march prayer update

On My Heart

IHaving recently celebrated a milestone birthday, I’ve been thinking about what it means to finish the race well, knowing that one day I will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. My mind went to the story of the Nobel Prizes.

Toward the end of the nineteenth century, Alfred Nobel awoke to read his own obituary in the newspaper. It described him as “the inventor of dynamite, who devised a way for more people to be killed in war than ever before, and who died a very rich man.” The reporter had confused Alfred with his older brother, but the experience shook him. It became one of the catalysts that led him to establish the Nobel Foundation. In his will, Nobel wrote that the prizes should honor those who “have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” He later remarked, “Every man ought to have the chance to correct his epitaph in midstream and write a new one.”

I’m not sensing the need for dramatic course corrections, but I do feel drawn toward some meaningful adjustments—both personally and in ministry.

Personally, while many people are setting new resolutions, I sense the Lord inviting me to release pressure rather than add more. I don’t need to be near-perfect in exercise, nutrition, Scripture memory, or prayer. Eugene Peterson’s rendering of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 resonates with me: “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace… keep company with me and you will learn to live freely and lightly.” I want to walk in deeper confidence in His wisdom, His love, and His sovereignty.

In ministry, I remain committed to proclaiming His Word and supporting spiritual leaders. At the same time, I’m eager to pursue opportunities to educate the public about grief and loss and to train those who work in environments where grief is frequent. I’m also excited about my Hospice training and the possibility of leading a grief group for children or teens this fall.

How about you? With the end of your life in view, what midstream adjustments do you sense the Lord inviting you to make?

GENERAL PRAYER

Pastor Ed covets your prayers. You can use the acronym OAR to pray for his speaking ministry. 

O—Open doors of ministry

A—Anointing

R—Responsive audiences

Pray also for wisdom as he mentors Adult and Teen Challenge students, open doors and open hearts for sharing the gospel on the street and fruitful ministry as he connects with pastors and ministry leaders in Lebanon and throughout the region.