J. Randal Matheny

To the sound of the cicadas this unusually cool (67ºF), clear morning, I'm writing an overdue article for a monthly that circulates among the Guarulhos churches, on the difference between the world and the church and the opposition the latter suffers for its commitment to God. Going from 1 John to Psalm 119. Maybe I'll use the material for my FMag editorial next week.

The Missus and The Maiden left yesterday on their way to a national ladies' meet at the Christian camp, several hundred expected as usual. So I'm left to fend for myself. (Any lunch offers out there?) Did I mention they took the car?

Three big things to write today. First one almost there.

"Perfect denotes, not absolute sinlessness, but wholeness, the kind of life which is filled with meaningful purpose and which leaves nothing to be desired." —R.L. Scheef, Jr., IOVC, p. 918, commenting Ja 1.2-4.

First part of a series by Zondervan on the land of Israel, background, history, and some applications. Good stuff.

We arrived home safe and sound a few minutes ago (about 6:30 am local time; 4:30 US Central). Smooth trip all around. Expedited through security (thanks to gov shutdown?). Very grateful to be home. Grateful for time we had in the US with family, supporters, and friends. Trusting that the Lord will make support fall into place again.

Please pray as we travel home Wednesday and Thursday for a safe and speedy journey. We look forward to getting back after two months in the US. It has been a wonderful time here in every way. But we are ready to return.

So many good people to thank for making our time here a good one, not least of whom are Micah and Valerie, Joel and Tansy, and Leila. We enjoyed time with our parents and some of our siblings, as well as some uncles.

Time was short in one way, as we traveled in ten states: Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. There was a good bit of back and forth as well, which couldn't be helped, but turned out well.

For the first month, we borrowed several vehicles for travel. During the second, we rented a car. Rentals are very expensive for such a long time, and considering that we need insurance, since we're not covered by any US policies. No perfect solution on that.

I was able to preach and teach from the Word more this trip than previous ones, which I liked, but not sure how that works out in terms of our need to raise funds. We go back with that need still undefined, but we trust that the Lord will provide.

Pray also for me: Saturday week I teach about 40 Christian workers, none in full-time ministry, on how to study and teach the Bible. Most are from São Paulo, where the seminar will be held, a few from other cities.

Next week, also, daughter Leila comes home for a couple of weeks. Pray that her trip is safe and pleasant as well.

The bags are packed ...

Bulletin Gold, an online and email publication of articles and fillers designed for church bulletins, featured my little quatrain, "When It Rains," in its October issue. The original is at this link. BG is good to include my poetry from time to time.

One online friend says my latest, "A Dirge Is Better," was one of my best. Do you agree?

"Let us clip the wing of our ambition, and the more beware of it because it carries with it the show of virtue." —J.E. Exell, Bibl. Illust.

Last Sunday night I go into a congregation in Springfield IL, where I know no one and I've never been before. I pick up the church bulletin and open it. Inside is a devotional of mine.

The bulletin editor is a friend from college days whom I've not seen since we graduated.

Info on the sermon here.

The point of your greatest need may become your greatest weakness for Satan to exploit and your greatest opportunity for God to work in and through you.