Everything is going well here is Louisville. Thanks to everyone for all of the kind words and encouragements during Ann's sickness. She is doing well now. And thanks to Kayla especially for the name of our son, it was a great suggestion, so much so we chose it.
dave m
I recently began a serious through the book of first john with the students I pastor at Cedar Creek Baptist Church. One theme that comes out over and over is the way that the apostle knew Christ. John did not just know about Christ, he truly knew him. In fact, he knew him so well that his devotion, led him to exile on the island of Patmos where he say the Son in glory before his death when God gave him the book of Revelation. What was that like? Do you and I know Christ?
I don't think my students get God. Their worship, or lack thereof says that they do not have a God worth worshipping. This, of course, means they do not have the God of the Bible in mind. So what are they doing? I do not have the answer for this and the lack of attention to the scriptures, boredom with prayer, and impatient attitude towards the teaching of scripture requires a encounter with the God of the Bible. If they could get a glimpse of Him all would change.
I recently began to check my own heart and my knowledge of God, not just about Him. I have found myself in want. There has been no better teacher on the subject than J. I. Packer who wrote Knowing God in 1973. If you have not read it, you should get a copy, it is worth your time.
Wanting to truly know God,
dave m
A friend of mine is going through a difficult time in the ministry right now. Decisions must be made that have great impact throughout the whole church and there is no easy answer. He said to me recently that he wants peace now more than anything.
Peace, that is something we, here in the states, take for granted when it comes to our national security, yet in our daily lives the question is, "Do you have peace?" I myself am accustomed to times of frustration, worry, or doubt that steals peace from my life and pulls my attention away from the Father's grace and mercy in my life, to the problems or uncertainties of my life. It is those times we think about peace, not when everything is going well. In those times we search for something to settle our soul's anxious torture. Something that will calm our fears and reassure us of hope with the feeling and assurance that everything will turn out.
If you are in one of those times, may I speak a word to you from our Lord. Stop looking for something. Start looking to someone. The scriptures say in Ephesians 2:14, "For He is our peace..." That is right peace is not a thing, it is the person Jesus Christ.
The context of the passage is a where Paul shows how those who are not Jews have been brought into the promises of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. We who were once excluded from God and his promises, now have hope because the division is no longer there. We are with God. But there is a key to this. We are at peace only in Jesus Christ. He is our peace. Those in him have peace, those who are not in Him have no peace.
I have seen a bumper sticker that reads "no Jesus no peace, know Jesus know Peace." There are few bumper stickers worth having but that truth will calm your soul. If you are in turmoil and need peace, don't seek a feeling, seek Peace himself. Renew your faith in the hope you have in Christ. Everything will turn out for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
Hold on, hold on to Christ. Never, Never, Never let go. He is your Peace! Rest in Him. Let your soul find satisfaction and assurance in Him. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Visit the following website for the hospital where Caedmon was born and drop a note. We would love to see your comments.
http://babynet.baptisteast.com/default.asp?group=35811
Just to let everyone know, Caedmon is done with the phototherapy and his jaudice is under control. Thanks for the prayers.
