Monday, December 28, 2020

Dear Trinity Baptist Church Family, Often during the last few months in many different venues, people have talked about how bad 2020 has been and how we hope for a change in 2021. 2020 is named a pariah by almost everyone. I identify with this sentiment. Personally and professionally, 2020 has brought unexpected pain. Perhaps Psalm 88 expresses the discomfort: 3-5 “For my soul is full of troubles, And my life draws near to the grave. 4 I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength, 5 Adrift among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, And who are cut off from Your hand.” For most of the 18 verses the psalmist lists his substantial griefs to God.

Christians have days full of trouble just like everyone else. And like everyone else it is easy to focus upon the circumstances and have a “woe is me” spirit. But we are not to focus upon the circumstances but upon the Savior. Verses 1-2 of that same psalm read: “O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You. 2 Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry.” Before talking about all that is wrong, the psalmist begins by claiming a relationship with “God my salvation.”

As we turn the page of the calendar this week, let us not focus upon 2020 or set our hope in 2021. Christians ought not depend upon a positive change of circumstances. Rather, in spite of the circumstances in this broken, sin-cursed world, we ought to set our affection and hope on things above and upon the Savior who loves us.

I praise the Lord for a fun day at church yesterday with the people of God. I praise the Lord for good offerings in December which will allow us to begin the new year with a stronger cash position. I praise the Lord that I am surrounded by kind and caring people.

Continue to pray for Norma D. It is expected that she will have her gall bladder removed in the next day or so. Sandy S had a biopsy of her lymph nodes that was negative. She did have cancer in a lump that was removed and so will have radiation soon. Pray for Jean’s health and her travel to AZ with the Martins beginning on New Year’s Day. Pray for those recovering from colds and flus. My last chemo is this afternoon. I am praising God for continued health and strength. Zeke’s family will fly out in the morning to travel back to MT.

Thursday, New Year’s Eve, is our annual Food N Fun Family night. A pot luck meal will begin at 6:00 p.m. Bring your favorite table game and come for an evening of fellowship. Come and go as you will, but dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m.

We will resume our monthly Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. If you did not sign up on Sunday, let me know if you intend to be there! I have a new waffle maker! (hint)

Embracing Truth, Pastor