It’s been a beautiful week here in northern Michigan. Carolyn walks for an hour almost every day and I took the opportunity to join her on three mornings this week. Some days were overcast. Today was bright and sunny. Every day was crisp and beautiful. God sure knew best when He gave us fresh air and sky. And we are especially blessed to live in such beautiful surroundings. I’d suggest you get out with your spouse, your kids or a neighbor and go for a walk, and soon, before the white stuff comes — you’ll be glad you did. A brisk walk in fresh air is one of the many ways God created to encourage your heart.
I finally gave in to Carolyn and built our first fire of the season in the wood stove this week. She was happy and so was I, until the nights got a bit warmer. So, for now, no more fires. It will be cold enough soon enough.
On Wednesday we enjoyed our time of study in Psalm 30 and had a precious time of prayer. We’re studying through the Psalms on Wednesday evenings. You ought to read ahead in Psalm 31 and join us next Wednesday at the church at 7 PM. Prayer is such a vital part of our growth as followers of Christ, and as a church.
I’ve been greatly encouraged by the many Ministry Survey forms that have been turned in already. My thanks to each of you who’ve taken the time to fill one out. We’d still appreciate everyone who calls HLBC home to take just a couple of minutes to fill out that form — it will go a long way in helping us help you serve as a part of God’s church. You can fill in the form online here if you prefer.
Can you believe it’s November already? Thanksgiving is in just a couple of weeks. Our thanksgiving dinner at church on the Sunday before Thanksgiving is always a great day of fellowship (and feasting). You should start thinking about an unchurched friend or neighbor you could invite to be your guest for our service that morning and the meal afterward. There’s no afternoon or evening service that day so we can take our time during the meal and get to know one another and our guests better. Let’s pray together that we pack out the fellowship area on November 20? Wouldn’t that be great?
I told you last week about the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Church’s Conference I had the privilege of attending for one day. I listened to a little of the audio from sessions I missed and there’s great encouragement here if you’d like to listen in on what one of our annual MARBC meetings is like. Get the audio here.
We’re entering John 14 this Sunday and we’ll be looking at verses 1-7. Read ahead before Sunday and think about to whom or to what you turn when your heart is troubled. There are some precious reminders in that passage about where we should turn. I hope to see you Sunday.