It was a small thing. You know not the crisis that causes one to reflect on the meaning of life and things eternal – just some little annoyances. But this past weekend was one of those times when things go wrong. My phone quit working, my new glasses weren’t right, I spent thirty minutes taking things off my car so I could get to the battery to do one thing then put it all back together again. It solved the problem for about…30 seconds. Needless to say I was on the verge of “losing my testimony!” About the only thing that didn’t happen was my dog biting me. He did ignore me, but that’s nothing new. The point of my ramblings is that in spite of my frustration (which could have easily morphed into rage), God was still in His Heaven and the world was guided by His providential hand.
Have you noticed how often the truth of God can rain on your pity party? The truth of the Sovereignty of God which has given me great comfort when facing surgery, dealing with the death of a loved one and facing any number of challenges also gives me a swift kick in the pants when I need it. God is still sovereign when my phone doesn’t work. He is still in control when life is annoying and frustrating. As much as I hate to admit it – God is even in control when I get “dumped on.” And ultimately that is the source of my peace.
Nothing comes into my life without passing through the loving, gracious hands of my heavenly Father and it will work for my good and His glory. It’s worth thinking about. I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod
It’s been one of those mornings. I’ve done about 15 things and yet I haven’t done anything! You know what I mean. I’ve been running around wrapping up some details before leaving town this morning (Monday) for a conference in Louisville. Some much to do; so little time to do it in. Just when I thought I had everything done – my phone rang and I had about 4 other things to do. It figures today would turn out this way. Yesterday was a wonderful Lord’s Day. It was encouraging and uplifting. The only problem was the message Sunday evening on God’s sovereignty. True to form today was a test of whether or not I really believe what I preached the night before. I managed to pass…this time.
It is easy to forget that biblical truth is meant to be lived out in the real world. Things might sound nice in a sermon or in a Bible class but the value of truth is in the living. I don’t always “get it right” but I’m grateful today I was able to see the trial for what it was – an opportunity to prove the grace and goodness of our God. Thank you for punctuating a great day with a not so subtle reminder that your Word is truth.
Have a great week and I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod
Last week was an enjoyable week for me. Not just because I had a chance to get away from my routine and hear some great preaching, though that was part of it. By the way great preaching is uplifting and encouraging maybe you can get away soon and hear some instead of what you’re used to hearing! It was enjoyable because of the people I traveled with. Three of the five men I traveled with have been friends of mine for over 20 years. We hold many things in common and we’ve walked together down some dark roads. One of them I walked with through the valley of death as his first wife was dying of cancer. I preached her funeral and sought to comfort him and his children. Another along with his wife was part of a mission team to the Yucatan Peninsula. We labored side by side as we sought to take the gospel from village to village. The other I met when I was his parent’s pastor. Through the years I’ve often preached in his church. These men are dear friends with whom I’ve shared my life.
We laughed. We told stories, by stories I mean things we’ve seen and done not “stories” as in, “he storied (lied) to me.” Okay we did that too. We discussed theology. We argued biblical texts. We sought advice. It reminded me of how important friendships are. Real friendships rooted in the gospel; the kind of friendships that add depth and quality to life. It reminded me of what I have here that I so often take for granted. So let me just say, “Thank you, my friends, for sharing your life with me and making my life so rich and full.”
I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod
I hope that you are planning to be with us this coming Lord’s Day as we celebrate Keenager Sunday. We are having as our special guest Joe Howard. Joe served as pastor of Trinity from May of 1985 to January of 1988. Joe was a great encouragement to me in my early days of ministry including bringing a van load of deacons and participating in my ordination service. Joe will be bringing the message in the morning service and his wife Peggy will provide special music. A box lunch will follow in fellowship hall. Then on Sunday evening the youth hand bell choir, from the First Baptist Church of Warner, will present a concert. It is going to be a great day I trust you’ll be part of it.
Let me also take this opportunity to inform you of some pressing needs. We have needs in our children and preschool area. If you are interested in serving Christ by ministering to our children please see me or Jerry Scott we would love to talk with you about how you can be involved.
I’m looking forward to seeing you and your family as we gather for worship this Sunday.
Rod
