August 2005 News Letter

Meditation on Psalm 73

By Rev. Donald Moreland

(From January 1969 Dover Baptist Banner)

In the Psalms, godly men have sung their spiritual experiences in inspired words. Hardly a shade of religious experience is omitted from Psalms.

The heart and mind is like a piece of iridescent cloth which quickly changes its color as it moves or when the light shifts.

Our thoughts and attitudes seem to be at the mercy of many influences. Everything, from the state of the weather to the state of the union - from the launching of a satellite to the condition of our liver, creates in us moods of despondency or joy, disturbance or tranquility.

The godly Asaph, in the 73rd Psalm tells of a time when he had almost lost his grip – when his faith was severely shaken. The crisis in this devout man’s faith was created by something he actually saw in the society surrounding him.

What was it that he saw? It was, in the Psalmist’s own words, “the prosperity of the wicked”.

“But as for me,” he says“, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well-nigh slipped. For I was envious at the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked”. (vs. 2-3)

And as soon as he saw the prosperity of the wicked, and began to be envious of them, his mind began working overtime, filling in imaginary details about the prosperous wicked man’s life. His mind became the servant of his mood. So although the picture he painted was not really true, the Psalmist gives us a detailed confession of just what he imagined the life of the wicked man to be like when his faith was passing through this crisis.

He complains: “For there are no pangs in their death; but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men: neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck. Violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than heart could wish”.

He further complains: “Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocency. When I thought how I might know this, it was too painful for me”.

Though this picture wasn’t really true it had enough truth in it to be disturbing to a man of faith. Wicked people do prosper and godly people do suffer. Yet it was only because this poor man’s mind was busy adding so much fiction to the facts that he had serious trouble. His mind was mastered by his mood. And his mood was the result of his secret envy of the wicked, which included a secret pity for himself.

Sooner or later every believer will have an experience like this. We are wise to fortify ourselves in advance. True faith will be tested, and true faith will find the way of triumph.

Asaph, the writer of this Psalm, tells us how he overcame his temptation.

His perplexity persisted, he relates, “until I wept into the sanctuary of God and considered their latter end.” (vs. 19)

It was in the worship of God that Asaph regained his spiritual balance and composure. It was “when he went into the sanctuary”. Let us never forget that while worship is our duty simply because we are God’s creatures and He our Creator and Redeemer, true worship brings us enormous benefits as well. It is a transforming experience. It softens our heart to receive divine guidance and instruction from God’s Word. Worship also broadens our view of things so that we see not only the fleeting present, but the distant past and the approaching future.

Worship in the sanctuary of God brought Asaph to understand the “latter end” of the wicked men whom he had secretly come to envy.

“Surely”, he says “thou settest them in slippery places; Thou castest them down to destruction. How are they become desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors!”

Now the Psalmist is delivered from envy and self-pity.

“Nevertheless I am continually with thee; Thou hast holden my right hand. Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none that I desire on earth beside thee. My flesy and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”.

Worship renewed his mind.

(We thought we would share this meditation in remembrance of Pastor Moreland's ministry with us at Dover Baptist. Rev. Moreland died recently in Leesburg, VA)

ALPHA Is Back!

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Dover Baptist Church will begin the ALPHA Course on Sunday, September 4 at 12:15 PM with a Kick Off Luncheon. This year’s Sunday program will offer Child Care and be available to those who might not otherwise be able to come to the usual Tuesday evening program.

A typical afternoon of ALPHA will consist of:

12:15 Welcome

12:20 Lunch

1:00 Talk

1:45 Coffee & Dessert

2:00 Small Groups

3:00 End

ALPHA is a 12 week Practical Introduction to the Christian Faith which promotes learning and laughter in a relaxed environment. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and express their thoughts and opinions in a small group environment. Another change from our past courses is that this time our mid-course weekend “away” will be right here at DBC for your convenience.

The course will wrap up with a Celebration Dinner on November 20, 2005.

Training and preparation for the course will be on Tuesday evenings in August. Watch for more details in your Sunday bulletins. Volunteers are needed for all different types of service to help facilitate the ALPHA Course. Tasks vary from Greeter to Child Care, Teaching to Baking and Kitchen Help. Please prayerfully consider if and how you can serve in this ministry. Thank you and may God bless your summer!

Mission News

• Missions Committee

Dan & Nancy Grudda

The Gruddas were able to spend a short time in Cote d’Ivoire in May and June. While there they cleaned out their house – a very difficult thing to do. They were sad to find their former home in Tingrela, which was built in 1986, abandoned and stripped inside, including all light sockets, ceilings, kitchen sink . They don’t know if it is a result of war or has been like that for quite a while. They are enjoying a few weeks at home (Maine) for the summer. On July 17, Dan headed back to Cote d’Ivoire for about three weeks – hopefully the last trip for a while. Responsibility for the school will be turned over to missionaries still stationed there. They anticipate that French soldiers will be on the campus for the next year. Regardless whether there is an election or not, it is apt to be an unsettled time in the country.

Jennifer Hall

Dr. Hall has had an interesting year! (You can read about it in her prayer letter.) She continues to find herself busy at the hospital. The peace process in the country has advanced and retreated any number of times, but basically remains stalled. There continues to be many administrative challenges for the hospital, but fortunately the overall financial situation is much better than a year ago. Jennifer continues to teach a Bible study to some young people in the community, one of whom just lost his mother to AIDS (his father died 6 years ago). She thanks you all so much for your prayers and support. Recently Jennifer went to Accra, Ghana for a one-week training program--Peer Response Training--which taught how to help others who have gone through traumatic events--war, armed robbery, severe illness etc. Following the course, she expected to spend a couple of days at the beach and then it's back to Ferke and back to work.

You may read more about our missionaries in the Missionary Prayer Letter Book in the main lobby.

MOPS Summer Fun

• MOPS Team

Play dates for MOPS will continue in August. We will also have playdates August 3rd at Henry Law Park Playground and August 17th at Carrie Terry's house. Please contact Leah Roth for details. There will be a Moms and Pops night out at Bambi Schank's house on Aug 6th - potluck BBQ and volleyball, no kiddos please.

A second MOPS group will be starting on Tuesday nights in September on the first and third Tuesdays from 6 PM to 8:30 PM with childcare and supper provided. This will have the same format as the daytime group; social time, craft, speaker and discussion. For more information on the Wednesday morning or Tuesday evening groups please contact Leah Roth. Limited Childcare available - sign up soon.

DBC Picnic For All Ages!

When: August 28

Time: Noon ‘til 5 PM

Where: Guppy Park, Dover

Celebrate the summer with an outing at Guppy Park, Dover on Sunday afternoon, August 28. There will be events and activities for all ages! Plan to bring a picnic lunch for your family and dessert to share. Neighbors and friends are welcome too. There will be swimming available at a small fee. Watch your Sunday bulletins for more info.

Maranatha Outings Scheduled

Maranatha has scheduled two outings for August - a picnic at Wentworth State Beach on Tuesday, the 2nd, with a rain date for the 3rd; and another Maranatha picnic at Odiorne Point State Park on Tuesday, the 23rd, with a rain date for the 24th.

Maranatha is for seniors 55 and older. Regular meetings will resume at 9:30 on September 13.