Our Captain Has Made A Way

We have a couple of weeks here to catch up if you're behind, or to read the excellent book, Grow In Grace, by Sinclair Ferguson. Having read the first few chapters myself, I thought I might give you a taste of how good this book is:

Picture an army captain hacking his way through a jungle during a battle with guerrilla forces. He leads his men from danger to safety by first facing the dangers, impediments and tests himself. Similarly Jesus is the Captain of our salvation. He has tasted all of our experiences of temptation. He has gone further. He experienced them in their full strength, when they unleashed all their powers against him. Where we would stumble and fall, he has pressed on. He overcame temptation, conquered death and drew its sting. Now he beckons to us: "Follow me, the pathway of faith is safe for all of you to use!" (page 10)

Aren't you grateful that we have such a Captain that has forged a way for us to follow? This journey would not be possible if He hadn't cleared the road before us. What a Savior!

Note: Lisa Chin has several copies available in the bookstore for purchase. They are $8.

Our Travel Log

As we have just completed one-third of our journey (can you believe it?), I thought it would be a great time to start our very own Travel Log. Won't you take a moment to upload a picture and sign in?

The next two weeks we will be taking a detour, as C.J. Mahaney will be speaking at Metro tomorrow and Dave Harvey next Sunday. Continue your own reading plan - the Hebrews Study will continue as I hear the revised schedule. Happy Traveling!

Post Card #5 - Hungry?

Greetings Travelers,

I had the opportunity today to watch a hawk in our backyard. He was obviously hungry and intent on finding his next meal. His eyes were focused and drawn to the slightest movement on the ground. Then, it happened; he made his move! Diving, he accurately set aground on his prey of choice. However, the lucky lizard wiggled free from his grip and quickly disappeared. Unsuccessful, the hawk returned to his post on the fence - empty-taloned and still hungry! The hunt began again...

Have you ever been really hungry while on the road, but in an unfamiliar place? You want to eat in order to silence the gnawing groans coming from your belly, but each exit lacks a suitable restaurant for your tastes and/or budget. Does this stop your pursuit? No, it actually makes you more desperate in your attempt to eat.

Hunger has a way of elevating our search for food to high alert! This is how it should be as we read each morning. God's Word tells us in Jeremiah 15:16 -

Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.

What a meal the Lord has provided for us. Sometimes it feels like fast food, yet other times it is the richest feast with the choicest foods! Regardless of how it feels (or we feel for that matter!) - His Word provides much needed nourishment for our life and growth in godliness. May I encourage to continue nibbling, eating and feasting on God's Word. No matter how much we take we are promised that it will not return void but it will accomplish all that God intends!

I bet that hawk wishes he had such a guarantee! Wait!! Now that I think of it he does:

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Luke 12:24

P.S. I still haven't heard from most of you about your journey so far! Please comment by going to the earlier post titled: "Time For A Tune Up!"

Week 14 Assignment

Read Hebrews 4:14-5:10
Read Bible Speaks Today, pages 93-97

Read Chapters 1 & 2 from Grow In Grace, by Sinclair Ferguson

Time For A Tune Up

Going on an extended road trip requires one to make regular stops in order to rest and check the engine making sure it's in good shape to continue. Think of this as your en route tune up and opportunity to visit with others traveling Route 66.

Seventy-seven of us began this trip together in January, and you've heard from me on a regular basis. Now it's your turn! Won't you grab a cold soda from the fridge and take a moment to comment on this post letting us know how the road looks from your window? God speaks to us individually, and what He's saying to you may be exactly what one of our other travelers needs to hear. Please take time to check in and tune up.

Week 14 Assignments

We pray you had a wonderful day celebrating Easter! Reading and studying the book of Hebrews this year has helped me to focus more on the true meaning of Easter and why we celebrate. I hope this was your experience as well!

This week:

Read Hebrews 4:14-5:10;
Read Bible Speaks Today - pages 93-97

Also, for further study, we'll be reading Chapters 1 & 2 from Sinclair Ferguson's book, Grow In Grace. If you don't have a copy, it will be available in the Metro bookstore this week. Call Lisa for more info.

Week 13 Assignments

Read Hebrews 4:1-13
Read Psalm 95

Buy or borrow the book: Grow in Grace, by Sinclair Ferguson