Christ - The Reese Source - October 2007

“It doesn’t get any better than this!” That is what the advertisement says. Last Saturday night, that is what I was thinking. I had spent a magnificent fall day with two close friends in the mountains of north Georgia where the leaves had already begun to turn, watching four great hunting dogs run free in the woods. After that, we shot skeet at a challenging sporting clays course. Then, we went back to the cabin to sit by the fire to watch Georgia beat Florida! After enjoying a great steak dinner together, we shot a game of pool and watched more football before retiring for the evening. Back home, I have a beautiful wife of forty years, two wonderful daughters and their godly husbands, and six terrific grandkids, all who follow Christ. I am blessed with a job I love, a nice house and a lovable dog.
I am surrounded with many friends. What a great day!

I know that when tragedy strikes, people tend to ask God, “Why me?” But, I find myself asking God the same question, “Why me?” “Why am I so blessed?” I feel like the “poster boy” for God’s grace. You would only have to look into my heart to know how undeserving I am to receive any blessing from God’s hand apart from His grace.

I have had my share of trials and tribulations in my life. I know that there will be more to come. But right now, I feel so blessed. Should I feel guilty when so many around me are suffering from loss, illness, broken or strained relationships? Do I wait anxiously “for the other shoe to drop, expecting for calamity to strike because things are going too good? How should I respond?

As near as I can tell, I believe that I should have an attitude of gratitude for the blessings I enjoy, acknowledging that all good things come from God’s hand. I do think that having the feeling that these good times cannot last is wrong. We do know from scripture that “in this world you will have tribulation.” Possibly it will come sooner rather than later. But, I do not believe that God would have us live in fear, unable to enjoy His blessings for fear of what lies around the corner in our lives.

I am learning to hold onto things lightly. Life is transitory by nature. Change is inevitable. If God wants to take some things away from me, He should not have to pry them from my hand. Do I trust that whatever He does is in my best interest? So, today I thank God for the myriad of blessings in my life. I am humbled by His goodness towards me. To paraphrase what St. Paul says in Phillipians 4:11, “I am learning to be content in all circumstances.” I celebrate the day, trusting in the statement, ”I do not know what the future holds, but I do know the One who holds the future.” God is so good!

(Over)


MINISTRY NEWS AND NEEDS:
Contributions are off by 40%. If things do not improve, we will not be able to meet payroll. We will definitely have to postpone it. As of this writing, we have received $44,000 in donations. Last year at this time we had received $62,000. Budgeted contributions through October 31st should be $72,000. Our annual budget is $86,000.

We are not sure how long this can go on before drastic measures are taken. I know I sound like an alarmist, but this is the situation as it now stands. We will cut spending as much as possible to do what is necessary to keep the ministry viable but the time may soon come when we can no longer operate.

Enough bad news… the good news is that the ministry continues to flourish. The Gospel is being presented. Our three groups are healthy. Men are being ministered to on a regular basis. Families are being helped. Plans are being made for mission trips in 2008. We have a faithful core of partners. God is in control.

Each one of you is a part of the blessings I mentioned in the newsletter. I thank God for you! We are together in His love and service.

Buck