Have we used aright the singular power with which the LORD entrusts us? Do we pray for our country, for other lands, and for the age? Do we, in times of war, famine, pestilence, stand out as intercessors, pleading that the days may be shortened? Do we lament before God the outbursts of infidelity, error, and licentiousness? Do we beseech our LORD Jesus to shorten the reign of sin by hastening His own glorious appearing? Let us get to our knees and never rest till Christ appeareth.
C.H. Spurgeon, Faith’s Checkbook
Dear HLPC family,
Charles Spurgeon, in reflecting on Matthew 24:22 (“But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short”) gives the exhortation above. I found it very appropriate for the days in which we live and in keeping with our “6 Weeks of Fervent Prayer” effort. As God’s people, we are given privileged and ready access to the throne of grace. He hears our prayers in and through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our eternal intercessor. Let’s be the praying people of God. That is no small ministry with which we have been entrusted!
Today is the day to pray for the sanctity of marriage as we pray for a national spiritual awakening. We need to pray that marriage is held in honor and in keeping with God’s design. We need to pray for the strengthening of marriages in HLPC and for the healing of struggling marriages. The pandemic has provided added stress and that can surface in marriage relationships.
At HLPC there have been a few Elders who needed to take leaves of absence for a time for a variety of reasons. These are men who were properly nominated, trained, duly elected, and ordained to that office. They never ceased being Elders but were taking a needed break. I am pleased to tell you that Todd Kinnebrew, Tieman Slagh, and Sean Waters will be returning to active duty on the Session. This is indeed encouraging news!
May God fill your hearts with grace and peace this Wednesday!
Your Pastor,
Paul