First Sunday 2026

 I was impressed to go to Bro. Spurgeon's page.  While there, I noted the verse on his heart this day so many years ago; "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever." (2 Pet 3.18)

The words, "grow in grace..." caught my attention.  The year 2025 has been difficult.  Loss, discouragement and trial has marked my way.  I understand His "grace is (always) sufficient," However, as I get older, it is often more difficult to bear. Then, this morning, I looked at the phrase, again, "grow in grace."

Something definitely shifted in my heart.  I don't know if I may explain it clearly, but I want to try.  Much of the spiritual life mimics the natural life.  Scripture points this out distinctly in 1 Peter 2.2, when describing how like babies desire, even need milk to grow so we "as newborn babes (are to) desire (and need) the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby."

So, the question is "Have I grown in grace, even a little, since I met the Lord in the free pardon of sin forty-three years ago?" The answer is, "I believe a least a bit."  The reason I may state this is a recent situation involving a loved one.

When asked to get medicine for them, I also offered "could I bring you lunch?"  The answer was "I'll let you know."  When at the store getting the medicine it cost much more than expected.  This caused me to be apprehensive about picking up lunch also.  When discussing the particulars of an OTC medicine desired I asked if they would get a less expensive lunch.  The reply was "don't worry about it, you've done enough for me."  This made me feel cheap and worthless because I didn't trust the Lord to provide for this loved one in the best way I knew how. So, I did not take lunch.  Even though I did get the medicine and take a few other things.  The discouragement, despair and dismay hung over me like a heavy storm cloud.  I tried to "shake it off" but it wouldn't go.

I determined, that when the opportunity presented itself I would simply apologize that I "botched" it up and move on.  Then this morning I saw the verse about "growing in grace," and while musing about "grace" in His economy, the loved one called, said the medicine worked and all was well again.  

The "growing" part came when I prayed this morning and my heart knew that the Lord would work it all out.  It's okay to feel the negative emotions as long as you acknowledge His will, His way and His Word, to keep pressing forward.

So, if you are asking yourself "have I grown in grace since getting saved," think about how you respond now as opposed to how you did before the Holy Spirit became your Guide.

God bless and keep you in 2026 is my prayer.

Happy New Year!

 

"Oh, that my words were written in a book..."

 Job 19 expresses a man beaten down, discouraged, despised yet a morsel of hope shines.

In verse 25, after the cruel, judgmental words of his "friends," he reaches deep and remembers "I know that my Redeemer liveth..."

Recent days have been carried with an extremely heavy burden.  A dear believer who suffered unbearable loss early this year and is still in jeopardy of losing it all.  I have helped where I believe the Lord wanted and watched the burden for this  believer get heavier.  Still, like Job I'm reminded that "my Redeemer liveth." I know He's coming back soon, like He said.  I know I may go the way of all men, by the grave, before He comes and that's okay.  I trust Him.

Acknowledging, like Job, that "my words are written" in this format is comforting.  It gives validation to this life I'm living.  Sixty-one years old, struggling with finding the right job before retirement, days melt into weeks, into months, into years.  Watching a parent age, yet still glad the one is with me.  Bearing the burden that is my life, is it such a burden as Job had?

I think not.  I have reasonable health.  Fairly sound mind.  A local assembly to attend every time I can.  Purpose in that assembly.  Family, who know I'm here if needed.  A blessed grandchild, who is the light of my heart and pure delight each time I get to see her.  One true friend whom I may share almost anything and she with me, even if miles separate us.  I'm thankful for the phone!

Last week, whilst teaching Sunday School we looked at "Good things and Bad things" in our lives.  However, instead of focusing on "good things" we learned how "bad things could be good," when seen through first the lens of  First Thessalonians 5.18; "in everything give thanks..."  This verse also pairs with Romans 8.28, "for we know that all things work together for good..."  I took time to explain to the young ones the why of when things don't go your way or when you don't get what you think you need or want in life, why those things could actually be good.  I wanted them to think in this way to avoid the frustration, heartbreak and loneliness of waiting on the perceived "good things."

Jobs friends judged him wrongly in all the burdens that had befallen him.  I too have examined my life to find reason for the harsh burdens.  I understand my part, when years ago the Holy Spirit instructed me to "wait."  I did not and these twenty plus years I am still reaping that decision.  I cannot deny, it saddens me when I think on it but I "know my Redeemer liveth," and "ever liveth to make intercession (for me). (Heb 7.25)

Like Job won't you find a place to write down what you are feeling and thinking? Things seem so much clearer in written format.  It actually serves to shine light where feeling and thinking are flawed and contrary to scripture.

Whether anyone ever reads these words or no, it has encouraged this believer.  God bless and keep you is my prayer.  Ps 57.7

What has He whispered to you?

 

What now?

Camp Meeting is done.  Daily Home Activities continue. June 2 to October 29, almost five months since devotional in Joshua 6 and 7 led me to "leave the accursed thing."  He is faithful yet I understand, "a man that won't work, shouldn't eat." (II Thes 3.10) I do not mind working for my share and my keep.  However, no Sunday's, day shift, part-time, at home, criteria seem to leave all out but office work. I am well beyond youthful exuberance for a new job but still very able and capable.  

The holidays are fast approaching.  Gas and food are still needed. Holiday meals stretch the grocery dollar.  Funds holding out for basic bills.  My money is going out and not being replaced.  What do I do?  Must stay close to elderly parent.

Others have suggested babysitting.  That's a definite no go due to the need to leave when necessary.

Maybe my faith is weak.  I heard a definite whisper to leave job in June but thought other opportunity would materialize before now.

The prophet Elijah "stayed by the brook" til things "dried up." (I Kings 17).  I firmly believe one should pay their bills.  Thus, I do not want to allow any one bill to be overdue.  I also do not wish to take of another's reserves. 

The prophet Nehemiah "sat down and wept, mourned, fasted and prayed" because of the "broken walls." (Neh 1.4).  Not sure about fasting due to medical condition but the other actions are a definite part of daily prayer and supplication.

The question remains, "What do I do now?"  

One other word that has been whispered since June is "Occupy til I come." (Luke 19.13)  These words from the Savior about "a certain nobleman" and what he instructed of his servants.  One of three made the most of what had been given and instructed.  So I shall do the same.

What now?  "Occupy," faithfully, til He comes or gives further instruction.

Check back for updates when posted.