09/21/2023
We mailed the Fall 2023 issue out today. It looks beautiful. What we are really excited about are the articles that speak of God's care. Here is an excerpt from one of the articles in this issue:
In thinking about God’s loving- kindness, I see that His faithfulness is the root of how He has expressed His love for me. Six essential areas fuel my praise.
Provision: Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and righteous- ness, and all these things shall be added to you.” There have been times with plenty and lean times, but God has always provided the basics.
Protection: Psalm 68:5: “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows is God in His holy habita- tion.” My family and I have been protected from the evil schemes of men SO many times. God has always given wisdom and relief for each situation.
Purpose: 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” I have reoriented myself countless times to the reality of who I am and what that means. His purposes for me stimulate my desires to walk worthy of Him and hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:22).
Pastor: Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take
My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Almost daily, I receive His invitation to come, be yoked with Him, and find rest. His faithful, gentle invitation reigns in my hyperactivity, reorients my pur- suits, and renews me.
Prodding (sanctification): 1 Peter 1:1,2 “...who are chosen accord- ing to the foreknowledge of God the Father by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood...” What a privilege to experi- ence God’s active work on my heart! I marvel at how He faithfully inter- venes to conform me to the image of Christ!
Presence: Psalm 42:5 “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His pres- ence.” Best of all is His presence. Being aware of and longing for His presence, more than any past or pres- ent person in my life, has been an enormous challenge. Once I embrace and focus on Him being with me always, I find His hope, His companionship, and His peace with me.
