For the new day's worries, and for every mounting concern you face... His Mercies Are New EVERY Morning! This is where I'd love to say, "Welcome to the first day of a new month – here's what happened last month!" But that wouldn't be honest, would it? We're far past the beginning of the month, and this next month's E-Newsletter is already mostly done by now. In fact, this blog post and E-Newsletter is going to be even later because I'm "out of town" doing a youth camp, and I don't know if I'll be able to send it while I'm there. I've got to allow for internet difficulties so "the best laid plans," as they say, sometimes leaves much to be desired. June was... interesting. A lot going on, some new interpersonal struggles that took at least mental time and energy, and we can't even share it with you! In many ways, David and Rebeca were both challenged to face our fears, some falsehoods we'd been operating under, and move forward in the peace of the Lord even before we knew how to trust fully that everything would work out. Please tell me we're not alone in wondering what our struggles are saying about us! What are the "truths" you've been telling yourself lately, that have been affecting the way you do your job, act as a friend/spouse/parent/child, or even impact your down time when you'd like to relax... but can't? Have you ever been pressed by your circumstances and wondered if you'd be able to stand the pressure? I don't personally know anyone that has experienced difficulties like the apostles and early disciples, but I can certainly say we know what it's like to draw hope amidst suffering if it would mean the good and growth of those we serve, and serve with. So in this sense, this passage is both hopeful and had David's comedic side enjoying the curmudgeonly antics of this month's SPOTLIGHT... which was put into the lineup late in the game because it seemed fitting. But first, the encouragement of the Word: But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. When we serve the Lord, the Lord is the One who brings the increase; HE gives new mercies every morning; HE shows the greatness of His power not even despite our weaknesses, but because-of-and-through them! So in the concerns we had this month, we still have hope for His fruit to fill Slatina and beyond. And in whatever trial you have faced or ARE facing right now, we are locking arms with you in faith that the God of all comfort has not abandoned you and you too can choose not to be dismayed (2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Deuteronomy 31:8). Anyway, throughout the month of June we added to our breakdown, and we're just going straight to that. Here's a break-down of the month:
Prayer, Praise, People Here's a snapshot of how to pray for the ministry right now:
The Month In Pictures...SPOTLIGHT: The Church CurmudgeonI've noticed that people react differently to certain stimuli. My own family has been an interesting "test group" to see how differently we can act when we interpret things differently, because we are all so different. Working with youth, I see how so many different personalities are forced to interact. Some handle it well, others not so well; often we want people to handle things, act, and speak the way we prefer, and when they don't they are clearly wrong; and who among us never struggles with understanding what's going on in another person's thoughts? I know I must grow in my understanding, as a generally joyful person, so I see the need to avoid becoming an old curmudgeon (a sourpuss or bad-tempered person). So this month I'm talking to a self-proclaimed Church Curmudgeon (@chrchcurmudgeon on Facebook and Twitter), because I know I can learn from anyone. I hope you can as well. The Interview*
End of Interview* * He didn't meet with me. I created this interview in a lab. I took the words not from the Church Curmudgeon's mouth but his Facebook account. If you don't like the interview, it's his fault. To see each of the original pictures/posts used in this "interview," scroll through the pictures below.
I think that was the most... interesting SPOTLIGHT we've had, to date. And I don't know if it's a good idea to continue, but you know our Unity Questions still need to be done. I apologize in advance for whatever this guy comes up with:
* No offense intended to our Calvinist readers. ** Editor's note, I'm not sure that's biblically accurate. IN CONCLUSION...
I hope you've enjoyed the early part of this summer, a little more about our ministry here this past month, and those we serve. Have a wonderful rest of your summer, and God bless you all! |
AuthorThe Clinkscales' here share their monthly passion for reaching Youth for Christ, progress in the marathon of discipleship, and their Hope for Slatina. Archives
December 2021
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