Rick McPherson March Newsletter, 2024
Restoration: a restoration is when you bring something back to what it was. A crumbling house that is lovingly-rebuilt in its original style, a king who was kicked off his throne only to get it back, an automobile that was rusted; abandoned and badly neglected that is rebuilt, refurbished and renewed to original or better condition. All of these are examples of restoration.
When you think about it, the theme of restoration is found throughout the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The dictionary further defines restoration as:
“A bringing back to a former position or condition.” The promise of restoration offers hope when all else seems to oppose it. The point is that God loves to restore! Consider Job…remember him? He was ruined financially, sick enough to scrape his boils with pieces of broken glass, and ultimately abandoned by his friends! Someone suggested that he just, “curse God and die!” But God had plans for Job and the restoration began! Oh my! The end of Job’s life was remarkable. It was inspiring. It was beautiful. Read about it and you’ll be amazed.
All this brings me to my love of restoration, which I’ve enjoyed since my youth. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and other stuff have all received the “Rick Mac Touch.” Some of the first attempts were pretty rough around the edges. But eventually we achieved trophy-winning awards status and made friends throughout the automotive world. I found myself talking to people who never dreamed of entering a church building or reading the Bible. Never! Yet, here I was talking to them at the drag strip, car show, motocross event or machine shop about life, values, meaning and … wait for it…a personal relationship with God who very much wanted to see them, yep, restored. Then, I remembered that verse in Corinthians, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away…all things have become new.” (IICor.5:17)
These worlds merged together one night when the Lord reminded me of His promise to the original Disciples. He told them to wait in Jerusalem. He said,
“You will receive POWER when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be WITNESSES… even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
The merger continued with me and my personal involvement. I wanted to say “NO!” My age. My health. My ability. My limitations. All these came to mind as I wrestled with God. Who starts an expanded ministry at 75? Who starts making FaceBook videos and Podcasts and soliciting financial support when others are fishing, golfing and relaxing? Who? Well, you’re looking at him, now. And, reading this newsletter.
The last phrase of the verse riveted the agreement for me…”even to the remotest part of the earth.” How is that possible? Technology! From my desk in my basement with Podcast equipment already purchased and delivered by loving generous friends in Texas, I can record and then send the Gospel message of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness…around the world…to the remotest part of the earth. I know in my heart and as God is my witness, “…the gifts and callings of God are without repentance… (irrevocable)”. (Romans 11:29) He has enabled me as a writer and communicator and will honor His Word as I faithfully communicate it; now behind a Podcast microphone and a computer keyboard.
Will you help me? I need friends like you to pray for me and support this ministry financially. And, you’ll never know how hard it is for me to write that last sentence. But, “you have not, because you ask not.” (James 4:2)
Thanks friends … and welcome to the ministry world of:
Rick McPherson RESTORATION
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