Love From Your Pastor

Hello FBC!

And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and it spoke to him.
 (Numbers 7:89)
Have you been entering into the Lord’s presence to speak with Him?  Are you hearing His voice speak to you through His Word?  I don’t think there’s a better way to mature in our faith than to meet with Him regularly!
I appreciated what one of my devotional Bibles had to say about Numbers 7:  “Then lengthy, repetitive description of the offerings of the 12 tribes throughout 12 days for the dedication of that altar serves to underscore two points.  1) The altar was the focus of worship, where God was encountered through the blood of sacrifice.  2) Every tribe of Israel had a vested interest in the worship of God and was responsible to support the ministry.  Even these gifts, however, were out of God’s gracious provision, as He enabled the Israelites to ‘plunder Egypt’ upon their deliverance.
The grace signified by the altar has been fulfilled by the cross as the heart of the church’s worship (Heb. 10:19-22), spread through the church’s proclamation (1 Cor. 1:18-25), and reiterated by the church’s sacraments (Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 11:26).  Out of God’s gracious provision in Christ, we all the more gladly support the ministry of the church (1 Cor. 9:13-14; 2 Cor. 9:1-15).”
This Sunday we will have opportunity to reflect again on the cross and what that has accomplished for us, as we partake together of the elements of communion.  Please be there for that important time of remembrance.
We’ll be continuing in our series on the life of David with a message from 1 Samuel 24, “My Hand Shall Not Be Against You.”  As you read the passage in preparation for Sunday morning, consider the differences we can see in the consciences of David and Saul.  How can we develop a conscience that is more sensitive to the ways of the Lord?  I hope you’ll join us for this message!
For those participating in the Church History Sunday School, remember to read the chapter for session 8, and bring your books to class.
May 8th is Mother’s Day!  Let’s be sure to honor and bless the special ladies in our lives.  Remeber the Mother’s Day breakfast at the church that day, from 8:30 to 10am.  There is no S.S. that day.
May 9th is when we are expecting Justin & Lynsey and family to arrive.  Please continue praying for this transition period for them, and for just the right place to open up for them to live in.
Another prayer request: just this morning Mike Kirk experienced a farming accident, and his right leg has been broken!  Please pray for Mike and Wendy, and for speedy recovery for Mike.
I want to end this letter with the great priestly blessing from Numbers 6:
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
 (6:24-26)
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael