Update

After another amazing Sunday morning service, I finally returned to Orlando to help my sweetheart with the major project of preparing our house to be sold. In a market where the buyer is "King", it is necessary to go above-and-beyond in making your house attractive and absent of any defects. Hours of painting, redecorating, securing and reviewing project bids, working with contractors, sorting and packing have consumed our days. I am also visiting with my doctors for annual check ups, eye exam, dental work, and on and on!
Jan and I will be so happy when this is all done and we are settled in a home in Toronto. I keep telling myself, "Don't look at the mountain in front of you. Just look at what you have in your shovel for today, and eventually the mountain will be gone"!
We are continually thankful to God for directing our paths to Evangel Temple. We are especially grateful for these wonderful people who faithfully agree with us in prayer for God's favor, protection, and strength.
Dr. Brian Stiller is preaching at Evangel tomorrow. The Lord helping me, I will be back in the pulpit next Sunday (Nov. 8th).

In Vancouver

This week I am in Vancouver for the annual meetings the Canadian/American Board of Directors of WATOTO.
I am honored to be a long-time Board Member of this world-wide ministry that is rescuing lives and sharing the gospel with thousands of adults and children in Uganda.
WATOTO provides full care for aids-orphaned babies and children in and around Kampala, the nation's capital city. The ministry also restores health and hope to hundreds of "child soldiers" and abused women who live in war-ravaged northern Uganda.
For more information on this ministry check http://www.watoto.com

Fighting Fear

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God … I have put my trust; I will not fear.” (Psalm 56:3-4)
Fear will discover a multitude of avenues by which it may invade our hearts. However, it can maintain its place only where there is an absence of trust. The Psalmist uses the words, “Whenever I am afraid” knowing that he can do little to stop the invasion of fear. But, with the words “I will not fear”, David asserts that he can, and will, take action to evict the intruder.
David’s plan is stunning in its simplicity. He says, “I will trust in You.” Notice that the Psalmist is speaking directly to the Lord. With his eyes firmly fastened on the Lord, David now discovers the trust that will banish his fear.
What place has fear established its authority in your life? Allowing it to remain will cripple your walk with God. Allowing fear to keep its place will rob you of your peace and your praise. You can make a choice. You can feed your fears with your doubt or defy your fears with trust gained by seeing the greatness and faithfulness of your God.
Faith refuses to give fear the freedom to keep the place it has claimed.

Update

Office work is done for this week.
Now it's time to wait on the Lord, listen carefully, study diligently, pray expectantly, anticipate joyfully, and ... GET READY for what God is going do!!

Update

I sat and talked at length with each member of my Associate Staff this week.
These are all fine and capable fellow Servants of the Lord. I am happy to have their support and assistance in ministry at this great church.

God has great plans for us,
that will open great possibilities for us,
that demand great commitment from us,
that will accomplish great victories for us,
that will bring great glory to Him!

A Sun and A Shield!

I used to live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. There are those who might consider me to be a survivor! I guess in one sense that may be true. The city certainly lived up to its reputation of being brutally cold during the winter months. But among the many things I enjoyed during my years in Winnipeg (and also in Edmonton when I lived there) was the preponderance of sunshine. It might be snapping cold but the bright sun warmed your heart and lifted your spirit.

I also spent several delightful years in central Pennsylvania. I still wear my Penn State “hoodie” with pride! One afternoon we experienced a severe hailstorm. Golf ball sized ice balls rained down. They dented, cracked, or broke just about everything they landed on. I was so thankful that my new Olds 98 was shielded under the Church carport where I had parked it that day.

The Bible declares, “The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory …” (Psalm 84:11) This verse points to the sun as a picture of God’s grace and points to a shield as a picture of God’s glory.

God’s grace brightens even the dullest and darkest day. His grace lifts your spirits and brings comfort even when you find yourself in a harsh and hostile environment.

God’s glory provides an impenetrable canopy of protection. When with suddenness, Satan releases a severe and destructive storm of accusations, lies, and temptation, we have a place where we can find shelter. God’s glory is upon us and is our shield.