To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
It is good to be a child of the KING. In fact nothing else could be greater! J.I. Packer states in his book, Knowing God, "In adoption God takes us into His family and fellowship--He establishes us as His children and heirs. Closeness, affection and generosity are at the heart of the relationship. To be right with God the Judge (justification) is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the Father (adoption) is a greater...Our first point about adoption is that it is the highest privilege that the gospel offers." Make much of God's love for you and find joy and security in that. If you know God through Jesus, He is your Father, and nothing can separate you from His love! Meditate on John 1:12, and REJOICE! You have immense value as a child of the heavenly Father!
Soccer Camp has come and gone, and I rejoice in what God has done through His children here. A number of children proclaimed their faith in Jesus, and a number of others rededicated their lives to God. I believe in eternity, we will rejoice together at the richness of what God has done! We have no clue as to how great a celebration conversions bring about in heaven (Luke 15:7-10), or on earth...so REJOICE! Thank you to all who were involved serving, praying, and being a part of this ministry. You are appreciated!
Pastor Stewart asked me to share the following with you as an update of his recent medical issues, thank you for praying for him (those who knew) and for the love you have expressed. Please respect his desire to move forward (don't ask him about this) and continue to pray for him as he serves God's children at CBC.... "This past month I had an issue with my eyesight, which the doctors diagnosed as 'retinal detachment'. After four surgeries at VGH my eyes seem to be doing much better. Thank you for your cards and prayers".
Reading a book right now called, Practicing Affirmation, by Samuel Crabtree. It is a book that is pointing out how important it is that we spend time noticing good in others and affirming them. This is in many ways a lost art, so may I encourage you to encourage one another as you notice people showing God's grace, and image in their lives. Use the church mailboxes, and interact with one another in a way that "builds one another up according to their needs (Ephesians 4:32)". If each of us encouraged at least 5 people a week through notes, and phone calls we would find the world a different place, as we are blessed and others are blessed. It is a great little book, and worth your time to read, but if you don't, let this summary encourage you to encourage others, "when our mouths are empty of praise for others it is probably because our hearts are full of love for self..."...take the time to show the fullness of God in your own life by overflowing blessing and encouragement to those God has placed in your path (Proverbs 12:18). PRACTICE AFFIRMATION! Try to watch and make sure that for every critique that comes out of your mouth there are at least ten affirmations.
Sunday Is Coming: Please take the time Saturday night to reflect on the text that is going to be preached on and your desire to understand and apply it in your life.
Text: Nahum 1:1-12
Title: BEHOLD YOUR GOD: Part 1
When you think about God what comes into your mind?
Read the book of Nahum, and ask what picture God wants you to have of Him as you read this book?
Why do you think it is so important that we see God as He has revealed Himself as?
How can we fight traditions and cultural baggage as we seek to have a Biblical view of God, especially when the God of the Bible can make us uncomfortable?
Why is the jealousy of God important for us to understand and allow to change our lives?
Why is His tender compassion for His children in this book given in contrast to His vengeance?
May God grant us an amazing week, and another Sunday where we seek His face together to the praise of His Glorious Grace!
LONGING TO KNOW HIM MORE INTIMATELY, AS I DELIGHT IN BEING HIS SON...
Pastor Rob