Aches and Praise Five Hundred & Nineteen

Posted on 2021-08-20 in English |

August 20, 2021
 
 

Dear friends,

                                                                                                                                                                       
Have you noticed that often when you experience something joyful like a birthday or anniversary, you either have something sad happen to you or to loved ones or friends? A few days after celebrating the birthday of a friend, we learned that Timothy McLelland, a respected Bible teacher, died while hiking with his sons on Mount Washington: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/timothy-mcclelland-obituary?id=6317475. He will be dearly missed by many who were blessed by his teaching and preaching of God’s Word.
 

Recently, Ann-Margret Hovsepian wrote: “Whether you have a dozen grandchildren or, like me, have no children of your own, your legacy is more than what you might bestow on the next generation in your family. It is the imprint you leave on the world around you . . . in your family, yes, but also in your community, your church, your workplace. It is the impact you have on your customers, your students, your readers, your patients, your employers, your employees, your neighbours. Your significance in this world may be more than you realize. (Of course, some people have an inflated sense of their significance but I’m going to assume that doesn’t describe most of you.)

Will you be remembered for being generous with your time and resources or for being stingy? For being wise or being foolish? For being faithful or being fickle? For loving yourself or loving God and others? For complaining about everything or being grateful for everything? For persevering or giving up? For seeing the best in others or being critical of them?

The legacy we will one day leave behind starts now . . . not when we’re old (however you define that).” To receive Ann-Margret’s blog entitled “Whimsy & Wisdom,” you can contact her at: ann@annhovsepian.com.

When I was in my 20s, I had the privilege of meeting George Verwer, co-founder of Operation Mobilization (OM). This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first OM ship sailing from Europe to Asia. George writes: “At least 100 million people worldwide have come into contact with the gospel in some way. We know thousands have professed faith, but only heaven will tell the full story. We remain so thankful to God for our countless behind-the-scenes workers, prayer partners and supporters.” You can learn more about OM at: www.om.org.

Scripture for the weekend: “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NASB)

Thought for the weekend: “Literal adherence to the principles laid down by Jesus Christ would, without a doubt, result in world-wide revolution. A revolution motivated by love, a revolution executed by love, and a revolution culminating in love.” – George Verwer

 

By His grace,
 

Steve

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