November 15, 2018
Dear friends,
This morning, I finished reading a book entitled “Finishing Well” written by John Garner, lead pastor of Redeemer Bible Church in Niagara Falls, Ontario. At the Missions Conference last month, Pastor Garner gave Karen and me a copy of this insightful book. It is special to me in many ways: I know the author, he wrote a personal note inside it and he shares lessons that he has learned in his spiritual life. In thinking about these things, I am inspired to spend more time reading God’s Word. What an amazing thing it is to have a personal relationship with the author of the world’s best-selling and most important book! Throughout the pages of Scripture, we read how much God loves people and wants the best for us.
In our men’s group on Tuesday, we looked at the subject of sexuality and how some men get sidetracked from a close relationship with the Lord because of sinful thoughts and actions in this area. Contrary to how society viewed sexual matters in past generations, the Lord is not shy to reveal His blueprint for men to live pure and holy lives. God has given boundaries in His directives in order to preserve the sanctity of marriage, not to “spoil our fun.” When I was young, a popular television program called “Father Knows Best” portrayed family life that is unknown by many in today’s world. Despite warnings in Proverbs and other books of the Bible, some believers choose to think that they “know better” than God and decide to follow a path that is not only displeasing to their heavenly Father, but harmful to themselves and their loved ones. How we need to constantly pray that we will be filled with the Holy Spirit!
In the March 2017 edition of “Turning Points” magazine, Dr. David Jeremiah writes: “Emotional neglect ravages many marriages, homes, relationships, and even churches. Loneliness is a pandemic among our elderly, but it’s just as bad among teenagers and young adults.” He continues: “… it’s important to determine which groups we allow to influence our lives. It’s also important to be an influencer whose great-heartedness touches others in ways they can recognize and feel. You are an influencer, for good or ill, by the way you express or suppress the love of Jesus Christ.”
Scripture for the weekend: “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.”1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “The Bible has a lot to say about building relational boundaries. Proverbs 4:14-15 says ‘Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.’ The passage instructs us to construct sturdy boundaries, out of respect for God and our own well being.” – John Garner (from his book “Finishing Well”).
By His grace,
Steve