Worship - June 2021
As I sit down at my computer to write this letter, Kenzie is 28 and a half hours old. There are two things going through my head right now. The first is how thankful I am that yesterday afternoon my wife and my daughter made it through a very successful c-section. They are both very healthy and recovering well. The other thing I am thinking about is the incredibly daunting task of raising children. But even as I think of the long road ahead, I am reminded that Laura and I are not walking this path alone.
Philippians 1:27 says, "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ..." Talk about a daunting task right there, but Paul goes on, "so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel..." Paul is calling the Philippian believers to the highest of standards, but he makes it clear that they are not pursuing this lofty goal as individuals, but they are to stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side.
So, as I think about the monumental task of raising Liam and Kenzie in a manner that is worthy of the gospel, let me share with you a few more things that I am thankful for. I am thankful for Bryan and Kristi Gotcher, who week in and week out will teach Liam and Kenzie about the gospel, and for the scores of faithful volunteers in the children's ministry whom they shepherd. I am thankful for Brian and Kayla Van Doren, who will disciple Liam and Kenzie through their teenage years. I am thankful for Pastor Alan and Paula Scott, who have raised children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and for the gospel centered preaching which my children will sit under.
Laura and I are to be the primary spiritual caregivers to our children. It is our responsibility to worship the Lord together as a family, to pray with and for them, and to teach them to read, study, memorize, and meditate on God's Word. But I am so thankful that we are a part of a community of faith that will partner with us every step of the way, standing firm in one spirit with us, and with one mind striving side by side with us, building a gospel centered community in which our children will be discipled in the faith of the gospel.