THANKS, AGAIN and AGAIN!

 

These two........... they have no idea what they mean to me and Stephanie! 

I never thought I would end up in New Castle, Indiana serving alongside a great church like SMDCOG. I found out, early on in this adventure, ERIC HOWE was one guy I just couldn't live without and his AWESOME WIFE and FAMILY, have touched my heart, deeply. I was thinking about Paul's second missionary journey this morning and in particular I was thinking of his silent partner, SILAS. AND I started a little quick research about SILAS. He is called a PROPHET in Acts 15:32

"Then Judas and Silas, both being prophets, spoke at length to the believers, encouraging and strengthening their faith. They stayed for a while, and then the believers sent them back to the church in Jerusalem with a blessing of peace." (Acts 15:32-33, NLT)

AND in my ministry ERIC is MY SILAS. I get to spend a lot of time with ERIC and he is such a huge part of our church and I consider him a wonderful FRIEND on MISSION. He has a heart for serving the Lord and I would also say he is the QUIET LEADER that SILAS was to PAUL. 

God often directs us to places and people where our ministry will have the greatest impact. The bonds formed in those "divine appointments" are special and enduring. Paul's journey to Philippi was not just a mission trip; it was an opportunity to build lasting relationships. The relationship between Paul and SILAS was a perfect example of God working to make sure ministry happened in the middle of STRONG RELATIONSHIPS. 

I picture Paul and Silas's relationship like Eric and me. Our styles and our personalities are not the same, but they are complementary. My OLD AGE and experience add to ERIC'S WISDOM about this church and this community. I rely on that wisdom on a regular basis. Even though we have different strengths, we also share many characteristics like our undying dedication to get things done, regardless of the clock. 

I am sure I do not say it enough, I THANK GOD for ERIC HOWE, I truly love him and pray for him and his family daily. This opening to 2 Timothy states many of my thoughts about ERIC and his family. 

"Timothy, I thank God for you -- the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. I remember you genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:3-7, NLT)

Eric was raised right. He has a great family who also is EXTREMELY DEDICATED to the mission of SPREADING the GOSPEL. He gets his hard work and dedication honestly. 

So, as I am being reflective and VERY THANKFUL this week, I would be negligent if I did not mention my thanks for this wonderful guy and friend. 

Heavenly Father, As Eric and his family are away this week, fill them with your joy, peace, and rest. Remove burdens from his heart and mind while he is away. Protect him and his family, while they are away and on their return home. Thank you Lord for providing this wonderful man in my life. Amen!

_______________________________________________

If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!