The Shepherd’s Brief
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy…”
Church Family,
I trust you are doing well and enjoying the beginning of another Florida summer. As we settle into these summer months, I wanted to take a few minutes to share several evidences of grace, a few matters of prayer, and some things on the horizon in the life of our church.
From time to time, I hope to use this brief to share evidences of grace, matters of prayer, and things taking place in the life of our church. My prayer is that it serves to encourage your heart, strengthen our fellowship, and help us give thanks together for God’s faithfulness among us.
One of the recurring themes throughout the Psalms is the call to remember and celebrate the gracious works of God [Ps. 77:11–12; 105:1–5; 111:1]. God’s people are to be marked by thanksgiving—not only in our personal lives, but also in the corporate life of the church. With that in mind, let me share a few evidences of grace that I hope will encourage your heart.
Evidences of Grace
Firstly, I continue to hear reports of children expressing interest in following Christ and speaking with their parents about salvation and believer’s baptism. These conversations are always a tremendous encouragement and serve as reminders that the Lord is still at work drawing people to Himself.
Secondly, several months ago we hosted another Behold Covenant Membership Class. In recent weeks, many of those who attended have begun the process of covenant membership. I am grateful for what the Lord is doing and look forward to introducing many of these individuals and families to you in the coming weeks.
These are only a few examples of God’s faithfulness among us. I hope you will keep your eyes open to see His hand at work throughout the life of our fellowship.
Looking Ahead
Firstly, I am excited to announce that our next Members Gathering is scheduled for Sunday evening, August 23. This gathering will provide an opportunity for covenant members to enjoy a meal together, fellowship, pray, sing, receive ministry updates, and hear about several matters related to the future of Doxa Church. More details will be shared in the coming weeks, but please go ahead and save the date.
Secondly, one of the beautiful realities of life in Christ is that God is always at work among His people. In His wisdom, He never has all of His children in the same season at the same time. Some are walking through trials. Some have recently emerged from them. Others are experiencing particular evidences of God’s kindness and blessing.
Because of that, we would love to hear how God has been at work in your life, marriage, family, or walk with Christ. We have made available a “Share Your Story of God’s Grace” form, and I want to encourage you to take a few moments and tell us what the Lord has been doing. Your story may become an encouragement to many others within the church family.
Matters of Prayer
Firstly, please continue praying for the spiritual growth of our children. As I mentioned earlier, we are hearing encouraging reports of children asking questions about salvation, faith, and baptism. Therefore, let us pray that the Lord would continue His work in the hearts of our children, bless parents as they shepherd their homes, grant genuine conversions, and raise up another generation that loves and follows Christ.
Secondly, please pray for wisdom regarding the future of our fellowship. As the leadership and staff, we continue to think, pray, and plan concerning matters of space and how best to steward the opportunities the Lord places before our church. Like you, I am grateful for God’s faithfulness over the years and trust that He will continue to direct our steps according to His perfect wisdom and timing. Pray that we would walk in humility, dependence upon the Lord, and confidence in His leading.
A Final Encouragement
As we move through the summer together, please continue praying for one another, pursuing meaningful fellowship, and looking for opportunities to serve and encourage one another. I would also encourage you to make every effort to join us for our upcoming Prayer Gathering next Monday evening [June 22 at 6:30pm] as we seek the Lord together on behalf of our church, our families, and our community.
I am grateful for the great privilege of serving as a shepherd of this fellowship. It is a joy to watch the Lord build His church and display His faithfulness among us.
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1
Soli Deo Gloria,
PJ