Pastor’s Pen

 JUNE NEWSLETTER

Happy Anniversary LBC Family.  What a 50 year journey!

“Through it all,” says the song writer, “I have learned to trust in Jesus.  I’ve learned to trust in God.”  “And I have learned to depend upon His word.”  This is the month of celebration and goodness of our God.  We have two big opportunities to celebrate God’s favor and faithfulness.  On Friday, June, 6th, Guy Penrod will lead the rejoicing with music and testimony at our celebration at the LeGrand Center.  Guy is an award-winning vocalist best known for his years with the Gaither Vocal Band.  There are a few tickets still available for the meal and concert.

Dr. Johnny Hunt, from Woodstock, GA, will be at both events of our celebration.  After serving as pastor of First Baptist Church in Woodstock for 32 years, Pastor Johnny now continues to impact thousands as a conference preacher, author, leadership speaker, and church advisor.  Our Landmark men have benefited through the years from men’s conferences hosted by Pastor Johnny.  His book, From the Pool Room to the Pulpit, has blessed souls worldwide.  Invite a friend to join you on Anniversary Sunday, June 8th, and let’s expect God to prepare our hearts for the next decade.

A young pastor recently asked me, “How do you stay at one church for so many years?”  My immediate answer was “Good question!”  After some contemplation, I answered, “It takes a faith that will not flee . . .  that will not quit, and a faith that endures to the finish!”

I love baseball, whether it’s watching Brelynd at T-ball, Bristyl at softball, Jude at middle school ball, or the Atlanta Braves on Fox.  My favorite baseball player of all time was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007 on his first year of eligibility.  He had 19 All-Star appearances and was twice recognized as MLB’s MVP.  In 1995, he broke a record set by Lou Gehrig having played in his 2,131 consecutive major league game.  He went on to set the record at 2,632 games without a day off.  My hero played every game for 17 years!  His name is Cal Ripken.  Cal earned the name Iron Man for his endurance!

Endurance seems to be in short supply.  Anyone can start, but only those who endure will make it to the finish.  Congratulations Landmark, for starting every game for 2,600 Sundays.  However, the Lord hasn’t returned so we are not finished!  James said, “Be patient, therefore brethren, until the coming of the Lord.”  The blessed are those, like Cal Ripken, who endure to the end.