August Newsletter  2020 Rick McPherson

We live just a few miles from the riots in Portland which have occurred every night for the last 74 days…and counting. The downtown area, particularly around the Mark Hatfield Federal Court House, looks like a war zone. Destruction, violence, lawlessness and chaos are the words that describe the scene. During the Covid 19 pandemic the churches and synagogues have been shut down while the marijuana shops and liquor stores have remained open and deemed essential. Schools remain closed and citizens have been told to stay home and not work. Many are fearful. Many are doubtful. Many are confused.

Realize that fear, doubt and confusion never come from God. You can overcome them with a simple strategy that involves prayer, Scripture and focus. King David gave us a magnificent plan that shows God as our Helper, Keeper, Protector and Preserver. These verses in Psalm 121 were probably set to music and sung by Jewish pilgrims on their ascent to Jerusalem during the annual feasts.

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip,
He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold He who loves Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.”

As you read, meditate and memorize these verses you will discover that they are principles of truth that you can build your life and future upon. Current events and even the “wars and rumors of wars” that are forecast as signs of the times will not undermine these foundations. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, “Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.” A quick study of the life of Christ reveals that He spoke constantly of principles; truth, that would never change. Truth that we would know. Truth that would set us free. In fact, when questioned by His disciple Thomas, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)

I don’t know about you, but I’m okay with a secular prophet who speaks truth to my heart. I want the triumph of principles to rule. I want peace. I want a lifestyle that exhibits Biblical truth and principles that are real. I want a lifestyle that constantly chooses His truth, His way, His life. And really, that’s what this life is. It’s a series of choices. Yesterday is gone forever…and its choices. Tomorrow may never come. All we have is the gift of today, that’s why we call it the present. All we have is now. Choose wisely. May God’s principles and truth be triumphant and may you have peace.

*****

PS As challenging as it, our work helping Native Americans, spiritually and physically, continues during the pandemic. We want to deliver school supplies to reservations even though the schedule is uncertain. Your faithful giving and prayer support is needed now more than ever. Thank you and God bless you!