Mur and I can hardly believe it! Fifty years ago, February 1, 1972, with bitter cold/snowy weather like we’ve had this week, we moved to Novelty, OH. We could never have dreamed or planned for what has happened during those years. We didn’t know most of you who receive these monthly updates. You have become a significant part of our lives and ministries. Many of you have gone on to make your own contribution to the spread of the Gospel and the advance of the Church of Jesus Christ. Our prayer is that what God has done, He will continue to do in and through us all. “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-6).
In our last update I suggested a challenge for this year. Many years ago I heard a conference speaker ask, “If you were not afraid of failure and you didn’t consider your present circumstances, what would you like to attempt for God?” Let me encourage you to make time to reflect on this question and prayerfully determine your answer. Then, like Nehemiah, pray, prepare, pursue, and anticipate it becoming a part of your experience this year.
Last Fall Mur and I planned two different “getaways” to enjoy some R&R by ourselves. Both times we had to cancel our plans. Well, we’re not giving up. We’re planning and looking forward to a “getaway” in the sun and warmth down South. Jesus encouraged such times. For example, in Mark 6:11 Jesus said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Pray for us that we’ll be able to follow Christ’s encouragement.
On my daily two minute radio program I’m starting a study on the life of Timothy and the two books Paul wrote to him. It will begin on February 9 and run through April 22. You can follow along in this study by subscribing to the audio version by clicking on the RSS Feed or the archives link in the top right hand corner of the Home page to read the script or hear the audio.