Yesterday I had the chance to join the Long Beach Church Family for their weekly worship assembly. This was an enjoyable and encouraging experience for many reasons.
It was nice to participate in an assembly with no responsibilities. The “view from the pew” was quite refreshing. It was a treat to listen to someone else preach! I’m sure it was a treat for all of you at Arlington to hear someone else as well!
When you have friends who are also ministers you rarely, if ever, get to hear them preach. I’ll be hearing many messages this week at Pepperdine but it’s hard for me to imagine hearing any better than I heard from Greg yesterday. Largely because more than just words from the speaker, we heard his heart.
Right before the assembly Greg pulled a couple of us into a room to listen briefly and pray for a particular struggle of one of their members. Curtis is 83 years old and his decision to accept Jesus Christ as Savior has cost him his marriage. His wife wants nothing to do with church or Christianity. He tearfully poured open his heart and his greatest desire for his wife to know the Lord. We surrounded Curtis, layed our hands on him, and prayed for him and for his wife Maxine.
We believe that God desires all people to be saved? We believe that God abounds in grace and mercy? We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts and softens hearts?
Please join me in lifting up Curtis and Maxine before the Lord. Join me in praying for Maxine to overcome the barriers and burdens which have this far kept her from the Lord.
Randy Wray
May 2nd, 2005 at 9:27 pm
I concure with your comments regarding Greg. What a guy!
May 3rd, 2005 at 10:41 pm
Sorry but the little vacation from preaching will be over soon. Don’t get used to it. I am glad you are enjoying your trip.
May 12th, 2005 at 12:43 pm
I too enjoyed the break from being a part of the team that facilitates the worship at my home church. My fellow elder, Jeff, and myself stand ready when the invitation is offered as well as pray over the prayer requests that are turned in each Sunday. I especially enjoyed the way Doyle and the Long Beach Worship Team facilitated a seam-less worship and my brother Greg was outstanding with another installment of his “Sanctuary Series.”
It was good to see you again Randy and I enjoyed your company. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.