“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  -Romans 3:23

“Hell is inhabited by those who through thousands of little daily acts have elevated self above God.”  -Clyde Kilby  (via John Piper’s Twitter)

February 8, 2010

Sheridan and Anita Stanton, missionaries to Peru since 1983

I met a fellow from Oregon yesterday; he knocked on my door in the afternoon, here in Huánuco, Peru. He said he and his wife were missionaries to the world. They have been in the work for about as long as Anita and I have been in Peru and so far they have been in eleven countries. When I asked him to tell me of his work he proceeded to tell me he enlists local churches to plant trees in an effort for reforestation; kind of like a modern day “Johnny Appleseed.” He was a very nice fellow and very knowledgeable concerning trees and reforestation; I learned from him. Reforestation is certainly a worthwhile effort, and I have even been known to plant a tree or two in my day. To be fair to my Oregon friend he did say that his wife evangelizes while he works at tree planting. They had even started a church in Peru several years ago, but were a bit discouraged with it because they have never been able to find a pastor that would “stick” with the work; nevertheless planting trees has been a great success. I must admit that it bothered me somewhat when he told me how excited churches become, especially the teen/college age group, when they get involved with planting trees. As I said, I’m all for planting trees, but why are the Lord’s people not excited about winning lost souls to Christ and planting churches?

Building schools, medical clinics and church buildings, providing for orphans and the needy, digging wells and even planting trees are all worthwhile efforts; Anita and I have participated in all of these ministries (except the tree planting!) because it brings us joy and we know that God’s love is manifested in our actions. But may we never lose our way and forget that we are here in Peru to see men and women, boys and girls, come to know and love Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Feeding a hungry child is a moral obligation of all men and a Biblical imperative for the Christian. When works of compassion are done in selfless love, they stir a great sense of satisfaction in our souls. However having a part in the eternal salvation of a lost soul gives an eternal reward and an even greater feeling of satisfaction. I read an article this morning concerning the relief aid in Haiti. A pastor proclaimed that his church had been working in Haiti for years, digging wells, and teaching about soil erosion, then he said, “when we have time, we try to tell people about Jesus.” May God have mercy when we get so involved in our methods that we forget the goal, to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature”; fulfilling the great commandment (Mat 22:35-40) and the great commission (Mat. 28:19-20). One reason I have always enjoyed being associated with Baptist Faith Missions is because of the fact that the missionaries, pastors, supporting churches, and directors have always been faithful at keeping the focus of the work on preaching the gospel and planting Bible believing New Testament Baptist Churches.

Anita and I traveled to the capital city of Lima the end of January for her routine cancer exam and blood work. Her tumor marker number was up a bit but did not seem to alarm the doctor. We thank the Lord for His mercy and grace and for each of you that continue to pray for her health. She did tumble down some concrete steps while in Lima but did not break any bones; only bruised and banged up a bit. She’s tough!

Bro. Stanton ordains young Peruvian missionary Daniel Matzuda.

While in Lima I helped in the ordination of a young, Peruvian missionary, Daniel Matzuda. He will be starting a new work in the northern coastal town of Chiclayo, Peru. Daniel will be working under the supervision of our good friend, Missionary Rodney Spears, under the authority of the Southside Baptist Church of Winter Haven, Florida. Anyone interested in helping to support this young man and his family can contact me or Brother Spears.

Sunday the 31st found us with the Jordan Baptist Church of Lima. The Lord blessed the preaching of His Word and one gentleman about my age (not too old!!) trusted Christ as his Savior and others made decisions to be more diligent in their work for the Lord. This church gave half of the money necessary to build Pastor Jorge Dianderas and his wife Elvira, a wooden house on top of the newly constructed church building. Anita and I gave the other half with funds donated by so many of you, our supporters. Our funds are exhausted and they still need about $1000.00 (one thousand dollars) to finish the floor, bathroom and windows. It would be a great joy for Anita and me and a great blessing to Pastor Jorge and his family if someone would feel lead to help out in this project. Jorge is one of the most faithful Peruvian pastors I have had the privilege of working with over the years. He is worthy of the help.

Wooden house for the Pastor's family on top of the church building. They need $1000 more dollars to finish the floors, windows and bathroom.

This letter is getting too long. I must stop and get ready for my Monday night Pastor’s Bible Study. We are studying through the book of Romans and while doing so, I have been teaching them outlining techniques; alliteration, etc. They have been very faithful in their weekly attendance. Until next month.

In HIM by HIS grace,
Sheridan and Anita Stanton

“I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”  -Isaiah 41:10

Fear of falling is wholesome. To be venturesome is no sign of wisdom. Times come to us when we feel that we must go down unless we have a very special support. Here we have it. God’s right hand is a grand thing to lean upon. Mind, it is not only His hand, though it keepeth heaven and earth in their places, but His right hand: His power united with skill, His power where it is most dexterous. Nay, this is not all; it is written, “I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” That hand which He uses to maintain His holiness and to execute His royal sentences—this shall be stretched out to hold up His trusting ones. Fearful is our danger, but joyful is our security. The man whom God upholds, devils cannot throw down.

Weak may be our feet, but almighty is God’s right hand. Rough may be the road, but Omnipotence is our upholding. We may boldly go forward. We shall not fall. Let us lean continually where all things lean. God will not withdraw His strength, for His righteousness is there as well. He will be faithful to His promise, and faithful to His Son, and therefore faithful to us. How happy we ought to be! Are we not so?

