February 2018 Prayer Letter

"...the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical,

of fame and of glory throughout all countries..." 1 Chronicles 22:5

Our praying friends and family in the Lord,

King David set out to build the House of the Lord. He envisioned that it ought to be the most magnificent building ever constructed, or ever to be constructed. He envisioned that for sheer scope and grandeur, it should have no equal; that its expense should be uncalculable; that its symmetry and detail, to the most minute degree, defy man's belief in its possibility; that its wonder and fame should be sounded the world over, and wanderers be drawn to it; and that its beauty should melt the hearts of all who behold it. To that end, he devoted all his energy, time, purse, and intellect. Solomon, expressing David's devotion, said, "The house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods." This temple wasn't meant to be solely an unparalleled offering — a gift rendered to God for His great goodness and exceeding mercies — but a visible reflection of all that David beheld in His God. And all who beheld it couldn't help but note the warrior-king's consuming love.

There's a whole lot of preaching in those thoughts for those that would build the House of God, but I've another thought in mind. David prepared for, and Solomon built, the most magnificent building ever constructed, from the rarest and most costly of materials. Nothing but the absolute best would do, and nothing mean or meager would even be considered. Still, after its completion and dedication, as magnificent as it was, it reached its historical zenith and began a slow decline. It was eventually plundered and torn down by the Babylonians and rebuilt a generation later, a mere shadow of its former self. David had attempted what our God had desired, to create a place worthy of His presence. David's heart was perfect, and his intentions blessed by Heaven, but he was still flesh.

Several hundred years later, near the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, the Lord Jesus Christ uttered these words: "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The one for whom the temple had been erected had come in the flesh to do what man could not. Blessed be His name, Our Great Savior accomplished what David attempted! He has built for Himself, by Himself, a worthy habitation. The sheer scope and grandeur of His design, in its symmetry and intricacy, boggles the mind. Through faith in His name, dead sinners, made of cursed dust, by His exceeding love and grace, are made anew into lively stones, elect and precious. With them He has built a building whose price cannot be fathomed, for Heaven spared no expense in purchasing material. He has redeemed it by His blood, sanctified it by His word, empowered it with His Spirit, glorified it by His presence, and beautified it with His salvation. Moreover, He's given His word that Hell wouldn't prevail against it; because the Lamb "hath prevailed," His church will prevail. And glory to God I'm a part of it! There are those who would seek to replace it and site insufficiency; there are those who disdain it and site hypocrisy; there are those who ignore it and site irrelevancy; but I adore it and site Calvary! To unbelieving eyes, the church holds no attraction, yet she has the attention of Heaven: for our Lord "seeth not as a man seeth," rather our God sees in us the glory of His Son, and is satisfied.

Look here, I've been so excited contemplating this, I've gone and taken up this whole prayer letter! My wife, proofreading this, said it ought to be called a devotional rather than a prayer letter. Pray for her. Before I go any farther, I hope this letter finds you rejoicing in the New Year! It'll be happier still if you spend it with the Church, fellowshipping with Jesus. We passed the old year with the Church in several countries and on two continents. And wherever we've gone, we've found His grace sufficient. It is our hope to pass 2018 the same way, in church, praising God, and telling of His goodness; basking in the light of His love; and worshipping at His feet.

My daughter, Dixie Joy, and I closed out 2017 in sickness. I had pneumonia and she had the flu and strep. Thankfully, we're both mended and glad to be on the road again. Pray for us; while this month is almost entirely filled up, the rest of our schedule remains fairly open. We still have until the end of June on this furlough — plenty of time to visit. If you'd like us to stop by and update you on the work in Bulgaria, to testify, sing or preach, don't hesitate to let us know. We'd love to come and tell of the goodness of our Savior demonstrated toward our gypsy Turks. Also, feel free to pass our information along to any other pastors or churches, and especially to as many praying people as you know.

We've got some pretty big prayer requests (a vehicle, a house, added support), all certainly bigger than you and I are able to meet. Yet, thankfully, I have a big God, who gave an exceeding great and precious promise, and His word is faithful and true. And there's never been a saint yet who has taxed the Lord's purse strings with the size of their request. Moreover, it pleases Him to answer our prayers, and the greater and more impossible the request, the better He's pleased to meet it. In fact, He petitions us to petition Him, to try Him, and see what He's able to do. What a God! I bless His name for what He's going to do on our behalf. Rejoice with me by faith, trusting His promise, watching for its fulfillment.

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare:
Jesus loves to answer prayer;
He Himself has bid thee pray,
Therefore will not say thee nay.

Thou art coming to a King,
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such,
None can ever ask too much.

I close with the Apostle Paul and say, "Sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me." We love you and look forward to hearing from you. Believe for us when our faith wanes, and we'll do the same for you. The good Lord bless you all out of His abundant riches in glory.

Because of a living Savior,

The William LeFevre Family