While looking back through my journal for this the first week of the New Year, my, how faithful, good, and loving God has been. But, true is, that is not surprising because that’s Who He is! So when you come to know Him, you watch for where He is at work, you recognize His revealed character/attibutes, and then you respond to Who He is. I promise you, if you recognize Who He is, you will never miss what He does. So with that in mind, here’s a recap of some of God’s grace this week.
#1 Answered Prayer!!
I could on and on about this one!! One of the best is the reminder to never stop praying for our unsaved family and friends.
In Wednesday’s post, I wrote about Barbara Chandler’s investments in others’ lives. Her greatest investment was in prayer, especially for the salvation of her husband. For many, many years she labored in prayer for him. He was known for his many trips across the state line where he would get drunk and also squander their money on the lottery.
I learned while attending her funeral on Tuesday that God answered her prayer and the prayers of countless others. Seven years, at the age of 81, Ralph humbled himself before the Lord and received Him as his personal Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-13).
May we have the heart of Barbara Chandler as well as the Apostle Paul who said, I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, […]Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. (Romans 9:1-3; 10:1)
#2 Blessed Quietness
How wonderful to spend a day on the lake, in the Word, in prayer, seeking the Lord for what He would have me preach. The serene quiet, the voice of the Lord, and setting at Jesus’ feet is invaluable time spent.
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He (Jesus) went out and departed to a solitary place, and there He prayed. (Mark 1:35)
#3 Encouragement
Yesterday was a full day of ministry opportunities that included a funeral, a hospital visit, and mentoring to name a few. When I arrived home around 9:15, I checked my Facebook and found I had been tagged by my oldest daughter. Here’s a throwback video of a song that has meant so much to me over the years. I needed this last night. I needed to be reminded that in the midst of all of life and ministry’s demands, Jesus is always the center of my joy.
(Also made me think of a very special group of teenagers who gathered in Spain two years ago!)
From A Pastor's Heart 