"We cannot Lord, Thy Purpose See"

Just a couple of weeks ago, my wife received an email that brought us both to tears! It comes from a parent who just lost her son. Obviously, that would be enough to stir any parent's emotions...but this goes much further than that. As you read, consider this woman's faith and trust in the Sovereignty of God. Notice how the gospel impacts the way she sees everything - even this great tragedy and loss. And last but not least, please be in prayer for this family!

Dear all,

It is with extreme sadness that I tell you that my 7 year old son, Rohan, was hit by a truck yesterday, and died. We were at a bike trail, but had to cross a highway to get back to the park where our car was. I checked the road to ensure it was clear before crossing, but there are two blind curves and well the elderly driver didn't see him. I had caught sight of the pickup as my dd9 and I cleared the pedestrian crossing, and I noticed my son was not right behind us. I yelled at him to stay put, but it was too late. His step-dad and my aunt were a few minutes behind us on the trail, as they were walking. My dd9 is pretty torn up, and it's hard not to play the "what-if" game. Last night was torturous, but this evening I finally napped on his bed, then my church brothers and sisters came over and I tell you, after they prayed with my family and I, I felt so much peace. The ME should release his body on Monday, then the funeral service will be on Friday.

Please pray for my family...my first husband passed away 6 years ago, when Rohan was 18 months and Bree was 3 1/2. Our younger daughter wasn't with us, but as she is 4, she doesn't quite understand the finality of it. I feel like my heart has been ripped right out of my chest, yet I know that God does not make mistakes, and I will see him again. Reminds me of that line,

"we cannot Lord, Thy purpose see,
but all is well, that is done by Thee."

He touched so many lives in his short time here, with a heart that was greater than his body. As I saw his broken body lying there on the side of the street, I couldn't help but recall the One whose body was broken for me, that I might have life!! There is pain, but there is also hope.

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory!

Blessings,
Shelly Wilson and family,

Zephyrhills, Fl

Bible Reading

This past Sunday Don Smith (who wears too many hats to list) led our Adult Bible Fellowship Class. As Don encouraged us to read God's Word this year, he mentioned a book by R.C Sproul entitled "5 Things Every Christian Needs to Grow". This book focuses on the basics or fundamentals of the christian life. Sproul lists 5 main categories: 1) Prayer 2) Bible Study 3) Worship 4) Service 5) Stewardship.

I would like to encourage you as well to consider reading this book. I have attached below an interview with R.C Sproul regarding this book (if you are interested).

As Don finished his teaching, he mentioned Sproul's Bible reading plan for "First Timers". This reading plan is a little different than most and I would encourage you to give it a try. If you are interested in a different plan, Don gave us a plethora of Bible reading plans that can be used throughout 2009. Here are some choices:

a. First Timers (already mentioned)
b. Different Topics Plan
c. Bible Story Plan
d. OT and NT Reading Plan
e. The "Light" Reading Plan (NT, Psalms and Proverbs)

Obviously, the goal is to have a plan and then stick to it. Whichever plan you use, the bottom line is that each of us need to get in the Word so that the Word gets in us!

Our college class is working through the Bible one book at a time. We are doing an overview of the whole Bible - reading through a book on our own and then discussing it in our bible study each Wednesday. Thus far, we have completed Genesis and we are just beginning Exodus. If you would like more information regarding our reading through the Bible, feel free to post a comment or email at pastorcroyts@yahoo.com

Interview with R.C Sproul:
1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3