The Voice Of Hope
O Israel, put your hope in the Lord—now and always.
~Psalm 131:3, NLT
In our earthly pilgrimage, it is HOPE that leads the way: She breaks through all the difficulties and makes a way for the soul to follow.
~Thomas Adams
Most of you know that June and I named our second daughter and third born child Hope. When I read Thomas Adams devotion HOPE’S VOICE, I could not help thinking of our Hope who has gone on before us. Yes, I still hear her voice. I agree with Adams, Hope is a trail blazer who leads the way. In Bunyans Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian would not have made it to the Celestial City without Hope. Hope is the sweetest friend that ever kept a distressed soul company: she never gives up and she will not allow you to give up either. She is constantly telling us sweet stories about what lies ahead; about the triumphs and hallelujah’s that await us. Hope doesn’t get down; she goes merrily along carrying her burdens with her. She offers herself to those in bondage and she is sweet medicine to the sick. The Apostle Paul nicknamed her “The Anchor.” When the storms rage, She holds us firm. She kept Father Abraham going when his powers of reason said “It is hopeless,” she said, “No it is not, God will keep His promise so you keep believing.” She kept Joseph going when he was in prison. Although he was being persecuted for doing good, she refused to let him give in to the circumstances.
If we change the P in Hope to an M, we have HOME. Home is a precious thing. Anytime I travel, which these days is not far, I think about coming back home. I am like my friend, THE RETIRED MAIL MAN, I will go anywhere as long as I can be home by dark and sleep in my bed. Where June and I live at present is our temporary home; our real home is in heaven and we are not going home to an empty house. Thomas Adams has a quote that was inspired by a verse from the Apocrypha {2 Esdras 10:17}, “Poor grieving mother, do not be overcome with sorrow over the loss of something earthly and temporary. Even though your own child has been taken from you and laid in the grave, do not surrender yourself to despair. Go home to the City of Mercy—to Christ Himself, your heavenly Husband—and let Him comfort you.” The last line that I have in bold, is Adam’s comment, it is not in Esdras. The point is this: there is a home waithing for us and it is occupied by the One we love most: JESUS! We are not going home to an empty house. This is the VOICE OF HOPE, listen carefully!
- To date if ChatGPT is reliable, this is the hottest September on record and second to it would be Septemer 1925. It has been 13* warmer than average. Last Saturday it was 100, normally it would be 87: wow! Normally time flies after Labor Day but not this year. I am beginning to wonder if September will end. I think it will cool down a bit this week: I hope so anyway.
- Made a vow several weeks ago to talk less about myself but I had a wonderful experience last night that I want to share. By God’s grace, we performed the wedding ceremony for Harley Fields. Harley’s dad Rodney was one of my young friends. He was promoted at the youthful age of 40. He had colon cancer. Rodney was a trooper. He suffered but he never complained. Harley turned out to be a beautiful young woman and it was a joy to see her and her mom Tracey. Both have a special place in my heart as does the entire Fields family: Don, Jan, Tracey and Thomas, Rickey and Janet and their boys and wives. I got to enjoy some precious fellowship with the entire family. A good family; one that has been extraordiarily kind to me. It was one of highlights of my career. To this ver day, I have Rodney’s picture in my office.
- I think we have things worked out on our PM Fellowship Suppers. We simply moved everything to Sunday evenings at 5:00 and this includes the jambalaya supper which will be November 1, the day that Daylights Saving times falls back. LORD willing we will start the two Wednesday services on November 4 with Terri’s team doing lunch which will feature KFC. November 11, will be stew in honor of Jim Mullins and all the veterans, and my team will cover the Stew. November 18 will be Carol’s team and November 25 will be Vickie’s team. Morning services at 10:30 and the evening service at 6:00. Same bible study in both services. Pick the one most convienent for you.
- 49ers this Friday at 11:30. Next 49er meeting after this Friday is Christmas Party December 4 when we play bingo for the gift cards.
- Mens Breakfast October 10 at 8:00 am.
- Monday October 26…we are hosting the THE MORGAN BAPTIST ANNUAL MEETING here at the POINT. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have asks the 49er to help and this will be our October 49er gathering. You do not have to attend the meeting. Just bring your food and join us for lunch. We will get the KFC, drinks and rolls but we need your help with the other things. It will work if we have a servant’s heart!
Have a great Monday and thanks for reading the blog!!!!
