8 May 2007 

To: Prayer Partners

From: Pastor Lucenay 

One of my memories of childhood comes from eating meat with what we called “gristle” in it. This tough tissue was nearly impossible for a kid’s teeth to penetrate. In fact, the more I chewed on it the more it seemed to grow in my mouth. Sometimes worry has a way of making things grow in our hearts and minds. The Psalmist prayed the troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses (Psalm 25:17, English Standard Version).  

Are you facing a situation that seems to grow more worrisome the more you think about it? Did you notice that the Psalmist did not seem to be facing a single trouble but a string of troubles and distresses? Unfortunately, when our anxieties scratch around one issue they seem to inflame a host of other tender concerns. The more we worry the bigger the problems become. 

The Psalmist went on to pray Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! (Psalm 25:20). What an interesting insight! The writer recognizes the connection between the things that trouble the heart and the need for God to guard the soul. Peace in the soul can be elusive when troubles weigh heavy on the heart 

God refuses to leave us alone in our pain.  Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation (Psalm 68:19).  While we try to tote our burdens, untangle life’s annoying knots, and find the elusive pieces to our life’s puzzles, God is already working through things with us. The unseen hand of our loving Father provides the necessary power to confront our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:6).  

Perhaps it is time for us to remember his word. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:6, 7). Maybe the first move we make in our anxious prayer will be to place the issues, situations, things, troubles, or difficulties we are stewing over in the Lord’s hands. Maybe the step we need to take is to put them back in the Lord’s hands (You read that right. We sometimes have the tendency to take things out of God’s hands after we have placed them in God’s hands. Rational thinkers might ask, “why would a humble person give something to God, only to take it back? However, anxious people are not known to be rational when facing the things that vex them.). 

Eugene Peterson translates some of Jesus thoughts on worry. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6:33, 34, The Message)   

The second Sunday in May has been recognized as Mother’s Day in the part of the world where I grew up. My mother is eighty now. She continues to participate in several Bible studies, teach some, provide wise counsel for others, and get involved in as much as she can. The mother of my children would rather I did not tell you how old she is. However, she has thoroughly enjoyed teaching university students and a ladies Bible study in our church. She is also the one who prepares the power point pictures used in each Sunday morning sermon. Her artistry helps us all in the communication of God’s Word. I thank God for my mother and for the mother of my children. These two saints have had their hands full with me and I deeply appreciate their efforts on my behalf. Let us take time to speak to our Heavenly Father on behalf of those who have mothered us and who have shared our roles as parents. 

Last week the youth had an adjusted DiscipleNow retreat. The adjustments were dictated by the weather. We continue to pray for the young people and university students who are considering the claims of Christ in their lives. 

Nancy and I thank you for the opportunity to share in the Asian Baptist Federation meeting with approximately 1700 representatives of God’s work through Baptists in various parts of Asian and the Pacific. Nancy and I got to spend some very meaningful time with some of the Hong Kong Chinese Baptist pastors and we celebrated the inauguration of the new ABF president, Hong Kong’s own Chiu Wood Ping.  

KIBC-space needs, God’s wisdom and guidance in ministry and outreach; need seven more couples to sign up for the Marriage Retreat to fill the reserved spaces (we have 13 couples signed up now)

KBCK-seeking a good response for next year’s enrollment; board meeting Sunday

Thank you for your prayers and your sweet spirit of encouragement. I look forward to sharing a word from God on forgiveness this week when we meet together to worship.

May God richly bless and guide you this week.