August 8, 2019
Dear friends,
This edition of the blog is coming to you from Niagara-on-the-Lake, where Karen and I are attending the 75th anniversary celebration of Global Outreach Mission. Besides the blessings of being with other missionaries and hearing how the Lord is working in many countries of the world, we have been privileged to hear insightful messages from God’s Word. Did you know that 75 years ago, there were 2.5 billion people in the world? Today, there are approximately 8 billion people. More than ever before, Christians need to proclaim the wonderful message of salvation in Christ Jesus.
Dr. Jerry Gillis, senior pastor of The Chapel in Buffalo, New York, pointed out that the author of Psalm 105 invites believers to tell God how great He is and to tell others about Him. When the Toronto Raptors won the NBA championship a couple of months ago, many Torontonians were talking about their team’s accomplishment and celebrated by going to the victory parade. How much more boldly should believers declare the wonderful deeds of the Lord and sing His praises! Dr. Gillis exhorted us that remembering God’s past faithfulness reignites our present faith. He also said that what we need to remember is that God remembers His promises.
In his book “Waiting on God,” Dr. Charles Stanley writes that God gives us powerful assurances, including the fact that He will always keep His promises to us: “When it comes to your loving, heavenly Father, there should be absolutely no question in your mind about whether or not He will do as He says. He is holy, honorable, and truthful – He would never lie to you (Titus 1:2). You can count on the fact that He will do exactly as He says – just as He has all throughout history. Though the promise may take a different form than you anticipated, may take longer to arrive than you expected, and may appear in a way you never imagined, God will keep His word. So be assured – the Father will not fail you.”
Are you in a waiting period in some area of your life? Be encouraged that God is in control of the situation. He loves you more than you can imagine and is working all things for your good and for His glory!
Scripture for the weekend: “He remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations.” Psalm 105:8 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “Jesus said, ‘Follow Me!’ You can’t do that looking back.” – Dr. Jerry Gillis
By His grace,
Steve