The Works of God

This could be a long series, but I think I’ll limit it to this post for now.  Pastor John did a very helpful sermon on this issue which can be read or downloaded here.

On Sunday we welcomed new covenant members into Bethlehem and it reminded me of when Dianne and I  became members in 1992.  I didn’t realize that process in 1992 would lead to something incredible in 1996 that I still carry with me today.

Here’s what transpired:

• In the Fall of 1991 or Spring of 1992 Dianne and I went through the ASK Class and interview process at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
• Part of the process at that time was for potential members to give a testimony in public.   I chose the King’s Friends Sunday School class, which was made up of the most senior members of Bethlehem.
• Paul Knight shows up in 1995 and we leave the church.  That story has been told here if you’re interested, after an introduction by David Michael.
• In 1996, after we had returned to Bethlehem following our dark days away from the faith, one of those elderly saints from that King’s Friends class stopped me.  I couldn’t remember her name but she knew about Paul and remembered me.  Her affections for me and for Dianne and for Paul could not have been more evident.  To say that she was a prayer warrior would not do that term justice – she was a prayer conqueror!

And she didn’t know any of the right words to use about disability.  In fact, after being blown away by the depths of the love this woman had for my family, I realized later that she used old terms for disabling conditions that are now considered offensive.  And I heard none of that while we were together.  God had made my ears hear something very sweet and very precious and life-giving.

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
That your trust may be in the Lord,
I have made them known to you today, even to you.

Proverbs 22:17-19