Aches and Praise Four Hundred & Twenty One

October 3, 2019
 

Dear friends,                                                                                                      

If you’re like me, you are surprised that it is October already. It is wonderful to see the explosion of colours in the trees, but I feel like September went by too quickly. One reason for that feeling is that Karen and I welcomed friends to our home for nearly half the month. The expression “Time flies when you’re having fun!” is certainly true. We are looking forward to seeing more friends this month, so before we know it, it will be November!

On the last day of September, I went golfing with my father, who is 95 years young. He enjoyed golfing at least twice a week until a few years ago. After flubbing my tee shot on the sixth hole (a par 3), I told my Dad that I was taking a “mulligan” (a fancy word for a do-over). To my amazement, my second tee shot headed straight for the pin before landing three feet away. Although I didn’t get a hole-in-one, I was thrilled to get a “birdie” and to be able to play with my father. We were tied after the ninth hole, but Dad came on strong and won the round. I did, however, get a ‘hole in one’ a couple of days later – in one of my socks!           

Tonight marked the beginning of the Montreal Canadiens’ hockey season. Many Québécois are so passionate about the team that their devotion has been likened to a religion. Pastor Michel Martel, the voice of La Voix de l’Évangile in Québec since 1984, is currently preaching a series of messages entitled “5 minutes à l’enfer” (“5 minutes in hell”), which followed a series entitled “5 minutes au ciel” (“5 minutes in heaven”). Our prayer is that the hearts of many listeners will be stirred by Pastor Martel’s messages and that they will trust in Christ as their personal Saviour.

Scripture for the weekend: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:11 (NASB)

Thought for the weekend: “How can we convey this message of freedom and sight to others? How can we let them know that Jesus did all the work and our task is to trust? Perhaps the best way to let them know is by telling our story – by sharing our testimony. That is something no one can deny, and it just might be the best way to tell a world growing wary of absolutes that Jesus’ story has made your story one they might want to consider for themselves.” – from “Stand Firm” by Dave Branon
 

By His grace,

Steve          

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