We are a growing church. This growth is occurring both in terms of people growing spiritually in their walk with Jesus Christ, as well as numerically. There are more and more people He is bringing our way.

Jesus promised that He would build His church (Mt. 16:18), and we certainly see much of how He is fulfilling His promise among us. By His grace, and through the preaching of His Word, the power of His Spirit, and the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ, He is doing His work among us.

It seems timely, therefore, to share briefly what I see as four key aspects of growth that are currently taking place at River City Grace. I call these the “four roads that are converging at the intersection of growth”.

Road #1 - The development of our Deacon Ministry. This vitally important area of support ministry was officially “launched’ atthe beginning of last June, with Gary Francisco serving as the “Director of Deacons” to provide leadership here. Potential Deacons are now being identified, and processes will soon be under way to evaluate and affirm these men as Deacons. You’ll continue to hear more about this in days ahead.

Road #2 - The enlarging of our Elder Team. As you know, the Lord has raised up two new Elders among us in Sean Wallentine and Eric Steen. Sean was affirmed in this office last February, and Eric just this past September. These are the first new elders that have been added in the last 8 years. We rejoice that God is increasing the size of the Elder team, to the end that we might more effectively shepherd His flock.

Road #3 - The pursuit of a Full-Time Associate Pastor. We have been aggressively praying about and pursuing this for the last couple of years. We believe it will not be too much longer before a man is in place. There are 4 men in particular that we are currently interviewing and considering.The nature of the position we envision is one that will deepen and strengthen our overall shepherding, equipping, and training focuses, thus providing greater opportunities for people to be growing and serving.

Road #4 - The reality of our Facility Needs. As almost everyone knows, we are maxing out our current facilities, both as it relates to our corporate worship space and classroom space. We consistently have people sitting in our make-shift overflow during worship on Sunday mornings. A team of people, under the leadership of Gary Holman, is prayerfully working on these “good” problems, looking at immediate, short-term, and long-term facility needs.

I bring all of these “roads of growth” to your attention for three reasons. First, it is
important for all of us who are a part of RCG to be aware of the “big picture” of how the Lord is working among us, and the good challenges we face along the way. Second, it is important for all of us to continually be praying about the Lord’s provision and direction in all these matters. We only want His will, for His glory, in all that takes place. We are desperately dependant on Him. Finally, it is important for all of us to consider how God wants to continue to use us in ministry in the body, both in terms of serving and financial giving.

As I said at the beginning, these are unique and wonderful days in the life of River City Grace. What a blessing to be a part of His family here - we all have much to be thankful for!

Rejoicing in the Lord with you,

It is this biological reality that David uses metaphorically in Ps. 63 to speak of the longing of his soul after God. He begins the Psalm with these passionate, desperate words:

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water (Ps. 63:1).

Part of what makes David’s earnest thirst after God so significant is that we know from other statements in the Psalms he is being hotly pursued by his enemies. He is in trouble. He knows that no help can be found in this world (“…in a dry and weary land where there is no water”), but only in God alone. So David’s refuge is completely in Him, and this Psalm reflects his joyful resolve to seek God alone for the quenching of His thirsty soul.

Many of us at RCG have embraced the encouragement this summer to memorize this powerful Psalm. If you are not already doing so, it is not too late to start. This Psalm, and the entire Old Testament, has been given by God for our instruction, encouragement, perseverance, and hope (Rom. 15:4). Like David, every believer is involved in a very real battle, with very real enemies (see Eph. 6:10-18). Like David, we need to learn to thirst and seek for God alone, no matter what circumstances we may be facing.

We’ve not taken time to fully study through this Psalm together, but if you are interested in doing so let me offer a few resources:

• C.H. Spurgeon’s Treasury of David, exhaustive commentary on the entire book of Psalms.

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Psalm 63.

• Sermon from John Piper on Psalm 63

Perhaps the most obvious questions of application that this Psalm confronts us with are: where do you and I go to find relief for the thirsting of our souls? Do we seek God earnestly - implying being in His Word and in prayer? Do we look to Him alone for help in days of trouble? Do we know the joy that springs from such tenacious and exclusive trust in Him?

