Friday, November 27, 2020
Dear Trinity Baptist Church Family, Psalm 51:1-4 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight— that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge. When I read this psalm yesterday morning, I was reminded again how desperately I need the mercy and forgiveness of God. David wrote Psalm 51 in response to his adultery and murder. I may not have sinned like David sinned, but my need is ever as great. Oh, may I always remember that all my sin is directed against God and that He alone is blameless.
We received a prayer letter yesterday from our missionary JoAnn Smith. She is in Texas taking care of her 92 year old father. Charlie has COVID and has isolated in a hotel about 25 miles from her. He is being checked on and provided meals 3 times a day, but is being worn out by the coughing. He cannot isolate in their home because of her father. JoAnn also shared that their church in Buenos Aires is being allow to meet with a limit of 20 people, so they have a rotation for church. They are going to lose their current meeting place soon. Charlie was planning to go down on December 2nd to help look for a new meeting place, but now those plans are off. Pray both for Charlie’s healing and God’s leading in this inner city church. Charlie and JoAnn are still looking forward to the day they will be able to return to Argentina.
I have my 4th chemo of the week this morning. Lin and I think I am handling this round a little better than last. The test will be to see how far I crash next week. Thank you for your love and prayers. I receive much encouragement from so many. Continue to pray for opportunities to minister at the cancer center. I am praying for a fellow patient and fellow believer named Tom. Also pray for me to have open doors to minister to staff.
Bring your family and find a spot to decorate at the church Saturday afternoon. The time is 1:00-3:00 p.m. Also remember that Sunday is church dinner day.
Pray for our God’s gracious protection of our nation, community, and church. God is so very good to us. Pray for God’s Word to be at the forefront of our thinking as we gather on the Lord’s Day.
Embracing Truth, Pastor