Aches and Praise Four Hundred & Fifty Seven

June 11, 2020
 
 
Dear friends,
    

For the past few days, Karen and I have been working outside, repairing the deck that her father built more than twenty years ago. I don’t remember much of how my father-in-law built the deck, but now I know what is involved in cutting the wood, fitting pieces into place, and securing the foundation. Working with my hands in an office for most of my adult life, I realize that I don`t understand the challenges that carpenters and construction workers face. I can imagine how hard Jesus must have worked as a carpenter, helping his father and others, but I cannot fathom how the Son of God endured the agony of being nailed to the cross in order to take the penalty that we – sinful people – deserved.

Several people have told us lately that they are praying for us and we thank the Lord for the army of prayer warriors that supports us. In the months since the outbreak of the pandemic, people in many regions of Quebec have begun following Bible courses from our ministry. Please pray that each one will trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in His grace.

One of the men that I have visited several times in the past few years, Jean-Pierre, recently told the workers in the psychiatric hospital where he lives that he does not want to talk to me on the phone, just a few days after leaving positive messages on the answering machine. He has had mood swings before and I hope that he will soon be interested in spiritual matters again. Please pray for Jean-Pierre as he has suffered much emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Scripture for the weekend: “The wise in heart will be called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” Proverbs 16:21 (NASB)

Thought for the weekend: “The English term providence is derived from two Latin words: pro, which means ‘before,’ and vide, which means ‘see.’ … God sees and knows the future, having declared the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:8-10) … God’s providence is one of the most comforting truths revealed in Scripture. It reminds the believer that the loving Father revealed in the Bible knows all about our every need and fear even better than we do. And because He is the Lord, He can meet all our needs and assuage all our fears (Philippians 4:19).” – from the April 2015 issue of “Tabletalk,” Ligonier Ministries, Inc.                                                    

 

By His grace,
                             
Steve         

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