Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Tuesday was a very full day; full and good. It was the sort of day that both fills you up and wears you out at the same time.

But it was the way the day was framed that made it extra special, the privilege of being around people we love and sharing friendships that are not only grounded in faith but sustained that way too.

First thing in the morning I made my way over to HMPC for the men’s Bible study. Our task was to “wrap up” our conversation around Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthian Church.

It was impossible, of course, to “tidy up” our study of a letter that includes such ideas as:

• “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…” (1:18)
• “What no eye has seen,
      what no ear has heard,
  and what no human mind has conceived”—
      the things God has prepared for those who love him… (2:9)
•  “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God…” (10:31)
•  “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me…’” (11:23-24)
• “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it…” (12:27)
• “Love never fails… For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known…” (13:8,12)
• “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power…” (15:42-43)

What counts for me it is the context of the conversation, to be in the presence of more than 20 good men, seated around the table, committed to encouraging one-another to live as more intentional disciples.

Just to be there does my heart good.

Ditto the other end of the day, when Rebekah and I enjoyed the privilege of hosting our friends Leslie and Scott Krusow for dinner.

The Krusows – along with their young-adult children – were part of our church family in Wake Forest, and we are grateful for the effort they have made to stay connected the best we can.

Leslie is an amazing cook, so I always feel motivated – inspired – to go the extra mile when they visit. In consequence I may well have prepared more delicious and calorie-laden food than is prudent for a 70-year-old to consume!

Of course no-one was complaining, and I will just have to over-achieve commensurately in the exercise department over the coming few days.

What does “rich” mean?

But… “rich” food? Maybe the better phrase is “A Rich Life”. Rebekah and I have been swimming in riches together ever since my story became “our” story back in the late 1970’s.

Rich when we had less than nothing and were grateful when someone left a bag of groceries outside our apartment door. Rich when we were given the gift of two beautiful children to nurture and raise. Rich every time a church welcomed us to walk with them on their journey of faith (Trinity, First Brandon, WFPC, HMPC). Rich when we were able to restore a historic home and become part of this community too.

Especially rich in friends and in communion, because God has gifted us with – as Jesus described it in John 10:10 – “More and better life than they ever dreamed of.…”

The writer of James describes this kind of life as a gift.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth…” – James 1:17

You bet. Rich. Every good and perfect gift – DEREK