Good morning! We’ve just passed hump day and are on the downward slide to the weekend. I hope you’ve been preparing yourself all week to gather with God’s children to worship the Lord in unity. We invite you to worship with us at Calvary Baptist if you don’t already have a church home in Oceanport, NJ. Everyone is welcome!

As you head out today, you might encounter rush hour, especially in larger cities. Rushing isn’t just for the road; it seems as soon as I get out of bed, I’m in a hurry. We all hurry off in different directions. Despite preparing my workout clothes in advance, my socks often go missing—my dog loves to steal them!

I now dedicate some "quiet time" to the Lord after I return from my workout, but many people start their day without taking the time to connect with Him. I recently came across a poem titled "The Morning Hour," written by Bruce Fogarty. It presents a tremendous challenge that I would like to share with all of you as we begin each day.

Alone with God, in quiet peace,

From earthly cares, I find release;

New strength I borrow for each day

As there with God, I stop to pray.

Alone with God, my sins confess’d,

He speaks in mercy, I am blest.

I know the kiss of pardon free,

I talk to God, He talks to me.

Alone with God, my vision clears,

I see my guilt, the wasted years.

I plead for grace to walk His way

And live for Him, from day to day.

Alone with God no sin between,

His lovely face so plainly seen;

My guilt all gone, my heart at rest

With Christ, my Lord, my soul is blest.

Lord, keep my life alone for Thee;

From sin and self, Lord, set me free.

And when no more this earth I trod,

They’ll say, “He walked alone with God.

¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth!” 

Blessings on your Journey,

Gene