“The gospel IS (not might be) bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.” Col. 1:6
Heavenly Father, thank you for a new day, new mercies, and a new adventure in a time zone 6 hours ahead of mine. We just landed in Dublin, Ireland, to begin our anniversary trip, and to serve your people—a bit delayed in our planned schedule, but right on time in your trustworthy providence.
The Gospel continues to bear fruit “throughout the whole world”—in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Istanbul, Iraq, Indonesia, Iran and every other place beginning with every letter in the alphabet. We don’t exaggerate when we sing, “This Is My Father’s World”—all of it. Thank you for the privilege of encouraging church planters, pastors, and kingdom servants over the next couple of weeks. Help us love them well.
And now a couple of days into our 51st year of marriage, it’s been a joy to respond to a plethora of people who’ve remarked, “Kudos, and how have you made it that long?” This verse from Paul is just as applicable to hearts and marriage, and it is to cities and continents. The Gospel keeps bearing fruit as a life-giving, “greening” power. You continue to humble, gentle, and gladden our hearts, and our “couple-ship.” Thank you.
Father, to “truly understand your grace” isn’t a helpful thing, it’s an essential reality. Continue to deepen Darlene’s and my understanding and experience of the riches of your grace, until one of us precedes the other into heaven. So Very Amen.
