The Joy of June

June can be a hard month for many of us. The world shoves abomination into our face. Many of us avoid certain stores and venues so as not to have to deal with the affront to God’s word. It can be a discouraging month. But there is a joy in June for us Presbyterians. It is Synod and Assembly month for us.

The ARP Synod met last week. It was a good week and we rejoice in the unity and sweet spirit of our meeting. We had an extended theological debate that was handled with respect and a desire for faithfulness to the Word and love for the church. We ended with World Focus. Almost all of our missionaries were present at a missions fair along with our other agencies. It was a great ending to our week.

The OPC GA is ending and the  PCA GA is starting today. The EPC and RPCNA are next week. Each denomination will have its own joys and challenges. But we need to remember the words of Psalm 133 - Psalm 133:

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

There is a joy in coming together as ministers from the same church. To see old friends and make new ones. I love to meet the fraternal delegates and to go to other meetings. What joy there is in seeing what God is doing in the United States and around the world.

There will be challenges both before, during, and after our meetings. However, we need to see the joy of being with fellow Christians. We need to be encouraged each other as leaders. Don’t miss the opportunities that this month present to us.

If you are not going to an assembly or synod, then pray for the work, peace, and joy of those in attendance.

If you are going, then count it a joy to be with the brothers. See it for the blessing it is to be with each other who love the Lord, especially in this discouraging month of June.