CCFS SUMMER
August 1, 2022
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"The Man of Sorrows bids you, Come! He knows your weary frame."
Dear Friends and Family,
Some of you wondered what I was referring to re: the "personal news update". In the March 6, CCFS Newsletter update, I indicated that part of my integration into Maryland included starting seminary this summer.
On August 23, I will start classes at Metro Baltimore Seminary, pursuing a Master of Divinity, Pastoral Ministry track. It is a three year program and I am excited to begin. I would love to share with you how I decided to make this transition into pastoral ministry, so I will put together a brief write-up/testimony. I pray that it would inspire you to consider how you, too, can give away your life for the kingdom of God. While not all of us are in "formal ministry", all Christians everywhere are "in ministry" in their local context. So, I can't wait to share what I see God doing :-)
Please check out (below) four brief reflections along with the first of 5 summer plays lists.
There are a few new songs as of this week. Others have ministered to me over last few months and others have been favorites for years. I pray at least one of them touches your heart, and enables you to sing words to your Savior that you've never sung before.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Looking to the risen Christ
Edward
Summer Personal Reflections
Text: Malachi 3:16 — "Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name."
Reflection: It is good to confess our sins to each other. When the body of a Christ prioritizes personal holiness, and cultivates a lifestyle of repentance, you can rest assured your name is also on a scroll of remembrance, the book of life.
Further Reading: Revelation 3:5; 1 John 1:5-10; Psalm 34:15; John 9:31
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Text: Genesis 4:6-7 — "The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”
Reflection: Anger and depression often times go together. The high of the anger generally crashes into depression, leaving us feeling more isolated and sad than before. Unless we rule over our own heart with the gospel, we will constantly tail-spin in frustration wondering why nothing is changing in our lives.
Further Reading: John 1:1-3; Romans 6:15-18
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Text: John 1:48 — “How do you know me?” Nathanial asked [Jesus].”
Reflection: Jesus knows you, and no one knows you better than Jesus. He knows your desires, your pains, your needs, your hopes and dreams. And he knows what is going on in your soul right now. He knows you because he made you.
Further Reading: Psalm 39:23-24; Matthew 1:1-17
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Text: Proverbs 17:9 — "Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends."
Reflection: When a wound has been lodged in our heart, sure it can be weightier than a hundred seas, but if healing is ever to occur, we must choose to cover the offense with the same mercy and love that God, in Christ, extends to us. Otherwise, we will never really reconcile and worst of all, we will never really love as Christ loves us.
Further Reading: Proverbs 10:12; 1 Peter 4:8; Colossians 3:12-13
