Thank you to all who prayed for the Lord’s provision and work during the Shepherds’ Conference last week. It was a rich and refreshing time, being challenged, encouraged, convicted, and strengthened by God through His Word. There was also much great fellowship with friends new and old – marvelous to see and hear some of how Christ is building His church throughout the world. Audio of all the general and seminar sessions is available on the SC website – I would encourage you to nourish your soul by taking advantage of these resources!
After returning from the SC last weekend, I was reminded again of the privilege we have as God’s people to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Rom. 12:15) Rejoicing on Saturday with the Meister’s and the birth of Abigail; and on the same day weeping with the Fernandez family, as I had opportunity to visit Steve (he is continuing to decline, but also continuing to exalt Christ.) Weeping also with my wife regarding the recent death of a longtime childhood friend of hers, and also rejoicing with many in our church family who have received special answers to prayer.
Indeed, in the Lord’s design, we are frequently both rejoicing and weeping at the same time, and sharing this with one another. Interwoven with many other aspects of loving one another (see Rom. 12:1-21), this is a great means by which Christ works through us to magnify Himself.
So keep loving and caring for one another in this way, beloved! In so doing, may we be all the more stirred up to faithfully “…proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Pet. 2:9)
Grace upon grace,
Greg