July 14, 2020

A Word about the Word-

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. [Psalm 19:1–4]

The rest of this summer, let’s resolve to:
•    take the time to observe and appreciate God’s glorious creation.
•    learn what we can about the Lord from this “other” Revelation.
•    imitate the creation by using fewer words and still proclaiming glory of God.
 

Close to Home

A Trinity’s pastor and one of our Elders attended a forum last week during Mentor’s Racial Justice Week. They experienced some insightful dialogue and presentations. Listen, learn, apply—this is the way we learn new things and grow. May God give us wisdom to apply his gospel to the social issues of our day.

When 2020 began, Trinity designated the theme of the year as “Jesus: Knowing Him and Making Him Known.”  A lot has occurred since the year began (you think???). And yet our focus remains. As 2020 proceeds, we will continue our message series centered on our Savior. I have encouraged our staff and church family to be reading books about the person and life of Jesus. I came across this, a recommended reading list by Dallas Seminary scholar and acquaintance of mine, Dr. Darrell Bock. Good books, these.

The World as It Is

I have greatly reduced my social media exposure. How nice it’s been. But I still hear from friends about some of the bizarre things people are believing and sharing—like the ominous “cashless society plot” that Dave Ramsey was supposedly warning about (sorry, not him!). Or that we are all being duped (“primed,” I think, was the word used) by this COVID-19, quarantining, mask-wearing conspiracy. Really? Tell that to the victims or their families. Christian people, at least, ought to know better. They’ve been warned not to chase after this stuff: Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly [1 Timothy 4:7].

#CultureNerd

This seems rather unfortunate, historically and religiously. Even Pope Francis has chimed in.

And Then There’s This…

O God,
you have taught us to keep all your commandments 
by loving you and our neighbor:
Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit,
that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart,
and united to one another with pure affection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
[The Book of Common Prayer]

I’ll see you on the other side.
Pastor Paul
Facebook