I write these letters as much for me as for anyone else. Hopefully this comes through.
As Paul recounts twice in 1 Corinthians, “I passed on to you what I also received.” (1 Cor. 11:23, 15:3) And this is certainly the process. I write to you what I am being led through and taught.
If I attempt to stir, remind, or encourage you, know this — it’s only because I found in myself that very same area which needed to be stirred, reminded, and encouraged.
And sadly, I am prone to move on too quickly from a moment. I pray for help, God once again proves Himself faithful, I praise, then a few weeks pass, and the event has all but slipped from my mind. Writing is my way of preserving the testimony.
Therefore, it was incredibly encouraging to receive this note:
Dear Derek.
I have been reflecting on the amazing goodness of God, and what a blessing you have been to us this past year!
In May the faithfulness of God in finding you a new home and My Hero.
In June you reminded us of The Promises of God.
In July it was Grace Grace.
In August who we are In Christ.
In September urging us on to have Continuous revival.
In October we looked at the Whole Council.
In November a reflection on living and knowing a Revival of Power.
In December Unto us a Son is Given, of which I have shouted a loud Amen! After each line.
We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate your rich encouragement, and to assure you of our love and prayers, as we celebrate again the glorious coming of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ!-Steve & Heather
Seeing this month by month breakdown really did remind me of something I knew, and had been taught, but had started to slip from the forefront of my mind. I wonder if this is one of the great distractions of our day — the pure pace of new information forcing out the old.
If we aren’t consuming more we can easily feel like we are falling behind. When it seems to me that the sweetest, most valuable and supremely lovely thoughts are those we’ve had before. Could it be then, the greatest service we can provide to each other, is nothing more than a gentle reminding — as Steve & Heather did for me?
A 2024 → 2025 Reminder
As we close out 2024, would you allow me the space to offer a simple reminder of a truth, most certainly known, yet perhaps neglected. May we together brush the dust off as we head into 2025.
Take heart and have great confidence, for ours is a story of unqualified election — predestined from before the foundation of the world, according to the counsel of His will.
Therefore CHOSEN through no merit of our own.
Therefore CALLED at exactly the right time
Therefore REBORN into new creations
Therefore WASHED completely clean
Therefore REDEEMED from the curse of sin and death
Therefore SET APART as holy
Therefore ACCOMPANIED always
Therefore EMPOWERED by the Spirit for every good work
Therefore PROVISIONED with everything we need for life and godliness
Therefore HELD together in Him
Therefore KEPT by the power of God for Jesus Christ
Therefore ready to be CROWNED with righteousness and glory at His appearing
Therefore made to REIGN
Truly then, what do we have to fear, what can man do to us, what can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord?
I feel a renewed urgency to be a people who receive, take hold of, embrace, welcome, and give ear to the love of the truth. Reading the Bible to find out what it actually says, not what we want it to say. To find out who He actually is, not who we’ve wanted or demanded Him to be. To find out for ourselves, no longer only relying on what we’ve been told by others. For I believe once we do, we will find ourselves as breathless as the Queen of Sheba, “It was a true report which I heard about your words and wisdom. However…half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard.”
You exceed the fame of which I heard — this is the reward waiting for us.
In love,
Derek
P.S. I plan to continue mailings next year, hopefully sending an issue in January.