May God be pleased to cultivate this thirst ever more deeply in our souls, and help us to cry out to Him all the more for His supply! May we ever more fully rejoice in the One who so abundantly supplies all that we need!

Thirsting with you,

This trip was the fulfillment of a few years’ worth of desires, prayer, and planning. Needless to say, it was a very special time for our family, and has given us countless memories that we’ll be grateful for the rest of our lives.

While it is still so fresh in my mind, I thought I’d use this space to pass on a few of the key thoughts and observations that impacted me from the trip. In no particular order…

This country is BIG!!  Driving across these United States does give a perspective of how vast and diverse the geography is. We certainly didn’t see everything, but what we did see was awesome – and BIG! The church is bigger than any local congregation! One of the blessings of our trip was worshipping with four different congregations during the four Sundays we were away. We first were at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN with Pastor John Piper; then at Fellowship Bible Church in Chester, NH with Pastor Terry Wragg; then Capitol Hill Baptist Church in D.C. with Pastor Mark Dever; and finally at a Calvary Chapel near Colorado Springs with our friends. It was good and refreshing to be reminded that God’s work is so much greater than my limited perspective of it.

There is much work yet to do!  By way of observation and also interaction with numerous folks along the way, I was struck by how great a need there is for Christ-exalting, Bible-preaching, Spirit-empowered, Gospel-centered churches throughout the country. While there are many, many churches across the land, the number that are striving to be genuinely faithful to the Gospel seem to be few and far between. This reality has spurred me on to be all the more diligent in working for the progress of the Gospel, and all the more prayerful in asking the Lord of the harvest to raise up workers for His harvest field (Mt. 9:36-38).

The blessing of family and friends!  We enjoyed a very special weekend in Minneapolis with my Dad, and also rich time with friends new and old in various places. Who can measure how our lives have been so strengthened and encouraged in Christ through the people given us special friendships with? Particularly those with whom we share union in Christ – wow, what a refreshing blessing!

I love my wife and kids!!  Every day of our journey was special, mainly because of the joy of sharing it together as a family under God. Whether it was just the six of us, or sharing time together with others along the way, I’m more in love with my wife Laurie and our four kids Lindsay, Zach, Jordan, and Tyler, than ever before. Family is not ultimate – the glory of God in Christ is. But family is a great blessing, and I’m thankful to God for the kindness He has shown me with these five special people. I sure like being with them, and am glad they are willing to put up with me!

So the trip was great, and it’s really good to be home and re-engaging with life and ministry in Sacramento. Praise God!

See you down the road,

The following is one of the documents that helps guide our Deacon ministry. This document, as well as other documents related to the deacon ministry, are available on the Members area of the churches web site.

The Deacon’s Role in the Church

Church Government Overview
The one supreme authority for the church is the risen and reigning Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18). The matters of church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed and regulated through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures.

The biblically designated offices serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called bishops, overseers, pastors, pastor-teachers, and shepherds; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Peter 5:1-3) and deacons (Philippians 1:1). Men who would fill theses offices must meet biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5). Both of these offices have the same qualifications with the exception that Elders must be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9).

These leaders are to lead or rule as servants of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17-22) and have His authority, through His revealed Word and enabling of His Spirit, in directing His church. The congregation is to submit to their leadership, as unto Christ (Hebrews 13:7, 17).

The Deacon’s Role
As with our physical bodies, any local church in the body of Christ has numerous and ongoing needs for care and support among its members. While the Elders of the church are responsible for the overall shepherding and spiritual oversight of people’s souls (Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17), there are many physical and practical needs among the church body that must be attended to by someone. We understand the Biblical office of “Deacon” as being given by God to oversee ministry to these many practical needs (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:8-13). The deacons complement the elders in their shepherding work (for a fuller explanation of our understanding, please refer to our Statement of Faith and the section titled The Church). We currently view these physical and practical needs as falling under two categories: Caring Ministries, which concern individual needs among church members (personal finances, health, food, etc.), and Support Ministries, which concern corporate needs among the whole church (facilities, church finances, etc.). The deacon ministry is for the purpose of freeing up the elders to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:3-4), promoting unity within the church (Acts 6:5, Ephesians 4:3), and facilitating the spread of the gospel (Acts 6:8).

