Blog for 7-14

Today, the Isle is experiencing the kind of weather that is typified in pictorials of Scotland…deep, deep heavy mist hanging over all the mountains…drizzly rain and a cool breeze…oh, how I love it!

I preached to about 90 people yesterday, most of whom, as far as I know, were believers. A couple of the elders have been good to mention to me people who have never made a public profession of faith in Christ who are in attendance. None have indicated a move toward Christ, as yet.

I visited with one of the couples that has been in the parish for over 25 years. They shed some light on why the parish is struggling so. The former pastor, who was here for over 5 years, pretty much tore the churches apart. As you know, there are three separate churches in the parish. Apparently, he played all three against each other with things like, “I don’t know why you guys can’t do things like the other two”; belittling the elders (his actions caused four to leave the churches); playing favorites with different members, etc. The couple told me that the parish is about one third the size it was when he came. They said he was slovenly, crude, never visited the members, was decent in the pulpit, but did not take care of the flock. They are desperate for someone to lead them. There is a young pastor who will do an interim here for the next six months after I leave. I have met him and he is very biblical and has a heart for this area. Please pray for the healing of hearts in this parish. There are some very delightful and committed Christians here.

I apologize for not up-dating you on the funeral. I really thought that I had done that, but looking at the blog, I realized that I had not done that. I know that there were those of you who were praying for that event. The church seats 100 people. There was not an empty seat in the church. Fortunately, Tuesday (the day of the funeral) the weather was absolutely stunning…Monday was windy, cool and rainy…and so the 100+ people who had to stand outside for the funeral were not encumbered by the weather. The man who pass was truly loved and respected. There people from all over the Isle of Skye and several people had come from two of the outlying Hebrides. I spoke about the certainty and finality of death…that no one knows the determinate time when God calls for one’s life…that today is the acceptable day of salvation…that George’s life represented a life a life that had been touched by God’s saving grace. Quite a number of people spoke to me about how meaningful the service was and were thankful that the Gospel had been presented. Only time and the Spirit’s work through the Word will give evidence of the fruit. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to speak of God love, through Jesus Christ to some who may have never heard of God’s mercy and grace before. Thank you to all who were lifting that opportunity before the Lord.

It looks like I will finally have a phone installed in the manse tomorrow, Tuesday, the 15th. PTL! This has reminded me about just how spoiled I have become to the basics of life. I don’t think I will ever take punching in some numbers on a little black instrument again. Technology is great, but you can sure become dependent upon it. Too much so, I’m afraid.

Only 26 more days until my loving wife joins me. Yeah, yeah, yeah. This has been the longest that we have ever been apart. When I was working on my doctorate, I went to Philadelphia for three summers at 2+ weeks at a time to do my modules. So to be away from her for six weeks has been quite difficult. We have had the benefit of email, but a computer monitor doesn’t do a whole lot on my lips. I am afraid that people in the public library would look suspiciously at my trying to embrace the computer box. All-in-all, the Lord has given us both peace and this separation has allowed us to focus more of our attention upon Him. And that is never a bad thing.

My goal this week is to visit some of the home-bound church people in the area. I am meeting with one of the elders on Thursday for lunch to talk about visiting some of the people who were alienated by the former pastor to see if the Lord would use me to bring some healing in their lives…you know that “good ol’ biblical counseling…speaking about “heart matters”.

Thank you for you continuing prayers. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NASB)
Amazed by His grace