First Notes: Peace Like a River
Dear First Baptist Family,
There is a popular hymn that was written in circumstances that should have produced only despair.
Horatio Spafford was a successful Chicago lawyer who had already lost his young son to illness and much of his financial holdings in the Great Chicago Fire. In 1873 he sent his wife and four daughters ahead of him by ship across the Atlantic, planning to follow shortly.
Tragically, the ship sank. All four daughters drowned. His wife survived and cabled him two words: "Saved alone."
Spafford boarded the next ship to meet her. As the vessel passed over the approximate location where his daughters had died, Spafford went below deck and wrote the words that became one of the most beloved hymns in Christian history:
When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll — whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.
Yesterday we remembered in worship the wonderful promise from Nehemiah 8: “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” While happiness was not available to Horatio Spafford on that ship, the peace that comes through Christ, and even a sense of joy, was present.
This is the joy that comes not from what surrounds you but from who holds you. This is the joy that can say it is well not because it is, by any outward measure — but because the Lord is, and that is enough.
Jesus is alive. He loves us. He graciously gives us all things. He sustains us and gives us peace, even when that peace makes no sense. Joy and peace are possible for those who trust in Jesus.
We had a great, joyful response yesterday with our Pledge Sunday. This was a special emphasis where we have asked people to make a commitment to next year’s fiscal family budget for our church.
The big idea is that we are challenging people to trust God as they give faithfully, regularly, and generously. Especially for our leaders, we are challenging them to give or incrementally increase in the coming years to the level of tithing (10% of your income).
But it's not about a number. It's about God's faithfulness and investing together. Its about where your trust ultimately is found.
Remember 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver!”
We will continue to receive pledges through the month of June. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making that commitment in the coming weeks.
Friends, I believe that the best is not behind us. It has not even arrived yet. Let’s rejoice — because the Lord is here, the grave is empty, and it is well.
With love,
Pastor Brent McDougal
P.S. This will be my last First Notes for several months as I will begin sabbatical this Friday. Thanks for praying for me and for our church in my time of rest and renewal away.
There is a popular hymn that was written in circumstances that should have produced only despair.
Horatio Spafford was a successful Chicago lawyer who had already lost his young son to illness and much of his financial holdings in the Great Chicago Fire. In 1873 he sent his wife and four daughters ahead of him by ship across the Atlantic, planning to follow shortly.
Tragically, the ship sank. All four daughters drowned. His wife survived and cabled him two words: "Saved alone."
Spafford boarded the next ship to meet her. As the vessel passed over the approximate location where his daughters had died, Spafford went below deck and wrote the words that became one of the most beloved hymns in Christian history:
When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll — whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.
Yesterday we remembered in worship the wonderful promise from Nehemiah 8: “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” While happiness was not available to Horatio Spafford on that ship, the peace that comes through Christ, and even a sense of joy, was present.
This is the joy that comes not from what surrounds you but from who holds you. This is the joy that can say it is well not because it is, by any outward measure — but because the Lord is, and that is enough.
Jesus is alive. He loves us. He graciously gives us all things. He sustains us and gives us peace, even when that peace makes no sense. Joy and peace are possible for those who trust in Jesus.
We had a great, joyful response yesterday with our Pledge Sunday. This was a special emphasis where we have asked people to make a commitment to next year’s fiscal family budget for our church.
The big idea is that we are challenging people to trust God as they give faithfully, regularly, and generously. Especially for our leaders, we are challenging them to give or incrementally increase in the coming years to the level of tithing (10% of your income).
But it's not about a number. It's about God's faithfulness and investing together. Its about where your trust ultimately is found.
Remember 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver!”
We will continue to receive pledges through the month of June. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making that commitment in the coming weeks.
Friends, I believe that the best is not behind us. It has not even arrived yet. Let’s rejoice — because the Lord is here, the grave is empty, and it is well.
With love,
Pastor Brent McDougal
P.S. This will be my last First Notes for several months as I will begin sabbatical this Friday. Thanks for praying for me and for our church in my time of rest and renewal away.
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