Scripture
– 2 Timothy 2:1-14a NASB
You
therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things
which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these
to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me,
as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles
himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted
him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the
prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought
to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the
Lord will give you understanding in everything.
Remember
Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,
for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of
God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of
those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in
Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
It
is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with
Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will
deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
Remind
them of these things.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
had extra travel time yesterday and God led us here. We were both praying for
clarity as to continuing in this ministry and believe He orchestrated our visit
here to answer our prayers.
We
were welcomed by two greeters who offered information and a tour but for me the
most welcoming gesture was a smile from a little girl who passed in the hall…that
welcome was instant.
I
appreciated the announcement that the church would be open on Saturday nights
for those who wanted to come for prayer; it was always uplifting to be able to just
sit and pray.
The
sanctuary was a ziggurat-type: peaked in wood paneling to the underside of the
steeple where there was a blue/green material that was probably insulation but
I was hoping was backlit. I enjoyed the wooden cross.
The
message was about our resolutions, and more importantly finishing well, raising
the question “What have you done for Christ?” What have you endured?
Each
time I question what we are doing, He quickly reassures that we are on track
for His purpose for right now. It might change at any time, but for now we are
to continue, and how He uses the blog is up to Him. I pray we finish well; may
you also finish well.
We
were pleased to have a few moments to chat with the pastor and his wife, thankful
for their comments and that they are willing to let Christ use them.
Jan’s
thoughts:
In
spite of a detour, we arrived early enough to wander around a facility that was
larger than expected. A gentleman greeted us when we entered the building and upon
learning we were visitors he offered directions to the sanctuary and restrooms.
In
wandering around we saw Sunday School classes in progress, so we found seats in
the sanctuary. I loved looking at the seasonal decorations though I’m sure this
sanctuary would be pleasing to the eye any time of the year.
Several
folks took a moment to introduce themselves and welcome us and make sure we
received a welcome package.
A
gentleman played bagpipes prior to the service and again during the offering. He
said one piece was in memory of the 27 members who joined the Church Triumphant
during 2017.
The
pastor preached from the floor rather than the chancel. He began talking about
the usual New Year’s practice of evaluating the past year and looking forward
to the promise of the next, but pointed out the real challenge is to finish
well. What counts is what we’ve actually done, not what we intend to do.
In
the Scripture reading, Paul advised Timothy regarding suffering and enduring for
the Gospel. The pastor spoke of the New Year’s-type excitement he had experienced
– as do we all – when he fell in love with his wife, when they learned they
would become parents, when he started a new job, and at the beginning of his
faith journey. But when each of these life adventures began, the thought of suffering
or endurance never entered his mind. And although they have been some of the
best experiences of his life, and ones he would never trade, there have been periods
of suffering and endurance.
As
an example of suffering and endurance, he spoke of his father, who had been a Prisoner
of War in Germany for 1½ years.
His
statement that “Starting is good but finishing well is better” spoke to me, along
with the rest of the message. Sometimes in this life even the best experiences
require some degree of suffering and endurance. The hope behind many New
Year’s resolutions is that life will be easier, so this is a good day to
remember these biblical truths.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray for endurance for Your church that You will be glorified. May they
serve You well in the mission opportunities You provide. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment