and pray with anyone. Pastor Steve's personal cell phone is 619-277-2671, and he'd love to hear from you!

Most of all, we pray that you will know that God is greater than any adversity the world brings our way.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9)

By Pastor Steve Babbitt

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The Gentleness of Christ

Now mortally opposed by the Pharisees, Jesus could have fought His case (and won) but He instead withdrew to the quiet places, followed by the hungry and hurting masses.

The Bruised Reed

Useless, worthless, and pointless, the bruised reed is only fit to be discarded...

Until Christ enters in and restores what everyone else rejects, that is.

The Smoldering Wick

Exhausted, noxious, and darkened, the smoldering wick is only fit to be snuffed out...

Until the Master enters in and breathes life once again to the embers, and fills the empty reserve with oil, that is.

Taking it Home

Are you the bruised reed? The smoldering wick? Has the world rejected you? Tried to snuff you out?

Turn to the one who will never reject you, the one who restores you completely.

— or —

Is there a bruised reed you have rejected? Have you taken pleasure in extinguishing the last ember of one who has slid back?

Learn from the Master - see how gentle and caring He is with lost causes! Be like Him.

Let the Music Play in Us

Praise God, the God of the bruised reeds and the smoldering wicks! The ultimate victory belongs to Him and His own.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:9)

Matthew 12:14-21

New King James Version (NKJV)
Behold, My Servant

14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. 15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. 16 Yet He warned them not to make Him known, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

18 “Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He will declare justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not quarrel nor cry out, Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory; 21 And in His name Gentiles will trust.”

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Pastor Steve Babbitt

Steve Babbitt is the lead pastor of Spring Valley Community Church.

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March 29, 2020 LiveStream Begins Here at 10am Pacific

Text Your "Yay God" Testimony to 619-971-8576

In-Person Services Canceled This Week

A live stream will be offered each Sunday at 10am.