Lots Going On

There’s lots going on just now. Yesterday was Father’s Day, and I hope you got to spend some time with family. My sons treated me to some barbequed brats yesterday. It was good to enjoy a nice summer day together. I know for some of you this is your first Father’s Day without your father, or perhaps your husband. For me, even after five Father’s Days without Dad passing, it is a bit sad. It does give us a chance to remember what our Father’s mean to us. I hope that even if yesterday was a bit melancholy, that you also experience some comfort.

The summer solstice is this Wednesday. This is the beginning of summer according to astronomy. Of course, in terms of the calendar, and school being out, and beginning our summer schedule, we’re already several weeks in. Also, when it comes to meteorology, we’ve already been in summer according to the weather.

This reminds me that we’re very dry just now. I’m going to begin to pray more intently for rain. When I think of this, I am reminded of what James said about prayer: “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops,” (James 5:17-18, NIV). Perhaps you needed that reminder as well. It’s somewhat humbling to think that Elijah was a person just like you or me. But it is an important statement about the power of prayer, which we may sometimes take for granted.

I won’t be in the office Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday this week. Josanne and I are going to get away to Nashville for a few days to listen to some music before the busy-ness of summer ramps up. It won’t be too long until the Danvers Band Concerts kickoff. Several of you have already mentioned being over at Congerville for their concert series. Some of you have already been on a trip or two, and there are some of you who have trips upcoming. There are outdoor plays beginning and some festivals. There are car shows and some tractor pulls, too. It’s a busy time of year. I hope you’re able to find some things to enjoy, maybe to travel some, and to spend some time with friends and family.

God bless, Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday Colossians 1:24-2:8—What do you think Paul means by “I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions”?

Daniel 12—Why do you think messages of God’s deliverance always contain warnings of distress and suffering as well?

John 15:18-25—What does this teach us about being a follower of Jesus?

2 Thessalonians 2:5-14—What is Paul warning about in this passage?