Family Picture Update

Preaching in the Psalms and more ...

Cross,
originally uploaded by bgwright.

Over the summer, my co-laborer David and I will be preaching through some of the Psalms. He preached from Psalm 1 and 2 over the past two weeks and I will be preaching over Psalm 103 this week.

The Psalms are incredibly difficult to preach through in that they have so many nuances and idioms that my western ear is just not able to sense. At the same time, I love being able to spend time preparing sermons from the Psalms. It is so hard to find the words to use when I am praying sometimes, to speak to Him in a way that is both accurate and able to express my deepest emotions as well as His great character. As I preach through Psalm 103 this week, I find it hard to put it any better than David does when he says, "Bless the Lord, o my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name." So as difficult as the Psalms can be, I am enjoying be able to work through them at Grace during this time.

This is a trying time for my family as we head to the hospital with William but God has so encouraged us through our church family at Grace as well as through our loving and faithful earthly family. It is so amazing to me that God has given Jamie and I parents, brothers, sisters, nephews, niece's, cousins, aunts, and uncles who confess Christ as Lord and Savior. Thanks to all of you for your love and support.

Pentecost: Lord and Christ

Pentecost,
originally uploaded by bgwright.

This Lord's day is Pentecost Sunday. It is the Sunday where the church remembers Peter's words from Acts 2:36, "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." That He is Lord was proven by His death and resurrection in His conquering of the greatest enemy each of us will face. That He is Christ or the Messiah/Savior is made clear in that by faith He can be our King, defeat all our enemies (death, sin, and Satan) and forever we can be co-heirs with Him in the Kingdom of God. And as if this were not enough, Jesus Christ then sends His Spirit to indwell all those who are His, to further guide and protect as we make our way through this life. He rules, delivers, and stays close by throughout our existence. We who look to Him in faith will never know what it is like to be abandoned by God or what it is like to be left with nowhere to turn. Rather, we have a King who is powerful, benevolent, and forever present. Yes there will be pain, strife, and heartache in this life but never without the salve of God's grace that will lead us into His loving arms.

Even more, Peter says, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:39). As a parent, there are few things that take greater priority and angst than that of the eternal security of my wife and little ones and yet the Lord applies His tender grace as well, to give assurance from the Father to a father.

It is amazing that God is so committed to dignifying His beloved people. Consider the greatness of His sacrifice. Think on the fact that even after knowing the depths of His love, we still turn away. How among all the creation we alone are created in "His Image". Reflect on the reality that He brings us into the Kingdom not as lowly servants who prove our value but as co-heirs, princes and princesses, sons and daughters of the Most High. It is truly awe-provoking to think that the same depth of love the Father has for the Son is the same love in quality and kind that He has for those who trust in Him. And not only this, but then He lavishes that love upon those we want to see know Him, our children. I think Paul puts it best when he writes in the book of Ephesian's, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." If we were to try and imagine the greatest things God could do for us, the most magnificent things He could prepare for us, we still can't "imagine or ask" for what in fact He will do. Amazing.

Meditate on the reality that is made known through Pentecost. That your King is reigning even now as your Messiah and He has promised His presence through His Spirit to you and your children.

One final thought, if you are curious about the church calendar and the significance of it, one resource that I found very helpful was Robert E. Webber's "Ancient-Future Time". www.ancientfutureworship.com

24: Oh yeah, it is that good ...

About 2 years ago, Jamie and I were regularly attending a Bible study that John Hall (Pastor of Trinity in Charlottesville at the time) was leading. John and Kathy both were very much an encouragement to Jamie, the kids, and me during our time in service with them. One such mark the Hall's made on us was the transference of an addiction to the greatest TV show to hit, 24! Whoa dude ... way cool show. Every time we had a study, we promptly ended 5 minutes before 24 would start. John and Kathy would make up the popcorn and even offer you some, but only until 24 began and the conversation would end. Now, Jamie and I never miss an episode and in fact we have watched all three seasons in the last 12 months. We then jumped onto the fourth season. Thanks to TiVo, we do not have to watch commercials and we can watch it whenever we want but rest assured, 9.99 times out of 10 we are watching it within 20 minutes of it's broadcast. If you have not given 24 a shot, it is time to come out of your cave and dare to embrace the greatness that is 24!