PERFECT PEACE
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee”. Isaiah 26:3
What is signified by a mind “stayed on” the Lord? At least three things.
First, to make the Lord the Portion of my soul. All around us are those vainly seeking contentment in things: such as money, and what it can buy, social prestige, fame, worldly pleasures, etc.—all of which are broken cisterns which hold no water. Only the One who made us can satisfy the heart; only as our affection is set upon “things above” do we drink of the Fountain of living waters. Just in proportion as “Delight yourself also in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4) will “perfect peace” be mine now.
Second, to receive from God’s hand whatever enters my life. I need to cultivate the habit of looking beyond all secondary causes, all intermediary agents and human instruments, recognizing that “of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are ALL things” (Romans 11:36). “Cease from man” (Isaiah 2:22); conclude no more, that it is Satan who is seeking to disturb your rest; but say, “The cup which my Father has given me, shall I not drink it!” (John 18:11). Just in proportion as we are enabled to say from the heart “It is the Lord—let Him do what seems Him good to Him” (1 Samuel 3:18) will “perfect peace” be ours in this world of sin and turmoil.
Third, to leave the future entirely with God. And why not? Are not my “times” in His hand (Psalm 31:15)? Has He not graciously cared for me and faithfully supplied my every need hitherto? Then why be fearful of what lies ahead? Has He not promised never to leave nor forsake me! Just in proportion as I live a day at a time, and “Do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34) will “perfect peace” be mine even now. But each of these three things is dependent upon the exercise of FAITH; as the text says, “because he trusteth in thee.” Oh, to know more of this experimentally! – A.W. Pink
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, February 23, 2020
10:00 a.m. Sunday school
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Rev. Reggie Cranston
5:00 p.m. Board & Session Prayer time
6:00 p.m. Preservice Prayer Time
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Mr. Alex Newell
Fellowship & Refreshments following the evening service. Team #2 is on duty.
Weekly Announcements
Tuesday, February 25th
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Gym Fellowship
Wednesday, February 26th
7:25 p.m. Bible study & Prayer time
Friday, February 28th
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
Advance Announcements
Sunday, March 1st
10:00 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages.
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
6:00 p.m. Preservice Prayer Time
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
Communion following the evening service.
Wednesday, March 4th
7:25 p.m. Bible study & Prayer meeting
Sunday school and GNBC teachers’ prayer time
Friday, March 6th
NO Good News Bible Club due to March break.
VISIT TO JAMAICA
Please pray for Pastor Saunders as he visits the work in Jamaica. Remember the spiritual and practical needs of the congregation and pray for Richard Craig and Randy Gunnings as they lead the mission church.
FPCNA PRAYER REQUESTS
Faith FPC, Greenville, SC
Rev. Armen Thomassian
Dr. Alan Cairns – Emeritus
On the first Lord’s Day of the new year Rev. Armen Thomassian preached on Psalm 37:4, the church’s motto verse for the year. He exhorted the congregation to make delighting in God their primary concern in 2020, to feed their souls rather than giving in to distractions. In order to delight in God, we need to realize the presence of God, study the mind of God, and apply the will of God. Gregory Melsom has returned to Greenville after spending a year helping Bill Jones in New York City. Pray for Caleb Spann as he continues ministering there until the end of February.
