Pastor's Ponderings (Call it whatever you like.)

It is with great excitement and much trepidation that I write this my first installment for “the Beacon.” I write as one who is not worthy to be your pastor, but by the grace of God, that is what He has called me to be. Therefore, by His grace and by the power of the Holy Spirit, that is what I will be for His glory.

I have spent today working in the yard and packing up my storage shed. Cyndy is busy filling boxes and the kids are busy helping. Over the next weeks we will be working hard to get everything ready to be packed on the moving van. I cannot tell you how encouraging it has been to hear from the several of you that have sent notes and cards. Your expressions of love have touched our hearts deeply and increase our longing to begin serving the flock there in Frederick.

I have been contemplating what I will preach on when I arrive. Please pray for me as I seek the Lord's will in this matter. There are many decisions to be made for the church and my family for which we covet your prayers. Not least of which is a place to live when we get there. I think the thing that is foremost in my mind is fruitfulness in ministry as we work together at FRPC. If there is to be any fruit from this ministry it will come not because of our ability, but as an answer to our prayers. Pray with me for much fruit from the ministry of our church. Remember what Jesus said, “This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit showing yourselves to be my disciples.” The people of Frederick should see us and say, “Surely God is among them, they are disciples of Jesus.” What greater thing could anyone say about us? What greater testimony could we bear for the glory of God? For what higher calling could our lives be “poured out?”

Grace and peace to you disciples of the Lord Jesus in the Faith Reformed Presbyterian Church of Frederick, Maryland, may God by His infinite mercy grant us fruitfulness in ministry. I look forward with great anticipation to serving the Lord with you in Frederick, and as the Lord allows, in places where the gospel is not yet known.