Worthy of Praise

First Presbyterian Church, Gulfport, Mississippi

Praise God for His blessings over the past few days!

Last Friday night, Dr. Randy Stinson filled in for Dr. Al Mohler at the annual Mid-South Men's Rally and his preaching on fatherhood was piercing and timely. He hit a home run. Men, don’t forget his point that “only masculinity teaches masculinity.”

On Sunday, I traveled to the gulf coast to preach at First Presbyterian Church, Gulfport. I went to Gulfport expecting to find devastation and discouragement. I found trust, faithfulness, anticipation, and excitement. I traveled to Gulfport hoping to encourage and minister to hurting people. Yes, they are struggling. Many are homeless; many have lost everything. Many are living in FEMA trailers. But they ministered to me in ways that I will never forget. They are displaying the reality that the church is people, and every member of the body of Christ needs every other member of the body of Christ. They had one simple request: "Don't forget us." If any of you ever have the opportunity to enjoy their fellowship, even for a few hours, you will know that forgetting them would be impossible. Being in their presence was a humbling experience. They are very special people. Be sure to keep Guy Richard, their Senior Minister, in your prayers.

Today, the Reverend Mr. Joseph Wheat, the Senior Minister at Highlands Presbyterian Church, spoke to a packed house at our monthly Men of the Covenant luncheon. He emphasized the importance of a "functional" faith in God's sovereignty, an everyday commitment to God's sovereignty that manifests itself in every thought and action. Do you really believe in God’s sovereignty? How does that belief change your actions?

"Then David said to his son Solomon, 'Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished'" (1 Chron. 28:20).