Posted on Jan 9, 2013 in Pastor's Perspective |
8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Acts 18:8-11
When Paul committed his life to follow Jesus Christ he began a journey that was beyond his wildest imagination. He would spend his days serving people he used to despise, the Gentiles. Paul’s life was changed from the inside out and his heart’s desire was to know God. From now on he would seek to serve God rather than trying to please men. Because of this he faced great difficulty and frequent opposition (2nd Corinthians 11:23-33). Paul also experienced a greater measure of grace than he could have ever imagined, sufficient enough grace to carry him through every trial he would face. (2nd Corinthians 12:8-10).
While in Corinth, Paul saw many people come to God, Jews and gentiles. He would have surely been encouraged at what God had done through him in that city. But in the verses above we see that Paul also faced pressing fears. When those fears pressed upon him he received what God had to say and he continued on the course God had set out for him. The example to us is clear; Even when life is going well, fear is waiting to interfere and take us off course. No matter where you are at, focused or fearful, turn your heart to what God has to say. Listen to the words of Jesus;
“Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you…” and then stay on course.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Pray for the missions work God has joined us to:
a. Strickland family in North Africa.
b. Chapel Missions India
c. New Beginnings in Romania
2. Pray also for current local outreach efforts;
a. Bible Club on high school campus
b. Jail ministries; men and women’s
c. Hidden Treasures care center ministry
d. Operation Homefront to our military families
3. Pray for new opportunities;
a. Outreach to local ranchers and farmers. Elmore and Owyhee
counties are vast and there are many people who live miles from
neighbors. How can we reach them and share the gospel?
b. Canada missions trip this summer. We have went in years past
and we are looking at a new location and opportunity for this year.
In His Grace,
Pastor Dan
