12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. Psalm 92:12-14
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. 2 Corinthians 4:16
13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
Companions,
This first week of the new year 2019 was a time for looking forward to the possibilities and challenges ahead and even though we cannot know all that will happen in the coming year we do know that God has a purpose for us and that “all things work together for good to those who love God”. God has no “age of retirement”, therefore we labor till the week closes and the “Sabbath of Eternity” sets in. Even though our physical and intellectual abilities may show the passing of time, our spiritual strength endures and even grows until our work is complete. As time passes, we may need a ride to our Council meetings and may not be able to learn or perform ritual as we once did, but our spiritual body remains strong and we can still encourage and inspire our fellow Companions. When we first entered the fraternity we declared that our trust was in God and the Chaplain prayed that we would dedicate and devote our lives to His service. From this service Companions, there is no retirement.
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health, we praise You and thank You for giving, strengthening and renewing our spiritual life. Let us with fervency and zeal continue the work You have set before us. Amen.
Jack A. Holloway
I. Associate Grand Chaplain