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  February's Memory Verse
Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." As I was paging through some of my old Bibles this morning, I came across a poem I had written in the back flyleaf many years ago. My first thought was that it was written by Amy Carmichael (probably my favorite poet), but I cannot find it attributed to her anywhere. Nevertheless, as I read through it in the quiet of my office/study, my heart was stirred and challenged in my walk with God and my witness to others.
Please consider carefully the message of this poem...
"WHAT MATTERS"
It matters not if I've been hurt,
It matters not at all,
That sometimes from my weary eyes
The scalding teardrops fall.
What matters most - is if I've erred,
And not confessed some sin,
And through my lack some needy soul
Has failed to trust in Him.
It matters not if cherished friends
On whom I've leaned in vain,
Have wounded me by word and deed
And left me with my pain.
What matters is - can I forgive
Again, and yet again?
It's not "have they been true?" But,
"Lord, have I been true to them?"
Twill matter not when evening comes,
How rough the road I've trod,
If only I have walked with Him,
And led some souls to God.
This poem is dealing with the difficult action of dying to self. Will you join with me in the coming weeks to commit to living wholly for the Lord. Let's take up our crosses daily, deny ourselves and follow the Lord exclusively and completely.
Galatians 2:20,
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Words cannot express how excited I am about this coming year. We have some outstanding events planned. We also have some very special days in the works, so pay close attention to the bulletins and announcements in the coming weeks.
This Sunday, I am preaching on one of my favorite events in the Bible, when God called Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. We have studied this many times before, but we're taking another look at it with a message entitled, "Abraham In The School Of Hard Knocks."
Check out this Sunday's bulletin for our schedule of services and all the upcoming events at MLIBC.
I look forward to seeing you in God's house this Sunday. Be sure to bring your Bible and a friend.
Sincerely, your friend,
 Dr. Dennis Leatherman - Pastor
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