The office of deacon is a leadership position. Although a deacon will typically have provided faithful service within ministry areas related to their area of official oversight their role as deacon is not primarily hands on service, but, ministry oversight and member mobilization.

God calls all believers to be active in serving His church (Romans 12:4-8, Hebrews 10:24-25). Therefore, the role of deacon is very important as it helps to incorporate each member of the body into an area of service that is appropriate for them for the common good of the church, for the glory of God.

So what now?
1. We encourage you to submit recommendations for the deacon positions. The recommendation form is available in the Members area of the RCG web site, or a hard copy is in the foyer. Please read and pray over the second page (same as document above) of the document as you consider men for this role. This is an overseeing role with broad responsibility. Review the “Deacon Job Descriptions” document and think of the man as overseeing one of the 6 highlighted areas of ministry. The deacon is not only a servant but a leader and a leader of leaders. Recommendations will be considered by me and the Elders. The process for selecting deacons will proceed as laid out in Article V, Section 2.3 of our Constitution and Bylaws.

2. I am currently working on getting a record of where everyone in the church is serving and where they are interested in serving. I will primarily be looking to people in various leadership roles to find out who is serving in the ministry areas that they lead. As the Deacon ministry develops, we will seek the Lord to enable every member of this local body to be functioning according to the gifts that God has given them (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 4:15-16).

Please pray that the Lord would give me and the Elders much wisdom, strength and diligence as we labor for His church.

Director of Deacons

At the same time, I believe summer holds unique temptations for sinners like you and me - temptations that we need to be aware of and guard against lest we be ambushed by the enemy and our souls suffer harm.

The very nature of summer in America seems to carry with it an ethos that says, “It’s time to kick back, take a break, chill out, and relax. You’ve worked hard all year; you deserve a little R & R. Forget about responsibility for awhile and just indulge yourself. Come on - it’s summer time!!”

To be sure, there is nothing wrong with reasonable rest and relaxation in the framework of the Christian life. It glorifies God for His children to gratefully receive and enjoy the many rich blessings He grants in this life, even the blessings of summer in America (see 1 Tim. 4:4,5; 6:17.) But appropriate, beneficial, and God-glorifying rest and relaxation is that which renews, refreshes, and invigorates our delight in and passion for our supremely glorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Likewise, a God-glorifying “vacation” is that which He uses to rekindle longings to love Him more and sacrificially love others more in His Name.

In light of this, the primary temptation we face during summer in America is to take a vacation from seeking, savoring, and magnifying Jesus Christ. “Come on, you’ve been walking with God all year long, take a break for awhile - it’s summer time!”

Oh dear brothers and sisters, beware of this subtle and deadly temptation! Don’t let Satan deceive and devour you with the lie that it’s okay to take a break from the spiritual battle. The latest summer blockbuster movie will still leave you thirsty. There is never a time, including the summer time, when we are not to be lifting up the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16), drinking deeply, joyfully, and satisfyingly from the fullness of Jesus Christ crucified and risen.

To that end, let me encourage you to make purposeful plans for how you are going to glorify God this summer. If you are going to be spending time, energy, and money in planning for any number of summer events and activities, you need to make the same type of conscientious investment in planning for how you are going to walk with God through the summer! Here are some practical suggestions:

• Cultivate and maintain the nourishing of your soul before God! Have a clear, reasonable plan for DAILY Bible reading, study, memorization, prayer, and application - all with a view toward growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. We have a booklet in our lobby entitled “Bible Reading” to help you get started if you need it.

• Share in corporate worship with other believers every Sunday! If you are traveling out of town, make plans to attend worship with another church body wherever you are.

• Look for specific, practical ways to serve other people wherever you are! Reach out to unbelievers with the Gospel, and purpose to strengthen fellow believers in the Gospel!

