For those of you receiving our print newsletter in the mail, some of this will be duplicate info. However, I wanted to take the time to give a year-in-review update that went out to everyone.
Friends,
On January 26th of this year, we made our switch to print. It was our goal to publish and mail about one a month, and last week, on the 18th, we sent out our 12th issue, Those who sleep. We’ve done what we set out to do, and I want to thank you for your support, prayers, and kind letters and emails along the way. We certainly need each other, and this past year made that clear.
As a reminder, you can read, download, and/or print any of these 12 issues, whenever you want, at no cost.
01 | Day and night — It is a gift to praise the Lord. An incredible act of mercy to see His beauty. And a blessing to be able to worship Him. All across this earth, in every moment of any day, the offering of praise rises to heaven. Somewhere, He is being worshipped, always. Day and night, night and day.
02 | On seeking — It has been promised that when we seek, we find. What of those then who say they have sought and yet never found? Or alternatively, those who say they have found, and yet no longer seek?
03 | How long and how then? — Yes, the mercy of God is great, as He “speaketh once, yea twice,” even when, “man perceiveth it not.” Yet, we must not take these tender mercies for granted. Knowing this, how then should we live today?
04 | What is this love? — “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble.” Yet do you stop there? Has this belief impacted only your head and not the affections of your heart? Quickly, let us examine this love carefully.
05 | Life without revival — Revival, by definition, refers to the transformation from death to life. Something that once was alive, being revived. A fire that once burned, rekindled. A reality we once lived in constant light of, made true again. A lost love that once consumed our very essence, found. Let us stop and consider — Do we wish for a revival or are we content to live without one?
06 | Three who perish — “My people perish for a lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)
What is it to be destroyed and led into captivity from a lack of knowledge? What does it mean to perish without it? Quickly, let us examine this matter together.
07 | Our doorposts — The Lord said of Abraham, “I have known him [chosen, singled him out].” For what purpose? There are several glorious answers that could be given here, but let us examine one, “so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord.”
08 | As Moses — There are many things I wish to share, but what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of the wanton and wayward spirit that roams the earth, of our true enemy - the devil, or of his schemes to create a love for mayhem amongst humanity.
09 | Great affection — I want to tell you about surrender, but I cannot until you know of affection. Outside of affection, surrender is a work. Inside of affection, it’s a response. I want to ask you if you are wholly surrendered to Him, but first I must inquire, “Do you love Him?” Surrender is needed, certainly, but more than anything, this is a time for great affection.
10 | Once again — There are some who say they have tried God and it doesn’t work. Others rest confidently in their status as Christian, even while expressing no desire for the things of God, no love for the person or presence of Christ, and no power over sin. For both of these groups, we witness no visible change between their life before and their life after “salvation,” and perhaps most concerning, no difference between themselves and the world. What can be said about this?
11 | Those who weep — In many ways, we are surrounded — on one side by the subtle heresies that deceive many, on another by the cold and compromised who, once awake, now sleep, all while the world and her passing pleasures constantly press at the gates, waiting for an opportunity to be let in so she can devour. Given such dire straits, I realize there is no room for a person whose response would be to weep. I will insert myself anyways.
12 | Those who sleep — Sleeping, sleeping, ever sleeping. Don't wake me up. I'll rise tomorrow. Eyelids stay heavy. Shoulders always slumped. The world lets me dream. The light bids me come and die. Dreams are better than dying. I'll rise tomorrow.
My heart stirred on another matter
That said, my heart has recently been stirred on another matter. We are about to enter into the holiday season—typically a time of year when we see extended family and speak with relatives or friends we don’t often speak with. This is our chance to be on mission, displaying the love of Christ, while also boldly speaking His truth. However, sometimes finding the words or creating the opportunity can be a challenge.
To that end, I’ve written up three special editions of the newsletter that I’m calling mission issues. They are evangelistic in nature and are intended to be personally handed out to individuals as the Lord may lead you to do so. These can also be printed out and put in the mail. Write the address on the front, seal the top edge with tape, and add a stamp.
Mission issues
A quick explanation of the three letters:
01 | Warning signs. This is written to those who call themselves Christian, but demonstrate little to no evidence of true conversion. In short, this is for those who may be deceived.
02 | The simplicity of salvation. This is for those who are confused, troubled, or simply curious about this thing called salvation. It can sound daunting and mysterious. This letter simplifies it.
03 | The evidence. This is for both the skeptic and for the one who ever searches but can never seem to find the truth. The evidence exists. Your purpose can be found. This letter makes that clear.
Remember, we are called to speak the truth and to always do it in love. To be prepared to offer a defense, but with gentleness and respect. And to never be ashamed of the gospel, as we openly confess Jesus before men, all while being told to aspire to live a quiet life. Compassion and conviction. Gentleness and zeal. May our witness be marked by these paradoxical qualities.
If you hand these out, will you let me know? And if they prove useful, will you share the story with me? As we close out 2022, I pray that the God of peace would be with you and that He Himself would sanctify you fully.
In love,
Derek