February 1994
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The frigid winds of winter are upon us! I do not remember ever being in a situation where it stayed at sub-zero temperatures for such an extended period of time. Pipes are freezing, cars won't start, schools are closed, fuel is short, and some folks are getting discouraged about the whole thing.
At times like this, aren't you glad that, as a Christian, your happiness and joy is not determined by the weather, or any other external stimulus, but rather by your knowledge of Jesus Christ? The Bible tells us that joy is one of the fruits of the spirit, and in another passage teaches that "the joy of the Lord is my strength." This shows that joy is internal, and can be present regardless of what the circumstances of life may hold. Difficult situations come and go, but God remains constant. Life at time seems uncertain, but the Word of the Lord standeth sure. Friends and family may turn away from us, but the Holy Spirit is a Comforter who abideth forever. Therefore, the peace of God can rule in our hearts and minds even when the problems of this life are escalating, and others are falling by the wayside. Praise the Lord, He is still the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Jean Pigott wrote the following words to an old hymn:
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the goodness of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, and Thy beauty fills my soul;
For, by Thy transforming power, Thou has made me whole.
Oh, how great Thy lovingkindness, vaster, broader than the sea!
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved, know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise, and have made it mine.
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless, satisfies my heart.
Satisfies its deepest longings, meets supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings: Thine is love indeed!
Ever lift Thy face upon me as I work and wait for Thee;
Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus, earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory, sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting; fill me with Thy grace.
May the Lord help us to trust Him, and rejoice in Him, throughout all our lives.
Your Pastor
Mark J. Montgomery
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