What can I worry about next? …
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Finshed? the book of Esther this morning. Can’t wait to get started with Job. Job is part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.
Betty and I watched the services last evening. Got a number of folk sending? us ‘waves’. It is such a joy to see the relaxed atmosphere at Christian Challenge. If I were to describe our ministry with? one word it would be, homey.
This was? our fifth Wednesday service, which means that it is an open service. Members select the songs. Everything is set for the congregation to share testimonies on the goodness of the Lord. We are such a free-flowing group. We have no secrets.? 
Three testimonies stood out to me. Robert Gauthier talk about his awakening by the Lord. The Bible has come back to life for him. His whole outlook has shifted to eternal things. Really enjoyed what he had to say.?
Then Edward Dorsey shared. He is so funny and so open about life. Had been in a place of ‘What can I worry about next?’ Shared how he had gotten into a pattern of worrying.
He had asked the Lord to bring him to a place where there would be no striving. Now even the chastizements of the Lord are wonderful. (That is something to think about.)
Lori Spurgeon also shared. She has such a tender heart. Talked about their financial picture and how this past Sunday she had asked the Lord for help. The very next day (If I remember correctly) the financial blessings started arriving.
It is so important for the congregation to hear these sorts of testimonies. They gender faith in the hearts of the listeners.
Then Nathan gave testimonies. Shared how the Lord had been speaking directly to his heart each morning from the book of Proverbs. Each time the Lord shared with him, it always? fit his day perfectly.
One of his testimonies had to do with a gentleman who? called? last week needing help on his utilities. Nathan had just read, “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed.” (Proverbs 19:17 nasb.)
We were able to help him. The interesting thing is that the man wanted to do some work. He was not desiring a? hand out. Monday he called a number of times trying to? get ahold of Nathan.
Finally Nathan found out what he did for a living. One of his areas of expertize was working on metal buildings. To make a longer story shorter, the Lord sent this man to repair a leaking roof at Christian Challenge. And fix it he did.
Wow, what can you do with that. We had? so many problems with a roofer who was supposed to have repaired the roof. Paid him good money. Finally we? just cut him lose. He would never keep his word about anything. Anyway, I shared with Nathan to just forgive him and leave things as they were. The Lord would provide. Did He ever provide.
Nathan also shared how that since he had become Senior Pastor of Christian Challenge, the Lord was dealing with him on pulling in some strings. This is what he is doing. I see all this as part of the faith ordering of Nathan’s life.
Have to mention this. Finishing up my devotions from Esther, I was impressed how that everything Haman wished to do to destroy the Jews, turned into a blow up in his face. Not only did he forfeit his life, but everything he owned was given to Esther and Mordecai.
Does this not prove the Scripture which says, “The wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” (Proverbs 13:22 nasb.)
Don’t worry about it folk. Jesus said that the meek would inherit the earth. (In time.)?
Another? thing that impressed me in Esther,? is that while the story of? redemption wraps itself around Jesus Christ, the Jewish people themselves also have a? part to play in the wrap up of the ages.? Paul speaks of this as the mystery of Israel.
Morning has been a bit busy. General Claudius Josephus and I continue with our morning ritual; picked up paper, read paper, cup of coffee, CJ snuggles next to me, do devotion, meditate for awhile, go to office,? working on emails and counsellings, etc.
10:10 a.m. - Uncle Cullen called. Coming for a visit.
Woe is me. I mistook my lab? appointment for next Thursday. It was to be at 9 a.m. this morning. Will catch it later.
12:30? to 2:40 p.m. - Nothing less than awesome. Uncle Cullen and Laverne came for a visit. Betty prepared crawfish etouffee, rice, shrimp and crawfish pistolettes, roast, sweets, and hmmm mmmm good.
We had a wonderful visit.? Shared lots of memories. Talked about what we should have talked about, and about what we should not have talked about. (Just kidding.)?
It is always such a joy to visit with Uncle Cullen and Laverne. They are always so relaxed, picking at one another continually, never get in a hurry, and simply make you feel? comfortable in their visit. They are such down-to-earth folk.
Come back soon Uncle!
3:40 p.m. - Made my lab. Talk about divine timing. The lady in charge was about to leave. Said because she liked me, she would stick around. We have a great time joking with the folks who were in the waiting room.
That’s my motto — Laugh a lot. Giggle a lot. Make others laugh with you. Just have a good time in the Lord.
Headed to Sams to get church supplies. Betty picked up a pillow-bed for CJ. He needs a special place in my office. Boy, did he take to the pillow. Knew it was his right away.
4:25 p.m - Finally made it home. Tired and happy. Had a ton of email to catch up with.
Guess I’ll need to close out for now. Still have a number of emails to view.
Sending bunches of love your way,
Buddy
