Pastor Larry Thompson

My wife and I recently joined our best friends for dinner at their home.

Before long, the conversation turned to how much we missed gathering together with our brothers and sisters in Christ for worship.

Tears soon filled our eyes as we shared how wonderful the day will be when we once again come together in precious assembly: “… (Our) weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

My friends, we can all rest firmly in God's promise that the joy of the morning is indeed coming. Therefore, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled (freed) from a guilty conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22

These words speak of our personal holiness and cleansing made possible by Christ's sacrifice at Calvary.

During this time of challenge in the life of the church, may we keep a clear eye and unwavering heart toward God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the “high priest over the house of God.” Hebrews 10:21

Let us “hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23

As God's people, let us keep one another before Him in our every thought and prayer. By doing so, we will honor His desire that we provoke (stir up) love and good works toward one another. Hebrews 10:24

When the doors of our churches open once again, let them open full and wide, never again to close. In the joy of that blessed morning, may we and our churches awaken with a renewed purpose and vision to glorify God in all His majesty and sovereignty. May we purpose to truly worship Him and rest firmly in the power, truth and eternality of His word: “Thy word is true from the beginning (in its entirety) and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.” Psalm 119:160

In addition to the power, truth and eternality of God's word, let us truly rest and hope in the redemptive power of the shed blood of Christ at Calvary (Hebrews 9:22) and the blessed hope wrought by his glorious Resurrection from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:55

May God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ richly bless each and every one of you.

Pastor Larry Thompson is an ordained minister and member of First Baptist Church of Butler.