Author Archives: Rev. Dr. David Bissett

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About Rev. Dr. David Bissett

I pastor a church in upstate NY. I'm happily married and the father of seven kids. It's fun, really! Leave me some feedback...

Languish no more

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For a week or two now, a cold has been dampening my spirits (especially in the mornings). Yet, thankfully, in this morning’s devotional reading I was reminded how the redeeming work of the Lord is a great source of inner joy for His people, regardless of external circumstances. And so it is! My heart warms at the remembrance of what the Lord has done for me! Joy comes again!

Look with me at Jeremiah 31 (emphasis added) — 

10 “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’ 11 For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. 12 They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall languish no more. 13 Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. 14 I will feast the soul of the priests with abundance, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, declares the Lord.” (esv)

Do you know this joy of redemption? Has the Lord drawn you to Himself in a saving way? Then a response of praise should flow from your heart at the thought of all He has done for you!

pdb

Chilean Miners’ “Jesus” T-Shirts…

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Did you notice the T-shirts worn by the 33 Chilean miners as they emerged from the ground? I spotted the name JESUS on the sleeve, and wondered about them. This was a logo for “The Jesus Film Project” (of Campus Crusade for Christ). Apparently the Chile branch of CCC provided a copy of the film (with one of the Gospels dramatically portrayed) to the men in the mine — and later designed and provided these t-shirts when they were requested!

But did you know that on the shirt all the miners chose to wear over their rescue jumpsuits, the front said “thank you, Lord” and the back side quoted Psalm 95:4 —

In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.

CNN’s Religion Blog posted a great piece on the whole story of these shirts — you should read the whole thing. Praise God for this witness and His work of grace in that dark place!

pdb