The Annual Picnic and Departure

What a phenomenal day in the Lord! I was so blessed today. We had an amazing worship service with on our elders, Bob Schembre, sharing the testimony of what God has done and continues to do in his life. Giving all praise and honor to Christ for the work of regeneration of his dead heart.

This brother at 52 will not only be heading back to college, but he will be playing football as well (he even admits it may be a mid-life crisis, but at 52 I think he is really optimistic to call it mid-life). He will be helping his sons start a ministry on this very secular campus. Please be praying for them as they work to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our missions moment today was from Johnny Parker. Johnny and his wife Joyce (and soon to be born baby Abby) are officially leaving for Southern Seminary this week. I must say I had tears as they said good bye. I really have only known them a short while, but what a blessing they have been in my life. I so desire to have brothers in Christ that I can lean on and worship with. God I think you for bringing the Parkers into my life even for such a short time. Bless them in their work and studies that they may continue to be tools to your glory. Amen.

Please pray for this family as the move, find jobs, begin seminary, and have their first child.

Today was also Rockport's annual picnic after the service. What a great time! I must say the highlight was that John Weber and myself beat Cyndi Loving and Amy Lee in horseshoes and it was the first time either of us had played. These are two of the most skilled women I know so even though we were knocked out in the next round I was satisfied.

There was also washers (A Missouri thing), swimming, volleyball (my team won three games, even WITH me on the team), and BBQ hamburgers (another Missouri thing).

I must say it was exhausting. I praise the LORD for a great day and a great week. I have so long been praying for godly companions and He in His mercy and grace has seen fit to bestow them upon me. Even in this though He continues to challenge and teach me.

With all the great worship and fellowship I hadn't yet had time to spend time in God's Word. As we were leaving the picnic I was invited to my friends Brady, Jeremy, and Jesse's house. Now, I am never won to turn down such an invitation, but as I was getting a ride back to the church to pick up my car I began to feel the LORD speak to me. It was though He was saying, "I've given you the friends you desired, but do not forsake your creator to spend time with the creation." By the grace of God I listened and thank Him for bringing me to His Word.

I think that is one of the greatest temptations we have as Christians. God will bring us to our knees in prayer with a desire for something and while we desire it we are constantly calling out to Him. Then when we receive it we abandon our relationship so quickly and forget anything Him might have taught us while we sought our desire.

Be ware oh Christian that you hold your face to Christ and cling to His grace and mercy.

Rom 1:24-25 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, (25) because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.