• Related to this, practice hospitality! Invite people into your home for fellowship or outreach. Or take someone out for a meal or a treat for the same reason.

• Be faithful and consistent in your financial giving! The needs of the church body don’t take a vacation.

• Take advantage of modern technology and listen to as many audio sermons and messages as you can (through your computer, iPod, CD player, etc.)! Whether you are driving, hiking, biking, or sleeping (okay, maybe not sleeping), there are countless CDs and MP3s from people like John MacArthur, John Piper, CJ Mahaney, R.C. Sproul, Mark Dever, and even myself that can benefit you greatly.

• Read excellent Christian literature! Join with others at RCG who are going to be reading through John Piper’s book, “When I Don’t Desire God” during the summer months. Submerge yourself into a book that will encourage your faith in Christ, like John Owen’s “The Glory of Christ.” Read the biography of a sinful, yet faithful saint from the past, so as to receive encouraging testimony of how God uses frail and weak people. John Piper has a 4-book series called “The Swans Are Not Silent”, which provide brief biographical studies of a number of people from church history. Buy one of these and devour it.

With all of this in mind, have a GREAT summer!!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith…” (Romans 1:16,17)

With these words, God Himself, through Paul, establishes the centrality and priority of the gospel: it alone is the power of God for salvation. The implication of this truth is that when anyone comes to genuine saving faith in Jesus Christ, it is only because God in His mercy has enabled them to hear, understand, believe, and receive the gospel.

The word “gospel” literally means “good news.” This good news of God’s salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is revealed in Scripture. Sadly however, Satan is constantly working to distort, diminish, and decentralize the power, hope, and riches of the gospel. This is tragically evidenced in many churches where the clear, precise, bold, authoritative, and gracious proclamation of the gospel no longer holds central place in the life of the church. As one saint from the past has said, “the main thing about the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Well, THE main thing is the gospel, and the church in every age must labor diligently to keep the main thing the main thing!!

To that end, one of the marvelous works God is doing in our day to help us keep the main thing the main thing surrounds a conference known as “Together for the Gospel” (”T4G” for short). This is a bi-annual conference that was first held in April of 2006 in Louisville, Kentucky, and then again this past April 15-17. The purpose and heartbeat of the conference grew out of the deep friendship of four men who share a common passion for the gospel: Dr. Albert Mohler, Dr. Mark Dever, Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, and C.J. Mahaney. Their vision has been to champion the centrality of the gospel, and to encourage friendships among believers, pastors in particular, who share a common passion for the gospel (even though there may be differences in secondary areas of doctrine and understanding). Each of these men spoke at the conference, along with messages from Dr. John Piper, Dr. John MacArthur, Dr. R.C. Sproul, and Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile.

I had the privilege of attending this year’s conference with my son Zach. Additionally from our church, Chuck Meadows, and with his son Ryan and son-in-law Dan attended. We joined about 5500 other people, mostly pastors, who attended the conference. Suffice it to say that the conference was profoundly refreshing and impacting. But rather than trying to describe it all for you, I would encourage you to go to the T4G website at www.t4g.org. There you can learn more about the men who spoke at the conference, see pictures, read the T4G statement of affirmations and denials concerning the gospel, and also listen to and/or download the messages. I was encouraged, convicted, and helped by all of the messages.

CJ’s message in particular was deeply significant for me. If you want to know the kinds of things God is dealing with me about in my own soul, just listen to this excellent message!

So I encourage you to check out the T4G website, and be encouraged and strengthened in the power and riches of the lorious, life-giving, transforming gospel of Jesus Christ!

Together with you,

This truth destroys every excuse we employ when we say things that dishonor God and hurt and damage others. Such cop-outs as “I didn’t mean to say that”, or “I’m just tired”, or “Oops, that slipped” betray the fact that we’ve said what we’ve said because that’s what was in our heart to say. Oh how we need the Spirit of God, working through the Word of God, to continually purify our hearts and lips for His glory and the benefit of others!

