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| | | | | Dear Friend,
When it comes to building a house, the foundation is everything. I know this from personal experience. Since starting Pure Life Ministries back in 1986, I have been a part of many building projects. The integrity and longevity of each building depends almost entirely upon the foundation. If the foundation is faulty, it is only a matter of time before numerous issues show up. The same thing is true spiritually. Solomon wisely said:
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
Perhaps, you can relate. It seems like the Lord has to work relentlessly to get us to the place where we will no longer rely on the strength of the flesh. This is especially true in the battle to overcome sexual sin. Victory is not found in the flesh but by learning to walk in the Spirit and trust in the Lord. Over and over again, Scripture tells us that to put our trust in anything other than the Lord is vain.
Although we often don’t see it right, it is God’s mercy that He shakes those things that can be shaken, “in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12:27). It is God’s desire to establish us on things that cannot be shaken, things of eternal value, namely, His Son. Jesus is our firm foundation, and all who put their trust in Him will not be put to shame.
If you are feeling worn down today, let me encourage you to fix your eyes on Jesus. Whether you are weary from the battle against sexual sin, family difficulties, or the weariness that comes from living in this world, you will always find rest when you come to the Lord.
This phrase, “Come to Jesus”, has been the theme for the chapel services in our Residential program this year. This is based on Jesus’ appeal in Matthew 11:28-30:
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
This is true wisdom and what we desperately need. In fact, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for searching the very Scriptures that pointed to Him and yet being unwilling to come to Him. Regardless of what we may be facing today, let’s humble ourselves and come to Jesus in faith. And then let us be prepared to respond to what He tells us. As we do that, we will find ourselves standing on that which cannot be shaken.
“Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)
As I mentioned earlier, since founding Pure Life Ministries, I have been a part of many building projects, and we are now getting started on a new one. After years of having only three couples on staff, we are suddenly facing an onslaught of weddings! The Lord seems to be sending brides to a number of our single young men. We are happy about this, but it is bringing about a staff housing shortage.
Our leadership team has been in prayer about this, and the Lord put it on our hearts to build a new 3,200 square foot house that will accommodate up to eight single staff members. An added blessing of this new house is that it will include a large common area for hosting staff get togethers. It will be a huge undertaking and a large expense; however, it is a much more viable option than purchasing another double-wide mobile home that would cost almost as much and yet wouldn’t provide nearly as much space.
We are anticipating this project costing around $400,000 when all is said and done. If you feel led to help us with this new house and would like to give, you can do so at: www.purelifeministries.org/donate.
We are thankful for your continued prayers and support for this ministry. Your partnership means a lot to us and the Lord. |
| | | | Steve Gallagher, President |
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Mailing Address | Pure Life Ministries | 14 School Street | Dry Ridge, KY 41035 Copyright © 2022 Pure Life Ministries, All rights reserved.
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