These past weeks have been some of the hardest in my 40+ years in ministry.  There has been a near daily “punch to the gut” as we’ve processed devastating news about peers and mentors with whom we have served.

As Penny and I head to the convention in a little over a week, it will be with heavy yet hopeful hearts. Heavy because of the weight of conviction over sin and the repercussions these dramatic “falls from grace” place on our individual and collective testimony before the world. Yet…we are hopeful. Hopeful, because our God is a God who specializes in hard cases; one who is faithful to his sanctifying work in our lives. We can trust Him to forgive and restore and refine if we humble ourselves and pray and seek His face.

Recently, J.D. Greear said that “God is trying to get our attention” and that this is “a day of reckoning”.  Well, He has my attention and I hope He has yours.  Let’s turn our hearts and minds to the Word – before Him we stand or fall; before Him we will find grace and mercy to help in our time of great need.

Hebrew 4:12-14

¹² For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.