Friday

Sunday is coming. I love the Lord's Day. We hope to see you at church.

The family is all working on school, Dana is preparing for our sister-in-law's baby shower tomorrow and I am working on my messages.

I have to say I am ready for some slightly cooler weather. I don't want the frigid stuff you Yankees like, just a little less heat. Wednesday night we had a good prayer meeting and I was struck by how many needs and prayer requests each of us have. We must 'pray without ceasing.'

I am still praying that the Lord will bring an increase to us in holiness, reverence, depth of devotion, discipleship and that He would lead more of His to our congregation. Please pray that we will be faithful and fruitful.

I am really praying about doing some writing on the subject of idolatry. Please pray that I will find some time to devote to that.

Panera with Caleb

I am currently working @ Panera with my son Caleb. He is writing a paper entitled,"Why a 10 year old boy should obey God" and I am working on my church responsibilities.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. As I look around, I see very little that acknowledges God's existence. Let alone, any notion of His Supreme Authority and Preeminence over all things! The Lord Jesus Christ is able to change the hearts of men. After all, He did it for you and me. Never diminish the Glory of Christ by importing your pessimism. He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or think. He cares more about the decline of the individual, the family, the Church and the State than we do. It's exciting to think about what He could accomplish, if He wills.

What can you do today to bring Glory to Christ? Is there a person hurting who needs your love? Is there a person hungry who needs food? Is there someone drowning in the depths of their sin?
You are uniquely qualified to help them. Look for the good works He has planned for you to walk in. You fulfill a vital ministry role in His kingdom!

Friday

I have been blog posting challenged. My "e" key isn't working well. Do you know how many words have an E in them?

I am studying Acts 16 and Deut. 6 for the Sunday messages.

My wife and children have been working real hard on their home education. The kids are developing important life/discipline skills. We have been requiring them to write essays everyday. It is good to see them progress in the faith.

The path of sanctification and Christ-likeness can be very challenging. We must persevere...

Saturday

I am studying for my messages tomorrow. I have imposed a new deadline for Saturday nights for the purpose of rest and honoring the Lord's Day. I am striving to put down my sermon prep by 7 p.m. This will be a change for me because I usually stay up until about 1 a.m. or later going over the texts/sermon notes. I don't know if I will make it today, but I will be in bed much earlier than usual. Hopefully, I will practice this new discipline in my life and trust God to bless my preparations and to demonstrate my confidence in Him by resting from my labors.

I am looking forward to the mini-series in Deuteronomy 6 for the remaining Sunday nights in August. This will nicely prepare us for the Fall series on The 10 Commandments, Lord willing.

Take some time to prepare your hearts for worship tomorrow. Finish all of your preparations for Sunday today so you can enjoy the day unencumbered.

The Church Must Speak

Today, the state of California has again decided that the "marriage" of homosexuals will be legal and celebrated in California. Their vile perversions will be now sanctioned by the state. These satanic unions will never be legitimate however. Californians who believe in Christ and the whole of the Church should be screaming against this. But, sadly we have already been inoculated on the homosexual agenda. There has been a steady stream of evil propaganda that is now very familiar to us. Lets face it, Christians are now comfortable with the gay agenda. This decision is an assault on God's institution of marriage and in direct violation of His Law. The practice of homosexuality was formerly punishable by death because of its severity. While some of you are thinking, "I am glad we live in the New Covenant era." I would urge another look at Romans 1. Romans 1:24-32 says homosexuals are worthy of severe punishment for their crimes and likewise, those who approve of them. Instead, the largest state in America celebrates what God views as wicked. The Church has become complicit in these perversions because we have failed to speak with greater earnestness than the haters of God. The Church must now speak out against this thing that our LORD hates...

Thursday

I will be deep in study and would appreciate your prayers for the 2 messages for Sunday.

I am gobbling up theology right now. The Lord has given me an unquenchable desire to know more of Him.

My oldest son has been participating in Nick Anderson's (former Magic player) basketball camp. I was delighted when he mentioned in prayer meeting that he wanted God to give him a greater hunger for Christ and His Word. The week had been characterized by a lot of basketball talk. We earnestly pray that our children's lives will be governed by passionate love for Christ and that the world in opposition to Him would not draw them away from that pure devotion.

I feel strangely blessed and serene even though I have some trying circumstances. I guess this is the very essence of the Christian experience. We should experience peace, joy and contentment in all our seasons.

Tuesday afternoon

We had a good elders meeting this morning. The saints at Covenant are loved.

This week life returns to normal. I really love travel but there is something really pleasing about everyday life.

I will be preparing 2 sermons, a Wednesday night prayer meeting, and a Thursday morning Bible study starting today. I am not complaining. I am delighted to have this awesome privilege. The saying "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life" is true for me. The toilsome labor of work is a product of the fall. But, Adam worked the Garden prior to the fall. The Lord has freed us from sin and death. He also gives us blessed work to perform for His Glory.

Saturday evening

It is really good to be home. We have been feverishly working to bring our domain back to normal. Elijah (age 4) asked where we would be going today. The new normal for him is travel. We joyfully told him, "We are staying home!"

I am studying Acts 16 for the sermon tomorrow. I really missed the privilege of preaching sermons the last 2 weeks. There will not be a Sunday evening service tomorrow night. Our normal schedule resumes next week.

I look forward to worship, fellowship and witness with you tomorrow, Lord willing.

Mountains

We have been in the PA mountains enjoying the cooler weather and time with my aunt and uncle. We plan to be home at the end of the week and look forward to our normal routine.
SuSu had a great birthday yesterday. It is hard to believe my "pretty baby" is 3 years old.

I caught 2 rainbow trout today on a fly rod. Both fish fought well. Of course, the big one got away.

I have enjoyed my recreational reading time. I have mowed through 3 books and read countless articles. I also listened to at least 15 sermons while driving.

I look forward to seeing all of you this Sunday, Lord willing. I send my special thanks to the elders for carrying the load while I have been away.