Dear Church Family -
Today, we’re praising God for rain and somberly remembering 9/11. In the first weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks 22 years ago, I found my thoughts returning often to Psalm 46.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. ‘Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold.”
Let’s thank God today for our nation that was founded on Biblical principles that God has been pleased to bless.
I hope the last two Sundays haven’t been depressing as we’ve looked at 2 Timothy 3 and the reality of living in perilous times. It’s our foundational beliefs and commitments that will keep us steady and thriving in perilous times.
Some years ago, an author who is unknown to me, wrote what he called “Perspectives in Perilous Times.” I was so impressed by his perspectives that I wrote them in the flyleaf of the Bible I was using at the time. I have thought about these perspectives often and commend them to you to consider.
“Perspectives in Perilous Times
Exhibit both holiness and love in decisions and actions.
Combine sanctified scholarship and spiritual fervency.
Unite theological preciseness with evangelistic outreach.
Champion Biblical separation while rejecting a bitter, caustic spirit.
Defend the truth while loving the brethren.”
Hope you have a great week walking with the Lord! Because of Christ – Pastor Tim