July Newsletter 2020 Rick McPherson
In my recent studies on another topic, I came across the following from noted Englishman, Anglican Theologian and Scholar, Dr. Edward Bouverie Pusey, (1800-1882). The following five points are worthy of our attention during the current Corona 19 virus and global pandemic. Truly these days are unlike anything that any of us have experienced. People are clamoring for what is true and doubting much of what is being reported. It was Dr. Francis Schaeffer who entitled his book, “How Should We Then Live?” He addressed the behavior of Christ followers living in a fallen, sin-cursed world. Living with certainty in the midst of uncertainty knows the difference between what is true and what is not.
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” I Timothy 6:6
- Never complain about anything, not even the weather.
- Never picture yourself to be under a different set of circumstances than you are presently in.
- Never compare your lot with that of another.
- Never allow yourself to dwell on the wish that this or that had been, or were, otherwise than it was, or is.
- Never dwell on tomorrow. Remember it is God’s, and not yours.
Because of our work at the mission, helping Native Americans, physically and spiritually, I took time to review these five points asking how they affected me and this ministry. My responses are too personal to share here, but they have helped me to reset and repair some broken areas. Perhaps you’d like to do the same.
If I ruled the world, I’d say, “It’s all over folks, nothing more to see! Everyone… back to work!” But I don’t and neither do you. An old bear hunter that I met in the mountains of Idaho told me this, “There are two things I know. Number one: There is a God. And, number two: It’s not me!” That’s good stuff!
So, when I roll the theology of a classic English scholar with the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy and an old bear hunter from Idaho I get this…
“Christians are to be satisfied and sufficient, and not to seek for more than what God has already given them. He is the source of true contentment.”*
Therefore, let’s carry on. Let’s do the work that God has asked us to do. Let’s pray. Let’s love. Let’s give. Let’s be kind, generous and patient. Even in the midst of a global pandemic.
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*The MacArthur Study Bible, John MacArthur, 2006
Special Note…Although school schedules are unknown at this time, we are planning to provide school supplies to Native children. If you would like to include a special offering in your giving this month it will help us greatly with our plans. God bless you!