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Lifter Up of His Head
 King David, the Sweet Singer of Israel and Royal Ancestor of Jesus, composed
many (if not most) of the Psalms. Among my favorites is Psalm 3, written about
his experience of being on the run because of an attempted coup by his son,
Absalom. Some of you may have heard the “Messianic song” that is taken from the
early verses of the Psalm.
David found himself plunged into the depths by his unfortunate circumstances.
Imagine it, God made him King, but a man had dethroned him! The God Who
protected him from a lion, a bear, Goliath, and the Philistine armies seemed now
to have let David’s throne be usurped. Those who had sung joyous songs about
their beloved King were now singing a different tune. Let’s pause to look at the
text and get a feel for what David went through:
1 LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up
against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.
3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine
head.
4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.
In similar circumstances, who would not have a fallen countenance (face)? 2
Samuel 15 tells the story of David’s exit from the Holy City. One can see him
weeping, barefoot, head bowed as he crossed the Kidron valley and headed east up
the Mount of Olives. But note that his posture was changed (verse 3) by divine
action. He refers to God as the “Lifter up of his head!”
What a picture this is of men today who meet Christ after a life-shattering
past! One such man told me recently how nice it was to spend Christmas with his
family this year: “For the first time in a long time, I could go home with my
head up.” The loving and gracious Christ has forgiven his sin and removed his
guilt. There are still some temporal consequences of the past to face, but now
he does so without a bowed head.
Dear Reader, do you know someone who is downcast because of failures in life? Is
there a relative, neighbor, or friend whose life has been under the control of
King Sin? May God enable you to point them to the One Who can “lift up their
heads” - to the Lord Jesus Christ. If in any way we may help with such an
acquaintance, please advise us. It is always our joy to share the life-changing
gospel of Christ. His death on the cross has power to forgive and cleanse any
life that sin has devastated. His resurrection power can be the power for a new
life for any who will trust Him.
A Young Volunteer Still Serving
 Some
years ago a Mom from one of our faithfully supporting churches brought her son
down to do some volunteer work. He mopped floors, sorted canned goods, and did
other helpful things around the Mission. In early January she brought him back
for a visit. Pictured here is the young man, Clinton Adams, now preparing at VMI
for a career in the united States Marine Corps. He will graduate in the Spring
and receive a commission as a Second Lieutenant. This summer he goes to Quantico
to begin his basic training. This young Christian will continue to serve others
in the military, just as he has a young civilian.
Superintendent's
Corner
Fathers and Sons
Over the 34 years of my full-time (26) and part-time (8)
ministry relationship with the Rescue Mission, I have seen quite a few
“father-son” stories unfold here. On the positive side, there was Bob, who found
help here over 20 years ago, then brought his own son here as a young adult,
also needing help. Negatively, there was the father whose two adult sons often
accompanied him to stay in our shelter. It seemed that he had no more desire to
teach them a better way that they had desire to learn one. The following account
looks back to the positive.
The latest such encounter concluded on the morning of this
writing. Gregory moved to Virginia last July. In a time of need he sought help
from the Mission, and he found it. He was here nearly a month until he had
adequate funds to obtain a place to live. We didn’t see him again until two days
after Christmas, when he showed up with his 34-year-old, mentally disabled son,
also a Gregory.
I met with the two Gregs on the 28th, where I learned how the
story was unfolding for them. The Dad rather suddenly became responsible for the
care of his son. The place Dad was living could not accommodate two adults, so
he had to seek an alternative. He said, “I knew where I could find help, based
on my summer stay with you all.” He further added, “Once again, this ministry
has been a God-send in my life, and now in my son’s life, as well.”
I shared with Gregory that he and his son had also been a
blessing to us. Watching the patient, loving care of a Dad for his needy son
thrilled our hearts. More than a few people commented on their relationship, and
how it encouraged them to observe it. They came to be blessed and left having
blessed those around them. This Christian father certainly emulates the words of
the twelve-year-old Christ, Who said, “I must be about my Father’s business.”
As a Dad myself, Gregory’s story challenges me to check my
own parent-child relationships, as well as other relationships that merit the
grace, love, and care I saw and see in him.
A Note From Alan
 Words
of Love - Actions of Love
February
brings about thoughts of love (and sometimes despair) as men struggle to find
the perfect gift and card to tell their sweetheart how much they care! During
this season most women would agree that words are not enough!! Actions always
speak more loudly than words, but perhaps even more so during the month of
February.
 1
John 4:7-8 states, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and
everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does
not know God, for God is love.” (NASB) John reminds his readers that if love is
present and active in their lives, it is an indicator that they are born of God
– true believers! If there is no love present in their lives, they do not know
God. Love comes from God for He is love!! As we realize God’s love for us, His
creation, we are led to love others according to 1 John 4:11 – “Beloved, if God
so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (NASB) That love shows itself
in actions. The pictures in this article represent only a small handful of the
loving acts that you and so many others perform.
 We
at the Rescue Mission are constantly amazed and encouraged at the generosity of
so many people in this community. Thank you for sharing your blessings with
others. As you do this, you confirm the statement made in 1 John 4:19 – “We
love, because He first loved us.” (NASB)
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