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1/21/2024 0 Comments Pastor’s PenBeloved, have you ever had to defend yourself? Paul's trial before Felix at Caesarea helps us understand how to properly defend ourselves against false accusations.
The first thing we need to do is tell the truth. So often it is so easy to place the blame elsewhere or to blame someone else for our ills but telling the truth makes everything easier. Secondly of course is the fact that if we are living a life unto the Lord, it does not matter what others bring against us. Living a pure life before the Lord is our defense. Thirdly and maybe more importantly is the fact that we need to have patience. Paul would remain at Caesarea for two years before he was sent off to Rome. Two years incarcerated over a false allegation gives a person much to consider. Beloved, if you find yourself in some type of trial remember to speak the truth, live the truth, and wait for the truth. Consider the following scripture as you persevere awaiting the Lord’s deliverance from your current situation. James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Blessings- Pastor Joe
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1/14/2024 0 Comments Pastor's PenBeloved, so often life does not turn out exactly how we expected it to turn out. There are twists and turns which we never anticipated but over which we see the fingerprint of God. Thies was true in Paul’s life as it is true in our lives!
The Apostle Paul was on a course for Rome. The Lord had planted that promise in his heart and was going to fulfill that promise but maybe not in the manner in which Paul thought it was going to be fulfilled for you see, Paul was going to Rome as a prisoner. This reminds us of Proverbs 16:9 which says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Beloved, ultimately the Lord is in control of our life as His fingerprint is all over our Life. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Beloved, The Lord controls the logistics of our lives. Our pleasure is to trust Him to determine our steps as we follow Him! To Him be all the glory! Blessings- Pastor Joe 1/7/2024 0 Comments Pastor’s PenBeloved, as we begin this New Year, I have chosen Mark 10:43-45 as the theme verses for this year, 2024. We will find these verses to be both comforting and challenging. Comforting knowing that Jesus willingly took the cup of sacrifice and suffering, to die for the sins of the world, which enables us to live free in Christ Jesus.
But challenging because we also have a cup that we must also accept. Acceptance of the cup given to us and specifically for us individually allows us to grow as a servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is not easy, but it is wonderful! It is because Jesus came to ransom us, to set us free from the bondage of sin and self that allows us to mature into the Christian God desires us to become. Therefore, I pray that each one of us would be challenged to become more like Jesus Christ. That each one of us would be a servant at home, in our community and in our fellowship. That we would remember that “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” May our lives emulate our Savior! To God be the glory! |
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