Greetings in the name of the Friend of Sinners, Jesus Christ – THE Crucified and Risen Saviour! May grace and mercy be yours! What a delightful morning – cool, crisp, and dry…at the moment. I trust that all is well in your ‘little corner’ today and that you have had a positive week – experiencing and enjoying every one of God’s good and perfect gifts. I pray that you looking forward to gathering with your church family to worship, to pray, and to laugh together. Today I will be praying for you and asking Father to “release the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.
I have been reading some challenging books as of late, I like to be challenged and have goals in place that are beyond my ability to obtain. I quoted from one book recently: The Presence by Alec Rowlands, and it has been very thought-provoking and informative. I have also, been reading: Storm by Jim Cymbala, and it is affirming and disturbing. I read three ‘storm warnings’ from the book to the congregation this past Sunday and I think they were well-received. Yesterday, as I was reading and the author was talking about the health, or rather ‘ill-health’ of the Christian church in North America. He said that things were worse in other places and he referenced the country of Scotland, saying that if the current trend continues the Christian church will cease to exist. However, Scotland has been the birthplace of great revivals and great spiritual leaders…so if God moved in the past, He can do it again.
I have been “chewing-on” two quotations that came in a devotion:
Sometimes God makes it abundantly clear that we need to make a change in our lives. Perhaps we need to switch jobs, move to a new place, or embrace a healthier lifestyle. At these times we need to trust God and move forward. Don’t look back at the past; focus on God, Who is leading you to a better future.
Friends, just because we can’t see a way, doesn’t mean that God can’t make a way. We need to have childlike faith and believe that anything is possible. We must hope and pray and have trust. Don’t walk away from the miracles that may already be heading your way.
These quotations-thoughts, although I haven’t unpacked the meaning and what I am supposed to do with them, are life-infusing and give me hope. If I accept what I have been reading, even today in some thoughts about doing ministry, and I do – God is up-to-something! I want to be in the right place at that time. “The goal for all churches and Christians today is simple:we must bear fruit. Jesus clearly taught this” Jim Cymbala, Storm.
Have a great weekend – be blessed!