Wish me a happy birthday. I know you already did, one month ago on March 16th, my biological birth date. But today, April 16th, is different: it's my spiritual birthday!
On this date twenty-five years ago, in a new church in our new hometown, I bowed my knee to Jesus. I wept as I understood clearly for the first time that Jesus had died for my sins (1 Cor. 15:3). I've always felt things deeply, and this was no exception. I felt close to God. I felt grieved over wrong things I had done. I felt very, very thankful that God had wiped my slate clean, that I would spend forever with Him because of Jesus.
Over the past quarter-century, I have learned not to judge my faith based on my feelings. They come and go, but Christ remains by his Spirit – within me, among us. Feelings are a gift from God – we are to love Him with our heart and mind and soul and strength – with all we have and are. His penetrating our lives will necessarily manifest itself in our thinking and feeling and speaking and acting.
But I am especially grateful, as I think back on that spring evening in Allison Park, Pennsylvania, that my faith does not "depend" on me, on my feelings or anything I might muster. My faith, as one song puts it, is like shifting sand – so I stand on grace. The grace of God, in Christ's death for our sins. Thank you, Jesus! Keep me faith-ful, by your grace, in the next twenty-five…and beyond!
YMCA Zoning Board petition postponed to May 20th
Many thanks to all who prayed for last evening's scheduled petition before the Valparaiso Board of Zoning Appeals. The petition has been rescheduled to May 20th. We were made aware just yesterday afternoon that a neighboring business owner is pursuing a permit that would be affected by a church owning the current YMCA building. And so we decided, along with the "Y", to request a continuance, which allows the petition to be addressed at the next meeting. The Board granted this request, and we will continue to work in the meantime on being prepared for that meeting.
Don't stop praying for favor with the Board and with area property owners who are concerned about a church taking possession of the YMCA facility. I am convinced that we need to continue pursuing the possible purchase of the "Y", as it presents a tremendous ministry opportunity for us. Lord, guide us as we continue down this path – may we keep in step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25)!
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Jeff
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