Life's mix of joy and pain

I've ministered to many this year who have lost a parent, their spouse or a child. As I type this, I'm prayerfully preparing for a funeral service of a dear lady in our church. The emotional flux of joy and loss is difficult to define or express. This lady was saved. She had trusted in Christ years ago and is now in the presence of Jesus her Savior. But the family deals with the pain. This year is ending with several families suffering the loss of loved ones. So pray with me... pray for them and pray for me as I strive to minister to their needs. Pray to that I'll have wisdom in the juggling of family responsibilities with pastoral ministry responsibilities.

God is good all the time. At times we forget that and at times we get depressed and down. It is then that we look to Him and count the blessings we have in Christ.

Thoughts on Christmas

I love to watch and listen to people. That is especially true this time of year. I watch as adults get giddy with anticipation of family members and firends that are gathering. I see or hear those in love; young and old who are gleeful in anticipation as they bestow just that one special gift for that one special person. There is that excited expectation of the giver for the look of surprise, wonder, indefinable joy. Love's like that. It desires to give by virtue of its integrity, intensity and intimacy. Love desires to express itself in the giving of itself regardless the cost or sacrifice. I've received many great gifts in the course of my lifetime, but the greatest is God's gift of Christ. God delights to see my indefinable, inexplicable joy as I my eyes and heart open in wonder at the magnitude of His gift to me in Christ. His gift still moves me to desire to express appreciation and gratitude through thanksgiving and praise. That gift makes me dersire to pledge my loyalty, love and devotion eveidenced through faithful service. It motivates me to delight myself in
God and in His gift of grace through Christ Jesus. And as God sees all the myriad of thoughts and emotions etched upon my face, reflected in my eyes and treasured and clutched in my heart; He smiles at me and basks in the glow of my worship, adoration and praise which are the evidences of a grateful and reciprocated love for Him.

New Ministry

Our church took a step out on faith and voted to sponsor a new seminary school for the churches of the American Baptist Association for our state and for this region of our nation. There are many fine schools in our work, two from which I have degrees. I appreciate the dedicated and devoted missionaries and pastors who have sowed the seeds for this vision and watered them through shared hearts and prayer. These men felt that LBC was the church that should sponsor this new work. I'm thankful for the people I pastor and their willingness to pray and then act to meeting the ministry opportunities that God presents to us. They have faithfully and devotedly prayed, worked, and evidenced God's working in our midst. Now comes the challenge and glorious opportunity to help instruct and train men to the work of ministry through missions planting and pastoral leadership. More will be said as this work begins to progress toward reality. Our desire and hope is that first and foremost God be glorified and secondly that men be trained as missionaries and pastors for new works in our state, our nation, and the impact of the school will reach internationally. We covet your prayers and support for this new work. If you would like to know more, please don't hesitate to give me a call.

Snow

The first heavy snowfall of the winter season is upon us. We awoke to seven inches! I love the change in weather. There is something clean and crisp about the winter. The temperatures have been in the single digits, and the air smells clean and vibrant. I love the smell of the air on such days. As the brilliance of the snow reflects the light in the world around it, I can't help but think of how God's forgiveness does the same. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, my sins are washed whiter than snow. As a consequence, the light of God's glory and grace are reflected outward for all to see as a tribute to His glory and praise.

Christmas

I'm excited about all that this holiday represents. How awesome is it that God would provide in Himself a sacrifice for our forgiveness and redemption from sin and its consequence? How wonderful His grace is toward me and bountiful His blessings in Christ. Why is it that the world seems bent upon contradicting and refuting the claims and message of Christ? Why is it that the reason for the season is now caught up in the hype of materialism and sensuality rather than in the attitude of gratitude and appreciation for God in His provision? In this world where self assertion, promotion and gratification it is inspiring and refreshing to know that Jesus came to serve. He stated that His life purpose was to minister to the needs of man, and in so doing, fulfill God's purpose and plan for His life. May we each seek out God's purpose for our lives and apply ourselves to obediently fulfill it in loving service to Him. In light of all we have in Christ, it is our reasonable service.