May 2026 Update

Dear Ones:

On Memorial Day, the Packard Concert Band here in Warren, OH gave a stirring salute to our fallen veterans. Members of each branch of the military stood when their anthem was played. As a boy I was always challenged by those in the military. I loved the disciplined life depicted in war movies and dreamed of someday “joining up” for service; however, God’s providence altered my plan.

To this day, I’m somewhat embarrassed to answer truthfully when asked if I’ve ever served in the military. I’ve often responded with, “No, but I am a member of God’s Salvation Army.” Somehow that answer has never counted for a “military discount” at Lowe’s. But what an honor it is by grace to still be an unretired (“refired”) soldier of the Cross! That’s a privilege never to be forgotten.

Memory is a wonderful thing, as we know; but we have a tendency to remember things that we should forget, and forget what we should remember. The Lord said that He has buried our sin into the depth of the sea to be “remembered no more!” He knows everything yet has a “divine forgetter” re: our sin under the blood. PTL! Remember, we must never “fish” in the sea of God’s forgetfulness.

Paul speaks of “forgetting those things that are behind...” so that we can focus on our present victory in Christ. At Communion time we see (and hear) the words, “Do this in remembrance of Me” etched on the table. This is a constant reminder not to “forget” His finished Cross-work. Obviously He knew how to “jog” our forgetful minds. O, to live in the ongoing reality and memory of Him who gave His all for us!

The Mission class continues to be blessed by the Holy Spirit. Prayers were answered this past week when a troubled man walked forward after class. He was deeply concerned about his soul and ended up praying aloud for God to save him. Certainly time will verify his decision; but I trust that there was “rejoicing” in Heaven over this one repentant soul!

Thank you so much for your continued prayer for my general health. The Lord has graciously healed me but, as you know, the primary battle is in the mind. Remember, we have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5) but that mind must “be renewed” daily by the Word. (Rom. 12:1, 2) Pray that in God’s power I might “fight the good fight of faith.”

With my love and gratitude,

Pastor Bill