“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his
steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Happy New Year Dear Friends!
A new year often brings reflection, evaluation, and
resolutions. We may resolve to exercise more, improve our diet, and spend our
money more wisely. We may especially want our relationships to be healthier and
invest our time with a more eternal perspective. These are all good things. God
encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to, “examine everything carefully;
hold fast to that which is good.” Every successful business, government,
and organization periodically evaluates itself. Of course, following through to
change is another thing altogether.
Change can be difficult. As Christians, we have a
tremendous advantage! We have the Holy Spirit living in us to give us the
motivation and power to change. “For God did not give us a Spirit of fear
but of power and love and self-control.” 1 Timothy 1:7 We also have the
benefit of the church family for support and role models. “Therefore
encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Our plans must also be surrendered to the Lord and
open to change. If He is truly our Lord, then we will entrust all that we are
to Him and allow Him to intervene any time. I encourage you to give all your
plans, possessions, relationships, and desires to Him daily. Surrender yourself
fully to His loving care and leadership. “Into your hand I entrust my life;
you will rescue me, O Lord, the faithful God.” Psalm 31:5
Here are some of our plans that came to fruition, others
that changed, and how we are listening to Him and following His leading.
House Church – Learning Flexibility
& Perseverance Covid-19 continues to make our church plans be
flexible. We could not meet in person for weeks now, so we resorted to Zoom –
again! It still enables us to find out one another’s needs, pray together,
build each other up by both sharing and studying God’s word, and to worship
Him. It will make our in-person fellowship sweeter when it happens! “Blessed
is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will
receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12 “The precious possession of a man is diligence.” Proverbs
12:27
Speaking at MOPS Danelle and
I were invited to speak to a group of 25 mothers of preschoolers (MOPS)
recently. God worked and touched hearts! We shared our testimonies, principles
about child-raising, and sold copies of Steve’s three of Steve’s. They were an
engaged group that asked many heart-felt questions during the meeting and
afterwards. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6
House Church Conference Plans Change We were planning a regional House Church Conference in North Carolina next month. But, due to the recent spread of Covid, we rescheduled for October 14-16.
“And
we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love
God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Yours In Christ’s Unchanging Love,
Steve & Danelle
