Good Lord's Day,

I THINK OF MY BLESSED REDEEMER
I WORSHIP HIM ALL THE DAY LONG 

I SING FOR I CANNOT BE SILENT
HIS LOVE IS THE THEME OF MY SONG. 

Chorus:
REDEEMED, REDEEMED, REDEEMED BY THE 
BLOOD OF THE LAMB
REDEEMED, REDEEMED HIS CHILD AND 
FOREVER I AM.

I KNOW I SHALL SEE IN HIS BEAUTY 
THE KING IN WHOSE LAW I DELIGHT
WHO LOVINGLY GUARDETH MY FOOTSTEPS
AND GIVETH ME SONGS IN THE NIGHT

"As for me, i will behold thy face in righteousness: I will be satisfied, 
when I awake, with thy likeness" Psalm 17:15

"ALL THIS, AND HEAVEN, TOO"-A pastor of mine years ago closed each testimony 
shared with these words.

WORDS OF THANKS-A few weeks ago, I told you of the death of my cousin, The 
Reverend Kenneth Piper. His widow, Patricia (Trudy), included us in a letter 
of thanks and update. She will continue the work in the office of the 
region, until his successor is named.

DELETE KEY-I find it to be useful each day as I filter my mail. What a 
shameful mess! May God help us to be of sufficient profit to you that we are 
not part of that duty.

HEAVEN-Seems to be the recurring theme in my mail of late. Is it near? As a 
pastor, many of my memorable studies were built on questions from 
participants. The subject of "heaven" was always discussed. Number one 
question, "Will we know our loved ones in heaven?". Let me answer the query 
in Puritan style-"Concerning knowledge in heaven--we shall surely know no 
less than we do on earth".

ENOUGH SAID- Two very special men have been undergoing physical trials. Vern 
Knibbs in Pontiac, MI, and Everett Blaylock in Rapid City, SD. Enough said?

GOOD SEED-Bears good fruit-eventually. I received e-mail from a reader this 
week. In April of 1980 I performed their wedding vows. Because of military 
ties and time restrictions, I had to compress pre-marital counselling. Mine 
were very straightforward sessions. The bride was from the church, the groom 
had no background. When we discussed spiritual matters, they were brushed 
aside. Let me "cut to the chase"

Military life ended, good work followed, some sad years of spiritual 
searching, finally, after seventeen years they found a good church and Life 
in Christ. They are teaching marriage enrichment courses and will be 
anointed as deacons this Sunday. Hallelujah!

I FOUND IT-After I mentioned preaching from Obadiah, one of you asked me, 
"What did you say?". Phil helped me dig out the old notes. On May 27, 1973, 
I used that book of the Bible to present two efforts in preaching. The first 
title, "Pride is a Liar" comes from verse 3 of this shortest book of the Old 
Testament.
1. The Prophet's Assessment of Their Deception--They felt themselves greatly 
admired, greatly secure and very wise.

2. The Pride That Supported All Delusions--This "mother sin" rendered them 
self righteous and self-sufficient. 

3. The Pathway of Evil That Inevitably Follows--Became a road to ruin 
without compassion. They are a defiant people on the way to destruction.

Conclusion-We must guard against "I" being too often on our lips. The good 
things of God are on the shelves low enough to be reached; but you must stoop 
to reach them.

DESCENDING TRUTH-Also seemed to catch your eye. Learn to distinguish between 
FACTS that are revealed, and the ETERNAL TRUTHS that are shown in those facts.

The second title, "A Sample of Sovereignty" is from verse four. This is a 
truth not always announced; but always evident. 

1. Specifically-I used instances from Scripture i.e. The Book of Esther does 
not even contain the name of God; but He is evident. Fiery furnaces, dens of 
lions and hillside battlefields all were places where we see God's sovereign 
power.

2. Salvifically- That is in obtaining our redemption. God, Himself, 
planned, perpetrated and perfected the Calvary work.

3. Satisfyingly- "Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things" Psalm 103:5. 
"His Eye is on The Sparrow" The day by day faithfulness of God is our only 
guarantee in these times.

Conclusion-Obadiah has much more to say concerning Edom. With confidence, he 
closes verse four with the divinely authorized signature of a true prophet, 
"saith the Lord". 

SIX MONTHS-Since the cowardly and reprehensible act of terrorism against the 
United States. Our world is very different. As tomorrow comes and goes my 
prayer is that the steps of faith taken in the wake of the tragedy will be 
continued in many lives.

AFGHANISTAN AND ISRAEL-My words would just make me another "talking head" on 
the subject. Your pastor will give you good guidance and teaching. Pay heed 
to his words. 

MARCH MADNESS-Is celebrated as basketball on many levels moves to crowning 
champions. The church world has its own version. Don't consider me as just 
an old bitter cynic. I was guilty of this as a pastor. We announce that we 
are going to display to the "outsiders" the, "Reason for the season". We 
then embark on a hectic whirl of rehearsals for programs, cantatas and extravaganzas of all types. We breathe a 
deep sigh of relief at Easter. We then are ready to slump into Spring.

Psalm 67
His,
Ron Krantz