Aches and Praise Three Hundred & Eighty Seven

February 7, 2019
 
 
Dear friends,
 
I just threw another sock into the garbage pail. I say “another” because holes have appeared in several of my socks in recent weeks. Lately, I was wearing one light grey sock and one dark grey sock. As of a few minutes ago, that option has vanished, so I will try to get used to wearing socks that cling more tightly to my legs than I would have liked. When I was young (well, actually until many years after I got married) I wore socks that were knit by my grandmother and mother. One of my favourite memories was receiving a new pair of white socks. Life was simpler then … I never had to shop for socks. Have you ever thought about the million or more Israelites who walked for years in the desert, under the watchful eye of Moses? Where did they go for new shoes?
 
Thanks to an Internet search engine, I found several Scriptures which state that God took care of the needs of His people in their wilderness wanderings. In Deuteronomy 8:4 & 29:5 and Nehemiah 9:21, we learn that God “sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.” Despite God’s provision of manna and much more, the people grumbled and forgot God`s blessings. In our comfortable society in North America, I wonder how many people stop to thank God for the food they eat and the clothes they wear.
 
One of the most grateful people that Karen and I have met was John Gatewood. In December, he went to his heavenly home after a life of service to the Lord and others. Selling insurance helped pay his bills, but praying for missionaries, church friends and many others kept his spiritual fire burning. We had the privilege of staying in his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma during Missions conferences and had a delightful time talking and praying with him and his dear wife, Carolyn. Please pray for her as she begins a new chapter in her life.
 
In last week`s blog post, I asked prayer for Pastor Brad as he travelled to Nepal, along with his niece, Morgan, earlier this week. They arrived safely and have met a Christian pastor. Please continue to pray for them, as long hikes are required in this mountainous country.
 
Scripture for the weekend: “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.” Psalm 145:3 (NIV)
 
Thought for the weekend: “The test of integrity and commitment to righteousness comes when we don’t get what we want – when we are faced with the choice to groan, grumble, harbor bitterness, or recognize the truth that God has met all our needs in Christ, no matter what our desires may be. After our initial moments of anger, no matter the cause, we’re all left with the choice to turn to God in righteousness or to turn away to lies.” – Shelly Beach (from her book “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”)
 
By His grace,
 
Steve

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