The First Point - August 3, 2009

Last week was very busy. A week ago yesterday, Marcia and I flew to Western New York. I was
the speaker for their family camp. I preached 11 messages in 5 days. So I’m just a bit tired.
During the days I spoke on sanctification and in the evening services I exposited Christ’s letters
to the seven churches. I addressed the modern trends of the evangelical church in North American and
contrasted that with the Lord’s expectations for the church today. The messages were well received, and
they laughed at my corny jokes, which is always a good sign ☺
It was a great opportunity to connect with some people who have deep roots in Christendom. I
talked with one pastor who had sat under A.W. Tozer’s ministry and another who had sat under David
Martin Lloyd-Jones’ ministry. Both of those men are favorite authors of mine. Martin Lloyd-Jones was
the pastor at Westminster Cathedral in London England in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. He is my favorite
commentator and expositor.
We also had dinner with Dr. Storer and Mrs. Emmit, retired Wesleyan missionaries to Africa. The
Emmits know some of our people here in High Point and wanted to be sure and pass on their regards.
The Emmits are originally from Maine, so Marcia knows them from childhood. They first traveled to Af-
rica in the 60’s on ship. They knew the Saunders, the first Wesleyan missionaries to travel to Africa in
1902. It was great to share with the different people. I felt like I was touching a little bit of history—and
if you know me at all, you know I am crazy about history!
Yesterday, Marcia, Candace, David, Ivy and I led the Heritage service at the assisted living
facility here in High Point. We had a great time. Actually, it was a bit comical. David, our son was there
to watch Ivy, our 4 month old granddaughter—so that Candace could help Marcia lead the singing
service. So David was our nursery worker.
When Candace began to sing, Ivy began to cry—and cry and cry! So David took her out into the
hall. Candace was so distracted by the baby crying that she had to stop singing her special for a moment.
She began to laugh, but soon recovered.
In the meanwhile, I dashed into the hall to see if I could help David. I couldn’t see him, but heard
the baby howling. So, I asked an attendant where they were, she pointed and smiled. I found David in the
broom closet (the only suitable nursery he could find) trying to change the baby’s diaper. He has never
changed a diaper before, so he had her laid on top of clothes dryer; the diaper was backwards and he was
sweating.
“I’ve never done this before. I don’t know what to do and I can’t find her pacifier, David
lamented! We eventually got things under control and afterward we all shared in a great laugh.
Today, August 3rd is Marcia’s birthday. Happy birthday, honey!!!
Maranatha! Keep your eyes to the sky. Our Redemption draws near!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Rick