[from Faith's Checkbook by Charles H. Spurgeon]

LAST UPDATED Sunday, February 7

Monday, February 8
-What did you learn yesterday?  Have you applied anything yet?  Review your notes!
-Pray for marriages in our church family, that the Lord would protect them and be glorified through them.

Tuesday, February 9
-Pray for our new members today as they battle worldly influences and temptations.  Call them, write them a letter, invite them over for dinner, do something to get to know them better!

Wednesday, February 10
7:00 p.m.- We will continue our study in Revelation.  The kids will be in Acts.
-Pray for the children of NLBC today, that they will come to know Christ as their Savior and treasure Him above all things.
Happy Birthday to Sherry Sparks and Chandler Dawson!

Thursday, February 11
-Pray for your Pastor as he prepares for Sunday.

Friday, February 12
-Pray for those at NLBC who are taking care of elderly parents at this time: strength to care for them, patience with them and grace for the trying moments.

Saturday, February 13
-Pray for the services along with those speaking tomorrow and prepare your heart for worship.

Sunday, February 14
10:00 a.m.- Sunday School
Devotion: Jason Estes
11:00 a.m.- Sunday Morning Worship (1 Corinthians)
Ushers: Steve Gee and Jason Estes
2:00 p.m.- Service at Thomson-Hood Veteran’s Center in Wilmore
6:00 p.m.- Sunday Evening Worship (Leviticus 20)

Tuesday, April 13-Thursday, April 15, 2010
Together for the Gospel Conference in Louisville, Ky.

Friday, May 28-Monday, May 31, 2010
Next Conference in Baltimore!
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
Links of the Week:

• Wide Open Are Your Hands
• Multi-Faceted
• Adopted for Life…and in Death
• Cheap Cheap Cheap Music & Books at Sovereign Grace

“So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.”  -1 Corinthians 7:24

“Contentment is understanding that if I am not satisfied with what I have, I will never be satisfied with what I want.”

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  -Hebrews 12:2

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

[Words and Music by Helen Lemmel]

“How easy it becomes even for those of us who profess to be faithful followers of Christ to get caught up in the things of earth, so that our heavenly vision and values become blurred and dull. This often happens even when we are active in our Christian activities, we become so involved in merely doing things for God that we miss the real blessing of enjoying the personal fellowship of Christ Himself in our daily lives.”  [Read the full story behind "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" by Helen Lemmel at The Old Time Gospel Ministry]

You are encouraged to listen to Sovereign Grace’s version from Next 2009 by downloading it for free.  I listen to this version almost every morning…it’s so rich with doctrine and beautiful music!

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses…”  -Colossians 2:13

“Christianity isn’t a crutch for the weak; it’s a stretcher for the dead.”  -Michael Kelley

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  -Psalm 16:11

“Joy: deep, durable delight in the splendor of God that ruins you for anything else.”

-Sam Storms from one of his sermons at the 2010 Desiring God Pastor’s Conference (Going on now…watch live!)

[via Noel Piper's Twitter]

Never Despair

“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.”  -Malachi 4:2

Fulfilled once in the first advent of our glorious Lord, and yet to have a fuller accomplishment in His second advent, this gracious word is also for daily use. Is it dark with the reader? Does the night deepen into a denser blackness? Still let us not despair: the sun will yet rise. When the night is darkest, dawn is nearest.

The sun which will arise is of no common sort. It is the Sun—the Sun of Righteousness, whose every ray is holiness. He who comes to cheer us, comes in the way of justice as well as of mercy, comes to violate no law even to save us. Jesus as much displays the holiness of God as His love. Our deliverance, when it comes, will be safe because righteous.

Our one point of inquiry should be—”Do we fear the name of the Lord? Do we reverence the living God and walk in His ways?” Then for us the night must be short; and when the morning cometh, all the sickness and sorrow of our soul will be over forever. Light, warmth, joy, and clearness of vision will come, and healing of every disease and distress will follow after.

Has Jesus risen upon us? Let us sit in the sun. Has He hidden His face? Let us wait for His rising. He will shine forth as surely as the sun.

Sunday School | Matthew 13:53-58 | Bro. Randy Thomas

“And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.”  -Matthew 13:58
While visiting Nazareth, Jesus was a hometown boy (like a Kentucky boy making a free throw for UK, we tend to cheer extra hard for him!), but He was rejected.  Look at all that they missed out on because of their unbelief.

Morning Worship | 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 | Pastor Steve Wainright

“For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.”  -1 Corinthians 7:19
Wherever you are in life, be content because God has placed you there.  Don’t be so preoccupied with social issues that you push aside the main issue (the spiritual issue) and water down the Gospel.  The Corinthians were highlighting the social issues.  Paul is saying that the Gospel is what needs to be emphasized!  Live your life out loud for the glory of God so others may see how Christ has worked in your life!

Evening Worship | Leviticus 18:1-30 | Pastor Steve Wainright

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”  -Jeremiah 17:9
God knows the heart of man.  This heart is the same today as it was in Old Testament times.  God, as divine authority, creates boundaries (in this case, it’s guidelines for sexual behavior).  Whenever God says, “Don’t do something,” it’s for your benefit.  It’s because He loves you.