To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
Happy Thanksgiving. I am glad that the Americans have given us another excuse to remember how thankful we should be, by having their own thanksgiving that we can join in, here in Canada. A friend pointed out to me on Sunday that Daniel did two things when challenged not to petition anyone other than the king in Daniel 6, he prayed and gave thanks! Here is a man that no fault could be found in, because he was so loyal to his God, and we find that one of the key realities that held him in this integrity was his prayer, and THANKSGIVING! So today, remember the richness of what God has done in the past (Bible), has done for you in your salvation (WOW), and THANK HIM as a part of your routine, God willing, the discipline of this will make it an overflow of our hearts. Happy Thanksgiving!
In my reading of the Psalms last week two things jumped out at me, from Psalm 16 (my new favourite), and Psalm 20. The challenge and encouragment are found in two related realities:1. We live in the presence of God, and should constantly be those who know this, and live in light of this (Psalm 16:8); 2. We are incredibly dependent on God (Psalm 20:7), and when we trust in Him we can do anything and everything He asks. When we see these two together, we can rejoice at the richness of being those who are dependent on God in prayer and passionate about pleasing Him with courage always.
Today, commit again to be a person who consciously lives in the presence of God, and who grows in active dependence through prayer!
Would love your prayer and help on two issues. Our summer series this year will be on, Issues Facing The Church, seeking to address those issues that are most attacking the church inside and out. If you have any ideas as you think this through of things you think we should address, please let me know, and please be in prayer that we will have wisdom as we choose which ones to focus on. Also, we are in the beginning stages of planning for Sunday School (Adult) next year, if you could also prayerfully give us subjects that you would love for us to teach on, as we seek to equip you to be salt and light in this world, please let me know. THANK YOU!
Today in history, John F. Kennedy was shot (1963) and C.S. Lewis (1963) and Horatio Stafford (1873) both died. Remembering each of these events, even if we were not alive for them is helpful in our living for the glory of God. Kennedy's assassination, and Stafford's death remind us that we can trust God no matter what is going on around us! There are no events outside of the Sovereignty of God, so whether it is nature, or the death of children, or sickness, or...it can be WELL WITH OUR SOUL, because we know God is Sovereign, Good, and notices us in tender love and care! Oh that we would learn to trust in Him. C.S. Lewis has profoundly impacted the world through his writing, and has left a legacy that continues to impact God's people. So many good books that he has left us with, so pick up Mere Christianity, or The Problem Of Pain, or watch a Narnia movie, and remember that our lives will have much greater impact than we know if we will live our lives fully devoted to Him in light of the Weight Of Glory.
Sunday Is Coming:
Please take the time to prayerfully prepare for Sunday!
Title: The Heart Of The Message
Text: Galatians 2:15-21
Why is it important we understand what JUSTIFICATION is?
Why do you think that it has been so misunderstood now, and throughout history?
What does it mean to be justified?
What is the ONLY way that a person can be justified before God?
May God grant you an amazing week of serving Him!
Don't forget to be ready with your testimony, and a clear presentation of the Gospel, and you will be given an opportunity to share this week!
Don't forget, Matthew Gibson will be sharing Sunday night at Hymn Sing.
Don't forget, you are a child of the King, KEEP YOUR CONDUCT BECOMING OF THE GOSPEL,
Thankful to be a child of God, and your pastor,
Pastor Rob