May 20

As of right now, we don't have a place for our church to gather. As of right now, our church bank balance is lower than any of us are comfortable with.

And with the Governor's announcement yesterday of our having reached another stage of reentry, I realize that whatever I think or propose going forward will be seen as wrong in at least some of our peoples' eyes.

So I had a moment. I felt a wave of panic.

Quickly, by God's grace, I was led into abatement protocol. I rehearsed the truth and grace of the gospel.

I reminded myself that the veracity (truthfulness) of how God reveals Himself in Scripture is what gives it its authority. It is that same authority that in turn gives me hope for the immediate future.

Romans 15:13 told me, "May the God of hope fill you [Mike] with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you [Mike] may abound in hope.

That same Holy Spirit then encouraged me away from what would otherwise be my default action - to run.

Paul Tripp asked the question (today on a Zoom call) "Where does the church get mature believers if the immature leaders run away?"

I don't want to be an immature leader. I'm too old to be an immature anything (I hope.) You don't need that from me either.

So I (am choosing to) pray this as my prayer today (Revelation 1:5-6)

"To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

And, by faith, I am choosing to believe that there is enough grace for today - and more than enough hope in Him for tomorrow.

Protocol completed. Abatement accomplished.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau