June 2018

Sisters and brothers,

Happy Monday to all! It was great to be back with you after a couple of wonderful weeks spent taking care of our granddaughters in Utah. We had a special time of Bible Study, worship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and fellowship yesterday. We were reminded from God’s Word in 2 Kings 5 and the story of Naaman that choosing God’s way brings wholeness to life. We learned from this passage that no person exempts himself or herself from life’s struggles and tragedies no matter how powerful or successful he or she might be. We learned that believers are never exempted from glorifying God no matter how difficult life might be for them at any given moment. We learned that none of us can demand God’s blessing or prescribe to Him how He should work in our lives. And, best of all, we learned that God always keeps His Word and promises. Even when we have small or reluctant faith, God’s promises and His Word are never reluctantly kept!

Connie Boss asked me yesterday how she could specifically pray for me. Her asking me this blessed me so much! Thank you, Connie, for praying for me! I know many others of you also pray for me and I want to thank you and ask you to continue. Connie’s question reminded me that each of us needs to pray for each other. Whenever you think of someone from East Madison, ask God to work in their lives to draw them closer to Himself, use them as witnesses to the love of Jesus, and glorify Himself through their lives and their families.

Love being your pastor!

Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church

Brothers and sisters,

Happy Monday to all! I hope you had a good day on Sunday and got to enjoy the day with your family. It was great to worship with you yesterday and think about how to remain victorious in the battles we face in the Christian life. We were reminded in 1 Peter 5 that Christians plan for victory when they have godly, servant-leaders who love what they do and lead like Jesus. They lead as servant leaders, not little generals. First, we plan for victory by always remaining humble before the Lord and others. We guard continually against the opposite of humility, pride, “because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Next, we plan for victory by understanding our enemy the devil and being aware of his schemes. We know that in Jesus’ power and strength and with arming ourselves in the spiritual armor of God we can be victorious over the devil and whatever temptations and fears come our way. Finally, we plan for victory by simply standing in the grace of God. In spite of all the evil raging around us, we know we are already victorious because Jesus has won the victory for us.

We have a special blessing next Sunday, June 10th as Dr. Chad Brand, retired professor from Southern Seminary will be bringing the message. Dr. Brand has retired and is living near us so we want to take advantage of his presence in Wisconsin. Also, David Juhlin will bring a special message on fatherhood on Fathers’ Day, June 17th. Don’t miss these special messages!

Love being your pastor!

Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church