Monday, January 10, 2022

Dear Trinity Baptist Church Family, 2 Samuel 23:20 Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day.

Brrr. OK, so how many wanted to roll over and pull up the covers this morning? Do you, like me, find it difficult to get excited about what needs to be done when it is dark and cold? I looked up the word “snow” and was reminded of this exploit of Benaiah. He was a captain of David’s forces, leader of David’s personal guard, and the military muscle who solidified the kingdom under Solomon. Benaiah was a force with which to be reckoned! Here in the text it tells us of one of his deeds: he went down into a pit on a snow day and killed a lion. I have a few questions. 1. Was the lion a threat to anyone since it was down in this pit? 2. Wasn’t there a better way to eliminate the lion, like an arrow or stone? 3. Couldn’t he have chosen a better day – one when it was not snowing? But in describing the character and strength of this good man, the Bible tells us he killed lion on a snowy day.

Have you faced any lions on this very cold day? I have a lion of a still-runny nose and a still-scratchy throat. My health “lion” is a little cub compared to some of your lions. Perhaps Benaiah could have done something else that day. Perhaps we would think he might have found a better day or better way to eliminate that lion. Apparently, Benaiah thought that was the day and he was the means for that lion to be gone. Have you any lions? Is now when God would have you deal with them? May we be strong.

I rejoice in the good Lord’s Day we had yesterday. Our attendance was up as I believe many were past their colds and illnesses. We also had a good attendance last evening for our quarterly Congregational meeting. Our debt total is down another $4,000 this quarter. There are several copies of our meeting’s agenda on the Ministry Opportunity Table. You are welcome to grab on and listen to the meeting on our fb page.

Continue to pray for health for our church family. Jean W is at Harbor Haven where she is gaining strength with much therapy. She would like guests to be limited to family, but I know she would appreciate a card. Norma D is home, but still needing a procedure at Froedtert when a bed opens up. Tom G is on his second antibiotic with an ear infection. Dale’s brother Joe S is still hospitalized recovering from his work accident. Ken & Jean were home with a cold this weekend. Jean R needs to be well so she can have an eye surgery. Kathy R has had her last chemo. Pray for healing and recovery. Dave R has covid in his lungs again. Many of us are recovering from colds or whatever it is that is going around. Pray for our continued safety and healing. 

May you serve the lord with gusto this week. Read His Word like a love letter. Be holy that it may be well with you and with those who follow you.

Embracing Truth, Pastor