TO GOD BE THE GLORY

To God Be the Glory

"That you with one mind and mouth glorify God." Romans15:6

Today Jan, Zach and I are heading to Willow Grove, PA, to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Independent Bible Church of Willow Grove. It was my privilege to serve for three years as Director of Music back in the late 80's.

IBC has a rich history of great men who have served as Pastors. Men like Dr. Will Varner, now serving at Master's Seminary, the late Dr. Jack Murray, Dr. Ed Dobson, Pastor Milton Achey, and my friend Pastor Matt Reed.

During my time at IBC I had the joy of worshipping and serving the Lord with so many incredible people that God has used in my life over the years. Let me just name a few:

Joe Dariano is one of the most godly men that I have had the privilege of knowing. He is one of those gentle giants who has been a steady, consistent follower of Jesus Christ. During a deep crisis in our lives, Joe was one of those men who stood by us as a friend, counselor and cheerleader.

Charlie and Esther McCauley are two of our cherished prayer warriors. They have been such faithful encourager's and prayer partners. They are not afraid to speak up when they feel that my schedule is too full, and yet have encouraged me and my family to love God and serve Him.

Pastor Newton Conant -- I've talked about him many times. He was a man that walked with God in such a way that when you sat down with him, you felt that you were already in the presence of God. Even in his 90's, he was always waiting with "joyful expectancy" to see what God was going to do next in his life. For us young guys (at the time!), he was an incredible mentor.

Pastor Matt Reed -- Matt was not just my pastor, he was my friend. During Matt's years as pastor, he faced numerous challenges, the greatest being his wife leaving him right after he assumed the Senior pastorate of the church. For three years I watched Matt lead a life of integrity and dignity, and allowing God to walk him through what could have been one of the most devastating times of a man's life. During his tenure the church grew under Matt's ministry. I remember him preaching through the life of Joseph -- the messages were so practical and timely as Matt was living through the story in his own life.

Matt stepped down as Pastor because of his divorce. The Lord opened the door for him to become the Director of Haycock Camping Ministries where he served faithfully for many years until God called him back into pastoral ministry where he has been serving at Calvary Church in Souderton, PA, with Dr. Charles Zimmerman.

Matt -- I love you and am so proud of you!

The theme song of IBC is TO GOD BE THE GLORY ... and truly God has done great things over the years in this little church in Willow Grove. To our friends and loved ones at IBC -- Happy 50th Anniversary and may God give you many more years.

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 6; 2 Chronicles 25-27; John 16

Dig This Quote: Once we get intimate with Jesus we are never lonely and lack for understanding or compassion. We can continually pour out our hearts to Him without being perceived as overly emotional for pitiful. The Christian who is truly intimate with Jesus will never draw attention to himself but will only show the evidence of a life where Jesus is completely in control. This is the outcome of allowing JESUS to satisfy every area of life to its depth. The picture resulting from such a life is that of the strong, calm balance that our Lord gives to those who are intimate with Him. – Oswald Chambers

Determined Digging: Level 1 --Proverbs 16:13; Level 2 -- Psalm 91:11-16