This year for my birthday I'm asking people to donate to their local churches. Instead of sending me money, which I know you all wanted to do, send it to your own church instead. However, if you're a papist, EO, Jehovah's Witness, or Mormon, send it over to my denomination - Vanguard Presbyterian Church. It'll be much better used with us. Thx!
I turn 41 today.
As I grow older, I'm much less impressed with the things that once seemed so important. Those painted worldly baubles appear lighter than chaff; wealth gathers wings and flies away; the vigor of the flesh is but a withering flower; the applause of men is fickle; and all is drowned out by the booming day of Eternity.
My thoughts especially run toward those who are yet without Christ. Friend, are you prepared to die? Not, are you healthy or are happy or you successful? Some of you could say yes, and I'm happy for you, but that's all temporary. It's fleeting. Are you ready to stand before a holy God?
You and I are traveling the same road. We are both hastening toward eternity. You and I tread the selfsame highway to the grave. Your life is no less a fleeting vapor than mine own. We are both dying men. We are both en route to the judgment seat of the Almighty. *Are you prepared to meet your God?*
If 41 years in this howling wilderness has sealed any truth upon my heart, it is that the mercy of Jehovah is unsearchably deep. Yet, beware! His long-suffering will not always strive with man; the sun of His patience will eventually set! Today, while the trumpet of the Gospel sounds, and while Christ is freely offered to you, repent and lay hold upon Him! Flee now to the stronghold of the Savior, while the door of mercy yet stands open!
Touching my own soul, I have nothing to declare but that the Lord has been a bountiful and tender Father to me, though I have been a peevish and unfaithful child to Him. Every year is a monument to His unchanging fidelity. The days before me are hidden in the secret counsel of His will, yet the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His compassions fail not, they are new every morning.
Thank you God for your 4 plus decades of mercy towards this sinner, and the eternity of joy that awaits me through the blood of my Savior Jesus Christ.