I have much to be grateful for each day. In conversations with different people, I have realized that many of the things we think and feel are common throughout the seasons of life. I think, however, the depth of thoughts and feelings may vary with the time of life. I can look back and see the years when I thought mostly of what was next. What did we need to do as a church? What family challenges were coming? What about the children and their college? What can we do to help aging parents?
As life goes by, we face our own challenges in work, health, and what should I invest my life in at this season. There is one thought I have every day. It is in the first sentence of this article. I am grateful to God for today. It is not merely that I am alive, but that God has given opportunities today that are scheduled and some will be spontaneous. I am grateful for salvation and certainly that our faith brings to us for any day, every day and eternity, too.
I am grateful to serve Arkansas Baptists. As I travel around the state, I am blessed to see the Lord’s work in all sections. I had the privilege of preaching recently at Second Baptist Church of West Helena. We all know, or think we know, the challenges of the Delta. I have found fine pastors and committed church members being used of the Lord. In West Helena, I sensed the joy of the Lord and a commitment to reaching and serving the community they love and call home. This happens throughout Arkansas.
In our gratitude to God for salvation and opportunities to serve, I will close with a request. Pray that out of your church the Lord will call out workers. Our churches and communities have a great need for God-called servant leaders. I close with a prayer for our people, ministries, and wisdom for these days.
With gratitude to God and you,
Rex Horne