Deus Misereatur

  (This was from my letter to my congregation today - 17 April 2024) The Kaiser Foundation, and several other organizations, are reporting on the rise of men, women, teens and kids who are having an increase in mental health troubles. For example, some 40% of young adults between 18-29 report they have been told by medical professionals they have a mental health condition (usually depression or anxiety issues). Or, half of all adults say they or a family member have experienced a severe mental health crisis. I mention this because in the last two years I have either interacted and walked with more people than I ever have before, who are burdened with serious mental illness or whose loved ones were going through a mental health crisis. In all my years in the Military, and in ministry, these last two years have been the largest numbers I’ve ever been involved with. Some have been Christian ministers. Others have been people who have drifted into my orbit and sought my help. Most have bee

  O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands . Father, all that we are about – in our family worship, personal devotions, Sunday School classes, Worship assemblies, Care Groups, our involvement in works of mercy, mission trips, VBS, and so forth – yes, all that we are about flows from our craving to know you and be nearer to you, from our enraptured amazement at your gracious goodness to us. Draw us to you – this whole congregation, along with your Church worldwide including Amber Mission Holiness Church, Centro de Celebracion, Christian Faith Fellowship, and Gospel Lighthouse Church. Slake our thirst for you; refresh us that we may rise from our faintness; and