January 13, 2021
I don't like mobs, of any kind, for any reason. Whatever the cause, I won't be there. That's the one thing Zacchaeus had going for him before he met Jesus. He avoided mobs or crowds of any kind. Mob mentality is not my thing.
There are a lot of angry people on social media. We get it, you have an opinion. What drives Christ-followers? Galatians 5:22-23? There are people who post helpful or edifying or inspiring or challenging stuff on social media, but you have to be careful sifting through the detritus. I have learned to be very careful about what I dwell on.
If you are posting on social media, I trust it reflects the fruit of the Spirit of Galatians 5.
Back in December, on the 10th, I ordered something for my wife for Christmas from Eddie Bauer. On December 31, at 11:47 p.m., I received notification from the USPS that it had left one of their distribution centers! It had gotten there on the 13th. That was hilarious. It finally arrived on January 5th.
Then, a few days later, something I had ordered from Macy's back in November finally showed up. Perhaps it was partying with the Eddie Bauer order. There were no notifications or anything. I was about to contact customer service and request a refund.
Have you had any adventures in shipping?
I love the ways in which the people of Covenant Church are being reasonable and responsible through this pandemic. Those who aren't comfortable worshiping in person are doing so online. I appreciate your feedback and love hearing how you are being discipled each week. While we have had a few members/friends exposed to and even contracting Covid-19, none have brought it into our little bubble here at church. Those who have contracted Covid-19 have recovered. God is good all the time.
Charles H. Spurgeon {1834-1892} observed, "A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats." Our goal here at Covenant Church is to not be tossed about by every trend or wind of change. We honor God's Word, treasure Jesus Christ above all others, and worship in ways God has equipped us, caring not about ways in which others worship. We can do no other.
Now for something helpful: Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from.
Praying in Jesus' name isn't a magic formula or religious mantra. It is recognition of Jesus' authority…submission to Jesus' will…desire for Jesus' glory. {Dustin Benge}
Second-to-last finally - I literally take it for granite that, supposably; no, most defiantly, people will say complementary things about this poast, irregardless of it's origins, for all intensive purposes.
Finally, from Samuel Sey:
This year, I know the world will continue to disappoint us. But I also know God will continue to delight us.
Be of Good Cheer,
Richard