Hi Friends!
I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
In the daily Bible reading today, we read a number of powerful accounts. First was the encouraging event in Exodus 35, where the people gave so willingly and generously toward the contribution for the tent of meeting, that Moses had to actually tell them to stop giving because there was more than enough! I’m still looking forward to the day we can stand up on a Sunday and say, “Stop giving! You’ve given too much already!” Then there was the powerful account in Matthew 27 of the crucifixion. That event is the apex of all of the Bible, and in fact all of history. I was intrigued again today by the response of the centurion and those with him who witnessed the earthquake, etc. when Jesus died, and exclaimed, “Truly this was the Son of God!” But as far as one verse that I thought would be great to encourage us with, Psalm 34:4 is it. Actually, all the verses I read in Psalm 34 (vs. 1-10) were excellent. But there’s something about the great hope that comes when we remember that when we seek the Lord, He answers! No matter what may come in our lives that could instill fear in our hearts, we have audience with the One who can deliver us from every fear! No wonder the Bible repeatedly says, “Do not fear!”
The cancellation of our worship service last Sunday was unprecedented in my pastoral ministry. I’ve only officially served as senior pastor since 2002, but I’ve never had to do that before. Numerous pastor friends around the valley said the same thing this week. I am looking forward to seeing you this Sunday and preaching God’s Word! Hopefully I will remember how to do it! Just kidding.
We will attempt again to look at 2 John 4-6, “Walking in the Truth.” Please read all of 2 John in preparation for Sunday (it’s only 13 verses!), and ask the Lord to speak to us through His truth.
Also, today I want to especially request a gift from you! Tomorrow is my birthday after all, and I want a present from all of you. I know that sounds selfish, but hear me out. What I am asking is for you to commit to pray for me on a regular basis. Some have told me they pray for me daily. Some weekly. Whatever you feel like the Lord would have you do, please make it a goal to pray for me. A praying church is a powerful church. A praying pastor will be an effective pastor. A church that prays for its pastor will receive better leadership, shepherding, preaching and teaching from that pastor. The un-prayed-for pastor will be ineffective, unfruitful, and powerless. Does it sound strange for me to ask this of you? Notice some of the verses where Paul (as well as whoever wrote Hebrews) requests prayer for himself and his fellow servants of the gospel:
I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, (Romans 15:30 ESV)
for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, (Philippians 1:19 ESV)
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison– (Colossians 4:3 ESV)
Brothers, pray for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:25 ESV)
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, (2 Thessalonians 3:1 ESV)
Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. (Hebrews 13:18 ESV)
Thank you!
Let us walk in truth & love,
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael