Thursday, December 23, 2021

Dear Trinity Baptist Church Family, Every year at this time I am struck by the power of the last sentence of Matthew 1: “And he called His name Jesus.“First, it was a human and he a common man who gave Jesus the name He was called on this earth and that name continues to be praised. Jesus. Joseph the carpenter gave Jesus that name. Second, Joseph was obedient in his naming of Jesus. The angel told him to give Jesus that name. Third, what was it like to continually use a word that meant Savior when Joseph addressed his son? How do you instruct the Savior? How do you teach the Savior? But Joseph did. Joseph is one of my Bible heroes. He was an amazing man who fulfilled God’s plan for his place in the life of Jesus and by extension us.

Please continue to pray for Jean W. Her heart is working hard because her lungs are not doing well. Pray for the medications to work to remove the excess fluid. Her children are in town and spending time with her. Because of Covid, visitation is limited. I have been able to speak with her on the phone every day. She is in good spirits and greatly covets the prayers of her church family. Pray for her healing and strength.

Pray for Kathy R’s blood numbers to be good and for her chemo to be effective.

Pray for God to be glorified in our Christmas Eve service and in the services on Sunday. 

I received a letter from Missionary Troesters today. They say that the invite for the Taylors has been extended. Now the Taylors are applying for their visas. Because the last strain of Covid came from that part of Africa, they might have some restrictions. Pray that all works out for the Taylors to get to Mozambique to work with the Troesters ASAP!

I am praying that this church family has a beneficial and joyous time with family and friends over the next several days. May Jesus be glorified in our homes. May God be pleased with our choices. May the kindness of the Spirit overflow in every relationship. May God’s Word be lifted up.

Embracing Truth, Pastor