Dear OFRH family,
We spoke last month about how, in this evil day, your loving Lord who knows you intimately says to
you: “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts… Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” while “holding every thought captive to obey Christ” (from Colossians 3:15-16 and 2 Corinthians 10:5.)
Those who walk with God in that way are very pleasing to God. We shall see examples of it in the Book of Genesis this month. Abel, Enoch and Noah, especially, made it their priority to walk and talk with God, thus getting to know His heart and seeking to obey Him. Noah walked with God in an era where the thoughts and actions of the remainder of mankind were only evil continually.
As our world comes to resemble more and more the culture of Noah’s day, let these early believers be models for us to follow. It is indeed possible to experience contentment, peacefulness and assurance that come from knowing, pleasing and serving our Lord, even while chaos and sin surround us. Not only is it possible, but as we make a habit to take enough time to be quiet in His presence, turning off the noise and bedlam which distracts each of us at every turn, His peace, like a river, can become a sure thing. God’s children through the ages have discovered this. Just a few who come to my mind and beckon me to follow them are Brother Lawrence, George MacDonald, Frank Laubach, Thomas Kelly and Thomas a Kempis.
When you exude that resulting peace and joy, you will truly stand out in this day and age. So, with gentleness and respect, be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15 KJV). And the reason for our hope is that Jesus saves which, by the way, is the title of the music CD we’re featuring this month. “Jesus Saves” has 18 songs by the choir and can be yours for just $16.50 which includes shipping – for Californians it’s $18.00 due to tax.
That Jesus saves is the heart of Dr. Fuller’s preaching. Let me share a few excerpts along that line from a letter from Elizabeth in Spokane. She says, “I am an avid listener. Your message is always the spiritual beacon I look for and need on Sunday nights…Your compassion is always, for me, readily evident in your…complete message of God’s forgiveness and love through Christ’s salvation.”
May the Lord bless her and you and make each of us a blessing to others,
Michael Khanchalian, D.D.S.
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