Hi Friends!
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)
Isn’t it great to be able to see clearly? Isn’t it frustrating when things are out of focus? For those of us who have to wear glasses or contacts, we know the feeling of things being “fuzzy” when we try to see. All of us are experiencing that in spiritual matters. Living in a fallen world as we do, our “spiritual eyes” are not able to see everything clearly… yet. But one day we will be able to see all things clearly, or as the verse says, fully. Knowing only in part is a frustration. Knowing fully will be fantastic! It is good to know that we have been fully known by the One who knows all. And it is a great promise that one day we will see no longer in a mirror dimly, but we will see face to face.
This Sunday I will be preaching on Revelation 7:9-17, “The Great Multitude.” Another great worship scene is before us, as we continue in this “interlude” between the judgments. I’d recommend reading it before Sunday and coming prepared to worship!
Also this Sunday we will experience together the two ordinances our church observes: baptism and communion. We will be baptizing four children – Praise the Lord! Thanks to Doris T and Alice T for teaching very instructive lessons to these kids in preparation for baptism. Please pray for Emily, Gavin, Joshua, and Tyrel. Pray that it will be a blessed and memorable experience for them. Pray that family and friends will come to watch. Pray that any unbelievers will be impacted by the message of the gospel pictured in baptism. And if you’re following the ESV Daily Reading Bible this year, we will be in Exodus 12 as part of our reading this weekend. That’s the story of the Passover, and a perfect passage for us to consider as we remember the death of the Lamb of God during our time of observing the Lord’s Supper. Even if you’re not following that reading plan, it would be great to read Exodus 12 in preparation for communion.
Reminder: 38 days until Easter Sunday! (Which means, 36 days until “Experience Easter” here at FBC.) I hope you are preparing your heart for a meaningful time of remembrance and celebration! I have three “Growing in Christ” 40 day devotional books left for anyone interested. Let me know and I will reserve one for you! Are you praying for the people in your “oikos” (your sphere of influence; your relational world)? Who among them can you be sharing with and inviting in the days ahead?
Thank you for fasting and praying for the elders and me as we prepare to gather this Saturday morning. Seek God’s face along with us. Pray for clarity of direction for our ministry here in Brownsville. Pray for unity of the church Body. Pray for an unusual outpouring of wisdom from above. Pray for guidance in regards to potential pastoral staffing here at FBC. May God bless and direct as we pray!
I am thanking God for the blessing of being here at FBC Brownsville. This Sunday will mark four years since God’s grace was given to me and my family in the form of beginning the journey of pastoral service with you at First Baptist. He has been so faithful to us, and we thank Him and you for making our time here a joy!
I am also thanking the Lord today for the precious gift He gave us eight years ago – Emily Rachel Beach! What a treasure she is! Happy Birthday Emily.
Lastly, Ron and Dave return from Haiti Sunday. John is in Burundi. And Mike K heads to Haiti Thursday. Thank you for remembering them and their families in prayer!
Looking forward to seeing face to face…
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael