Friends, it’s cold outside, but things are heating up.  Several have been without power for long periods of time this week.  I think everyone is back up now with the possible exception of Edith and the rolling blackouts have stopped at least for now.  I hope everyone made it through without any water problems.  I hear plumbers are booked for weeks with burst pipes.  We had a close call here but seem to have made it through without incident.

I’m looking forward to when we can get back together, but I’ve enjoyed the participation on the calls the last couple of weeks.  We’re virtual again this Sunday.  If you would like to join us and don’t get the text reminders, send us a message and I’ll make sure you get the conference number.

The group text has become another way of keeping in touch.  Several prayer request were shared this week.  Pray for everyone who is out in this weather helping others.  Donna, David’s sister, has Covid-19 and as of yesterday was without water.  Pray for Cindy’s neighbor Wanda who is falling more and suffering worsening dementia.  Pray for Cathy’s neighbor Terry as she recovers from heart surgery.

This Sunday, Linda will be sharing some encouragement with you, and I hope to do the same.  When bad things happen, especially among church folk, someone is always there to tell you how God is going to bring something good from it.  That’s the truth.  I’ve said it myself.  I have relied on it for my own sustenance.  But still we ask the questions.  We have trouble reconciling an all-powerful and good god with the things that happen in our lives.

So can a bad thing be a good gift?  I’m not sure I would put it that way, but we do know that our sovereign Lord is in control and did tell us that He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).  Paul, the man who wrote that down would know a thing or two about it.  He had his share of suffering, and all of it for doing what God wanted him to do.  Consider also Joseph.  His story is found in Genesis chapters 37-50.  It is summarized in this one verse, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Ge. 50:20)  Now consider Jesus Himself, the ultimate expression of this concept.  Read Isiah 53:9-10.

Knowing these things may not do much to dull the pain, but it can give us hope.  Trust Him.  Believe that He intends the best for His children.  Make certain that you are one of them.

love y’all!

Larry