March 18th, 2023
by Noah Hefley
by Noah Hefley
There is a story that makes me smile. It seems two middle-aged men were discussing the problems of getting older. One of the men said, “The tough part for me is that it is terrible growing older alone. I mean—my wife hasn’t had a birthday in ten years.”
We may laugh at that—but there is truth to it. We were never intended to grow older alone. Whether single or married, God designed you and me to enjoy community. Remember some of God’s first words to Adam, “It is not good for man to be alone…” (Genesis 1:18). We were not constructed to be isolated and alone but to experience friendship and fellowship.
As the Apostle Paul awaited trial in Rome under house arrest and in chains, his thoughts were of his closest friends in Philippi. Though he is separated from them by some 800 miles and for 10 years, the time and distance have not diminished his love for them or his interest in them. If anything, it had only increased his longing for fellowship with them.
The Apostle Paul wrote to them these words: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-6).
These words remind me of our great capacity for a depth of relationship with our Forever Family. Also, together we possess and enjoy the prize of a shared hope. We may not be there yet but, rest assured, we will one day cross the finish line. In the end—we will win! This we will do as Family and this will become our shared victory!
That is why, over the years, I have invited you to say together on Sundays in our gatherings those sweet words of our faith community: “We’re Family!”
This Sunday, March 19, we will gather together again in Study & Worship (9:30 am & 11:00 am)—then following this we will enjoy fellowship in our Annual Picnic at Tradewinds Park (1:00 pm—5:00 pm). Lots of fun! See you then; bring a friend!
Devotedly your Pastor,
Ron
We may laugh at that—but there is truth to it. We were never intended to grow older alone. Whether single or married, God designed you and me to enjoy community. Remember some of God’s first words to Adam, “It is not good for man to be alone…” (Genesis 1:18). We were not constructed to be isolated and alone but to experience friendship and fellowship.
As the Apostle Paul awaited trial in Rome under house arrest and in chains, his thoughts were of his closest friends in Philippi. Though he is separated from them by some 800 miles and for 10 years, the time and distance have not diminished his love for them or his interest in them. If anything, it had only increased his longing for fellowship with them.
The Apostle Paul wrote to them these words: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-6).
These words remind me of our great capacity for a depth of relationship with our Forever Family. Also, together we possess and enjoy the prize of a shared hope. We may not be there yet but, rest assured, we will one day cross the finish line. In the end—we will win! This we will do as Family and this will become our shared victory!
That is why, over the years, I have invited you to say together on Sundays in our gatherings those sweet words of our faith community: “We’re Family!”
This Sunday, March 19, we will gather together again in Study & Worship (9:30 am & 11:00 am)—then following this we will enjoy fellowship in our Annual Picnic at Tradewinds Park (1:00 pm—5:00 pm). Lots of fun! See you then; bring a friend!
Devotedly your Pastor,
Ron
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