The Best of Times; The Worst of Times

Calvary Worship CenterI’m having a blessed weekend in Colorado Springs, speaking at Calvary Worship Center, a Calvary Chapel congregation out here in the Springs. The weather and general scenery couldn’t be more beautiful, and I had the pleasure of speaking to a pastor’s luncheon today, followed by some terrific Q and A on current ministry challenges. I’ll be speaking at the main services tomorrow night, and three times Sunday morning, so your prayers are surely appreciated. I need anointing and clarity, and God grant that He use me to strengthen His people.

But it’s hard to feel peaceful this weekend. It seems that in the past couple days, Hell just spit up more insanity by the hour: an ax wielding attacker in New York, a gunman in Canada, a Washington high school student unleashing gunshot on students, two Sacramento deputies killed during a carjacker’s crime spree. I swear, I don’t even know what questions to ask. It does seem at least two of these incidents are “lone wolf” terrorist acts, which makes sense. The high school kid? The only answer forthcoming is distress over a recent breakup, which could almost be funny if all of it wasn’t so horrible. Where does it all end?

The disciples asked Jesus a somewhat similar question, when they said “What will be the sign of your coming, and the end of the age?” He answered pretty specifically, equipping us with a set of things to look for. One of them stands out:

“Because iniquity will abound, the love of many will wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

Iniquity abounds, and yes, I know it always has, but something about today’s iniquity seems so brazen, so pervasive, that it’s hard not to note it, mourn it, then look up.

Which I’ll do this weekend, and that’s appropriate, since I turn the Big 60 tomorrow. I’ll update my profile picture to better reflect my decay, then I’ll endure the abuse of wisecracks my dear friends will heap upon me, while my darling wife reassures me I’m still worth keeping around. We shall see whether or not it’s true that, as the bumper sticker says, Old Guys Rule. It remains to be seen what exactly it is that they allegedly rule; I suppose it’s a secret guarded well by the old guys, one you’re only made privy to when you hit 60.

But whatever it is you’re hitting this weekend, I hope you have a good one. God bless.

Love,
Joe

Comments

Lisa | Oct 24, 2014

60 isnt so bad, Im 62 and Im still not sure what old guys rule! Enjoy CO I lived there for over 10 years and still miss the Rockies!

Jim | Oct 24, 2014

I promise to pray for you this weekend, that God would anoint you to speak His words. I'll be praying, as well, that depression will keep its distance from you.

Jim

John | Oct 25, 2014

Thanks, Joe. I'll pray for God to use you this weekend. I really appreciate your excellent blogs and effective ministry to many including me! Blessings!

Denise Whitfield | Oct 25, 2014

Happy Birthday Joe! God will bless you in CO and I will pray for you. The Lord has given you so many talents and it awesome to see how you serve the Lord and all of us. Just wish you would come to Alabama!!! Blessings to you and Renee.
Denise W.

Cathi | Oct 25, 2014

Happy Birthday! It's the day God brought you into the world to lead a life that glorifies Him and leads others to Him! This day is definitely worth celebrating because you have helped so many!! Prayers for your speaking engagements and blessings to you and your family. It may be an increasingly crazy world, but thank God, our God reigns.

randallslack | Oct 25, 2014

I hit 62 in September. You're just a kid. Have a good one.

Bobbie Ebert | Oct 26, 2014

It was great meeting you this morning. Your honesty and testimony are most encouraging. Thank you, Bobbie E.

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