1. As I was praying through Psalm 31 today, I came to these words (the final words of the Psalm): "Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord." These were just the words I needed to hear this morning. In so many ways this week, I have been reminded of the brokenness of our fallen world. Yesterday I officiated a funeral. The day before, my wife scheduled a knee replacement surgery (September 4th). That same day one of my church staff informed me he would be undergoing back surgery in September (and two spouses of church staff are facing surgery in August!). Add to this is the pastor friend of mine who is going to have his leg amputated due to a health complication. And I could go on and on. This world's a mess! And that is not God's fault, it's ours (read Genesis 3). So in the midst of surviving as we journey through this broken twisted world, it is good to know that when we place our hope in God he in turn will strengthen our hearts and encourage our souls. I for one NEED that!
2. Last evening we had a Life Group outing. In the group I lead, there are, at present, three other couples. We have known two of these couples for twenty-five and a half years (which is how long we have been in our current ministry). Both of these couples have three adult children. All six are married. And I had the privilege of officiating at all six of their weddings. I knew all of these kids from the time they were knee high to a grasshopper! When I began my ministry here at Grace Church (then known as Southern Lancaster Grace Brethren Church), I was asking God to help me stay long enough to see my kids graduate from high school (when we arrived in late August of 1989, my kids were ten, eight and five). God answered that prayer and far more! Now as a result of my long (and I trust faithful and fruitful) ministry in this place, I am loving watching kids "grow up!" and having kids of their own! Only God knows how much longer he will keep me here (I have no plans to move on - but I know I can't stay in my present position forever!). My desire is ... no matter God's timetable ... that I would finish well. Would you please pray for me today (and every day!) that God would help me to do just that! All by HIS grace and for HIS glory!
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
1 comment:
Praying in Lancaster!
Post a Comment