Michael Khanchalian
Apr 30, 20223 min
To our precious OFRH family,
I trust God’s amazing grace will flow to each of you all through this month. On the first broadcast in May we finish up in the Book of Ruth. In the Lord’s providence Boaz, a relative of Ruth’s deceased husband, becomes her “kinsman-redeemer” per the Mosaic law. Ruth, described as an honorable and kind young woman, learns of this law from Naomi – and in chapter 3 we find that she acts on it.
As Dr. Fuller concludes that beautiful story of loyalty and love, he then will be speaking for 7 weeks from the Book of 1 Thessalonians. This remarkable letter from the hand of Paul was written to relatively new believers in the church at Thessalonica in regard to a number of concerning questions they had. The apostle’s letter has a special focus on the return of our Lord – and the joy and hope we are to know as we anticipate this glorious event. He says, “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints” (chapter 3:12-13 ESV).
Dear friend, your Lord is in the business of readying you to spend eternity with Him. This sanctifi-cation process is His plan for each of us. “He who calls us is faithful; He will surely do it” (1 Th. 5:24). Beloved, as we abide in Him, He will prepare us for that day. I’m so grateful I don’t have to figure that all out. Nevertheless, the sanctification process that our Lord takes us through can be very painful at times. He may take us through dark valleys to grow us in ways we would never choose on our own. But in His eternal love, He chooses for each individual what we especially need in order to prepare us for eternity. If you find yourself in one of those painful growing times, please know that we care and would like to be praying with you and for you. The most recent requests we’ve received have come to us from dear folks in Washington, Oregon, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. We consider it a privilege to bring their concerns (and yours) to our wonderful Heavenly Father.
Because I have personally gone through a number of dark valleys, I know they can really hurt. But I believe our Lord knows how to help us to lean on Him and to learn to trust Him fully – which we might not otherwise learn. My heart’s desire, dear friend, is for Him to grant you the grace to rest in Him. He invites us! “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. …Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
On that note, “Jesus will walk with me down through the valley” is the first phrase on our featured music CD for May which is “Gospel Favorites, Volume 4.” There are 28 songs by the OFRH choir and quartet, and the CD can be yours for just $16.50 which includes shipping. Californians, add $1.50 tax.
Resting with you in God’s faithfulness,
Michael Khanchalian, D.D.S.
P.S. Details about the two CDs – “An Old Fashioned Easter” and “Another Old Fashioned Easter.” If you want both, the price is $31.00 which includes shipping. Ordering either one or the other, the cost is just $16.50 which also includes shipping. (If you live in California please add $1.50 tax for each CD.)