To that end, let me challenge you to memorize, pray over, and strive to obey the following passages concerning our words. There is certainly more Scripture has to say on this topic, but these passages have been most frequently impressed on my mind in my own growth regarding God-glorifying speech.

Proverbs 12:18
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Proverbs 18:13
He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.

Proverbs 25:11,12
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

James 1:19-21
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger…

May we increasingly and distinctively be known as a church that “speaks the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). May God give us much grace and strength to be wise, careful, appropriate, faithful, kind, gracious, gentle, and truthful in all of our speech with every person we interact with all the time.

Talk to you soon!

What follows is given with the assumption that you are familiar with the biblical truths that lie behind these practical thoughts. If you missed any or all of the sermon series, or you would just like to go over them again, you can find the audio sermons under the “Resources” tab on our website (www.rivercitygrace.org). So, what should you do with whatever money God has entrusted to you?

1. Determine FIRST what you are going to give to God. This priority is based on the principle of giving to God from your “first fruits” (Prov. 3:9,10). It should be your first consideration before thinking about taxes, savings, investments, and living expenses. Giving from your first fruits, would imply giving based on your gross income, not your net. A few additional thoughts under this point:

A. The specific amount is between you and God (and your spouse, if married). Ask Him for wisdom in what you should give, and determine an amount that is sacrificial and in proportion to how He has blessed you. It can be a set dollar amount or a percentage of your income. While I don’t believe a strict tithe (10%) is demanded in the New Covenant, such a percentage might not be a bad place to start.

B. I believe there is biblical support for making your local church the primary focus of your giving. There are certainly other directions you might give as well, but the local church should be a priority.

C. Because the needs of the church are regular and ongoing, your giving should be too. Whether this works out for you in a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly fashion, being regular and consistent in giving is important.

D. If you are in debt, let me encourage you to be working on a plan to eliminate that debt. But, as a matter of principle, it is still important to be giving something, even if it is less than what you might desire to give.

2. SECOND, be faithful in paying your taxes. Believers are to “give to God what is God’s, and give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” (Mt. 22:21)

3. THIRD, develop a reasonable and workable plan for savings and investments. The Bible does not discourage being responsible and wise in this way, so long as our hearts are truly governed by “storing up treasures in heaven” (Mt. 6:19-34), and so long as we are truly honoring the Lord first in our giving. Again, this can be a set dollar amount or a percentage of your income, however you determine to do it.

4. FINALLY, develop a workable budget for how you will use the rest of your financial resources to provide for your living expenses. Having a prayerful, thought-through, and workable budget is essential to being a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to you. Living expenses basically fall into two categories: 1) Non-discretionary items (such as rent, taxes, utilities, etc.), and 2) Discretionary items (such as food, entertainment, etc.). It takes time and effort to develop a workable budget, but it is a very freeing tool. If you need some help in this area, please contact the church office. There are some individuals in our church body who have made themselves available for such counsel.

More could be said, but this hopefully provides some practical starting points. A key in all of this is to realize that God calls us to be proactive and purposeful with our finances, not reactive and haphazard. Even so, please know that handling our finances in a God-glorifying way is not an overnight process. It takes planning, diligence, and patience. But God is gracious and merciful, and able to give us all His wisdom, strength, and help as we seek to be good stewards of what He’s entrusted to us - for His glory, the spread of the Gospel, and the blessing of others!

Growing with you,

On Wednesday night, just before 11:00 pm, a horrific accident occurred near our church property. A vehicle with 9 teenagers was struck by an apparently drunk driver who ran a red light. The force of the crash threw the vehicle with the teens onto our lawn. One of the teens (Scott Crouch, Jr.) died instantly at the scene. The rest were injured, some in critical condition. In the aftermath of this trauma, many students gathered on our church lawn Thursday. All of them were understandably dazed, grieved, and confused. They created a memorial with flowers, balloons, pictures, etc. at a light pole near the crash site. I had opportunity to meet some of them, express care and hurt for what they were going through, and pray for them.

