Today, it happened again. God blessed us more than we could imagine (Eph 3:20) as we booked a hotel for Rick to speak at Promise Keepers Ottawa and to visit (Feb 26-March 1). As we’ve booked hotels and cars recently for Rick’s travel through the internet (to save money, of course!), we’ve received more than we dreamed. Starbucks cards, beautiful rooms, or an upgrade on the car we rented for several days of vacation after the ABHE conference in Florida (we got a bright orange Mustang convertible!) I’ve begun to suspect we are reaping the kindness of God.
It isn’t that we don’t reap His kindness every day. We do. Today in chapel Rick and I will lead: “The cross was enough, the cross was enough.” (You are Jesus, Son of God). His sacrificial, bloody death on the cross as a substitute for our sin is enough of a grace for every day. Every breath that we take is a gift. Every day is a kindness given (cancer teaches this truth)! Oh, the goodness of God even as it snows again today!
But the additional kindnesses of God remind us, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” These words stood out in my recent study of “Money Matters in 1 and 2 Corinthians.” Paul was willing to work for free (as do many who serve in ministry; 1 Cor 4:12, 9:17-18). He was willing to be a fundraiser for others (I Cor 16:1-2), so that he could provide like a father (2 Cor 12:14-15) for his flock.
In recent months, I’ve watch Rick (yes, Dr. Reed) take steps of personal sacrifice to make sure the faculty at Heritage are cared for. I’ve noted his generosity as a father (two weddings as well). He believes passionately in the purpose of training the next generation of men and women for ministry. He’s giving his all.
And God is blessing him back in ways described in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. He’s experiencing the “grace of God” that is “sufficient in everything.”
Would you be willing to join him in training of the next generation of preachers? Right now, we could use another video camera (or two) to record preachers and teachers while they practice, so that young leaders can watch their video and learn from Rick’s suggestions. Our dorms need updated fridges and stoves, and our Community Centre (come see) could use, well, some serious updating. Check out our Summer Surge brochure.
We’ll be in Ottawa this weekend and early next week. We’re available to meet with those who’d like to hear more about Heritage this coming Monday or Tuesday (Feb 29th – March 1st). Just send a comment in response to this blog post.
We trust the promises of God will also extend to you: “He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Cor 9:6).
P.S. Rick will be speaking Saturday morning at the Promise Keepers event in Ottawa. It’s not too late to sign up!
Rick and Linda Reed 