Sixteen years In Review

It occurred to me that on June 26th my blog turned 16 years old. Since I missed putting out a year in review right on the date, I figured that I would do so before June was finished. So without further ado, I present 16 years in review of What’s in a Name?

First off, my church body has grown a little in the last year. There have always only been a small number of people at New Hope Bible Church, but a couple more families have joined us, and it has been a great count of months with more believers involved in our ministry. My wife Gillian especially has been delighted to have several new people to bond with, and I in turn have been delighted to see her in a new social circle, having new godly friends and peers.

My studies have turned (as I’m certain my readership is aware) to simply going through the Bible book by book and verse by verse. My approach to this teaching is simplicity. It helps me to understand Scripture better by seeing it comprehensively, and how every verse is another piece of connective tissue that reinforces the whole. Further, it helps to insulate from the error of obsessing over specific passages to buttress a pet doctrine by exploring the whole word verse by verse and seeing how all of Scripture explains itself quite exhaustively if we have the patience to listen.

My first year managing a new store has been a great boon and blessing from the Lord. Like most people, I am averse to change. But change in this instance could not have been for the better. My former location came with baggage and friction from an employee who wanted a management position, and therefore wanted me removed from the equation. It was unhealthy for all parties, so moving to my new store provided for them (and me) what was desired or necessary. I am truly grateful to God for the change.

I had an incident recently involving one of my children that really took me aback. It was late at night recently. They wanted to play a game, I told them no and an argument ensued in which I lost my temper and aggressively shouted at him. I scared my child, I scared myself, and it grieved me more than a little. My poor kid had the misfortune of being the proverbial straw that, as it were, broke my back from little mounting tensions here and there. It was a terrible moment that reminded me far too quickly how my sin nature ever lingers, waiting for the chance to inform my decisions.

My workplace has also become my missionary field. I have a coworker who is experiencing the hardships of life with home issues, and I’ve witnessed to her numerous times. Pray that she is moved by the Holy Spirit so she and her family may be saved. I also have coworkers that  attend a Christian church but talk, live and act contrary to what Scripture teaches. In short, they appear to be Churchians. I ask that they be lifted up in prayer, that God might convict them of their hypocrisy and sin for giving the Lord lip service while indulging the world and its passions.

On an unrelated note, I also request prayer for New Hope for Families: a foster service run by my church. They can always use more prayer or support, and if you are interested in doing so, I will leave the link here.

I plan on going on with my study in Ecclesiastes, not to mention side topics such as my Mole Hills series and the like. I am open to suggestions about anything Scripture related or adjacent that someone might have on their heart. I greatly enjoy ministering in this capacity, and I daresay God has used it to help sharpen me for face to face ministry, both in teaching at New Hope and discussing face to face with individuals. I also ask on a side note to lift up Gillian’s family in prayer. Many are unbelievers, and have resisted our witnessing in times past. May God soften their hearts, that they may believe in Jesus Christ, and in His name receive eternal life.

It has been a good year; a little turbulent both at home and in our church body, but such is life, every day and every year. My kids are growing fast. In a little more than two years my twins will be adults, and that shocks me every time I think about it. My son and my youngest have involved themselves in numerous programs, which Gillian and I are grateful for. My mother always told me that we are not raising children, we’re raising adults. She asked what kind of adults we want them to be. I pray that we are raising them as responsible, motivated adults, grounded in God’s word and having believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ for their eternal benefit. Anyway, I digress. I am glad to be here to help expound the word of God, and pray that I may be here for years still to be of whatever help I am able. God bless.