22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
As we draw nearer to the Easter Celebration, as Paul did to Jerusalem, it is uncertain what we will experience. As with Paul we are entering into a realm of ministry which CWC has never been before. Paul would experience hostility, discouragement, and ship wreck, before reaching Rome; but he knew God had called him, yet not apart from tribulation. Since the inception of this outreach satan has been attacking this fellowship, but God has granted us victory at every turn, (city council, personal attacks on leadership, accusations, and the like). Some of you may have experienced emotions which you thought were well in your past, depression, and even a sense of weariness. Well the apostle would say to us; “Welcome to the club!” But I believe he would also say; “Our desire to please God must be greater than our emotional and negative experiences!” “Butnone of these things moved me…”
Like Paul, let us determine to not allow that which is temporal move us away from the eternal, that we may finish with Joy! That we might accomplish our Father’s will…”to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” I so look forward to seeing what the Lord will do each week, but especially on Easter. Thus, with the same confidence Paul rested in, let us press on in full assurance of the fact, that the “battle” is not ours, but the Lords! Understanding also that the trials and struggles we face are “par” for the course, which God has called us to run!
1 Peter 4:12-13
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
The victory is ours, because the battle is the Lord’s. Therefore, let us move forward with “great expectation” of what the Lord will do, in bringing many to the saving knowledge of Christ, in our city. For His Glory,
Pastor Al
Acts 20:22-24
22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
1 Peter 4:12-13
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Blessings,
Pastor Al
