Reflect
Woven throughout these four short verses are deep matters that would take pages to adequately unpack. Read verse 24 slowly. Try to relate to Paul as he writes these words while sitting in a cold jail, beaten and imprisoned for having the courage to follow Jesus in bringing His message of grace and peace to those who had never been invited into this whole new way of life. Paul found the message of grace so captivatingly joyful that he was willing to endure any afflictions to see others also be freed spiritually. Paul caught that there is pain in every person’s life; why not suffer pain for the cause that is above all others? How are you responding to the passing desires of ease and safety, while the life that can only be truly embraced if you are willing to lay down your own life for others calls you? I have never been beaten for my faith. Have you? This evening we launch Alpha. Perhaps someone at your workplace, school or neighbourhood would join us if you came with them. Jesus will draw in those that He is saving. Perhaps He is allowing you to be involved in His saving work. Who will you go to?
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for the Prime Minister, Premier Notley, Mayor Iveson, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God recalls.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, Youth Ministry Pastor and his interns Ben Cheung, Monika Thygesen and Jessica Del Genio.
- Pray for our Daycare in its service to children and their families this week. Pray for the director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.