Candlelight vigils took place on our church lawn for the next few nights. A number of people in our church mobilized to provide hot cocoa, cookies, and fire pits to give warmth during the chilly evenings. The largest gathering occurred Thursday night, with 125-150 people present.

On Thursday afternoon, I had the opportunity to visit Scott’s home. He lived with his dad (Scott Sr.), and his mom and older sister were also there. I listened, again expressed care and hurt for what they were going through, shared Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble,” and prayed.

I was asked to officiate the Memorial Service, which took place on Saturday, December 9th. Because of the expected large attendance, the service took place at a bigger church near ours. There were probably 700-800 in attendance. Scott’s life was remembered and celebrated. Some of his friends put together a slide show of pictures from throughout his life, a number of friends and family shared eulogies (including some very special and moving words from his father), and special songs were sung. Among other things, Scott was a passionate baseball player and fan, and his family asked that we have a “7th Inning Stretch” somewhere in the service. So midway through the service, that’s exactly what we did - everyone stood up and we sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Needless to say, that was a first for me!

I shared a brief message in which, by God’s strength, I sought to give a clear and simple presentation of the gospel. I set things up by sharing some of my own testimony, as it was in the fall of my senior year in high school that God brought me to saving faith. A pivotal event leading to my conversion was having two friends die in a car accident after they had been hit by a drunk driver. The accident occurred after a number of us had worked all night together at a fast-food restaurant, and it really shocked me into reality. I vividly remember thinking “is this all there is?” What a privilege some 30 years later to be able to share with the people gathered for the service that true hope, ultimate comfort, and lasting joy is found only in knowing and trusting Jesus Christ.

There are many ministry needs and opportunities related to this accident that I’m sure will carry on for a long time to come. The other students in the accident are all expected to recover, though three remain hospitalized. As God brings these matters to your mind, your ongoing prayers will be much appreciated. May God be exalted and His grace extended in the lives of all these dear people.

It struck me a few days after the accident occurred that Jesus was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3). This is certainly what we who are His disciples will share in more and more fully as He accomplishes His work in and through us.

In His Grip,

In an infinitely greater way, God’s power is supreme over all. His power is displayed in every realm of His creation. But God’s power is not simply an “out there” reality that we can observe and be awed by as His power is revealed in creation. His power is also very personal in this sobering way: He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

The essence of all sin is pride. Pride passionately seeks to exalt self and, therefore, pride rebels against the absolute authority of God. Pride might be expressed in many different “socially acceptable” ways in a person’s life. Thus, it can often exist undetected in our lives, but it is fully known by the One who sees and searches all, and who is able to humble those who walk in pride.

One of the most graphic examples of God’s power to humble the proud concerns His dealings with King Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in Daniel 4. Double-Quadruple WOW!! This king was unparalleled in his earthly glory and might. The extent of his power and the expanse of his kingdom were staggering. But he was a proud man who did not give glory to God. So God humbled him. Big time. For seven years, God caused him to lose his mind and become like a beast of the field.

King Nebuchadnezzar would not humble himself, so God did. Through his painful experience, the king eventually repented and gave glory to God (Dan. 4:1-3; 34-37).

God is still active and powerful in humbling those who walk in pride. Everyone. As Scripture declares:

“…at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

God’s power is infinite and eternal, and cannot ultimately be resisted by any. But rather than being subject to His humbling work in discipline and judgment, God graciously invites people to humble themselves under His mighty hand (1 Pet. 5:6). To humble oneself, is to openly acknowledge and glorify Him as Lord. It is to trust Him with absolute confidence and joyfully submit to His word. It is to fully and gratefully receive by faith all the blessings and privileges of eternal life that God has given in Christ. It is to rejoice in our God-given weakness and frailty that we might know His all-sufficient power to supply.

A mechanic in an old automotive repair commercial often said this: “you can pay me now, or you can pay me later.” The same can be said for this matter of humility before God - you can humble yourself now, or wait for God to humble you later. One way or another, God will humble all. May you know the joy and peace of being humble under His mighty hand.

Growing in Grace with You,