Greetings to you all

This invitation is a bit unusual as I’m welcoming you all to worship while Becky and I are on vacation.

We’re back in Pensacola Beach, an area of Florida that’s been part of our journey in several ways through the 45 years since we were married in December of 1978. While walking near sundown last evening, we passed a familiar part of the beach where I first met Becky’ parents in 1978. (How could I have guessed in that brief beach meeting what wonderful grandparents they would be to our two sons? Those memories are just one of many “snapshots” we’ve had in our souls here in Navarre and Pensacola). The old motel that was the Alford family’s favorite was a casualty of hurricane “Sally” so it’s no longer here. But the gorgeous warm Gulf water and sugar-white sandy beaches are just the same and beautiful as always. Biking in the Gulf Islands National Seashore and getting some rest and perspective here is superb.

It’s also such a joy to have Justin Ready ministering the Word as we take this time away. From his earliest experiences in life, Becky and I saw and cherished the deep love for the Lord in Justin’s life that flowed into every pursuit he’s taken on. Justin’s work for District 5 in the Maryland Senate is well-known in Carroll County but his love for God’s Word and faithfulness to serve in each local church where he and Ruth have worshiped has enriched all of us. (Happy birthday to Ruth tomorrow, 9/16, too!)

Thanks also to Josiah Nusbaum for leading worship this week and for all the ways he and both our worship and media teams give of their time and expertise to support ministry each Sunday.

An old maritime saying used by ancient navigators when adjusting a compass was to “Drop anchor in a quiet place.” Stillness and solitude often seem elusive, due to the noise and unceasing inflow of information in our culture. But an essential part of the shaping of a life anchored IN God is to find time to drop our own “anchor” in the stillness we find when we come simply to abide in the presence of the Lord.

It reminds me of the singular focus David spoke of in Psalm 27:4 when he said, “One thing have I desired of the LORD, and that will I seek after – that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to inquire of Him“.

That simple principle is an ongoing need in the life of every follower of Jesus. Peace, perspective and a renewed sense of purpose often depends on setting aside quality quiet time with God.

Whatever may be happening in your world today, you can be sure that God’s peace and grace is abundantly available for you, precisely in the way you need it most. Ask Him. Trust Him. Praise Him. Receive from Him. Find the place that detaches you enough to be sure that His Word gets first attention in your life. The results are immediately felt and carry you through the day.

Please keep each of these lifted in your prayers as we stand with each one in daily prayer for wellness, peace, strength and comfort in facing various health challenges, either awaiting procedures or consultation with physicians or in recovery or other ongoing needs:

• Brandon Baker
• Drew Baker
• Nancy Emminizer
• Nicki Florentine
• Cathy Louthian
• Judy Ludington
• Bernie McCullough
• Gary Mitchell
• Doug Surland
• Jeannette Taylor

We SO enjoy hearing from those who are with us online in Liberty’s live stream from wherever you live, work or travel. You can join us either directly from www.libertychurchlive.com or via Facebook Live.

View the service live online

• Directly from our Live page
• Facebook Live: https://tinyurl.com/355fdkmm

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow His precepts have good understanding;
to Him belongs eternal praise!”
Psalm 111:10