When everything is DUE TODAY.......

 

I love the book of Acts. It would make a great adventure movie. The scene I read about today was Paul in front of the Sanhedrin in Acts 23. There is such turmoil and then in the midst of all that turmoil and chaos, in the midst of plots to kill Paul, Jesus shows up. He appears to Paul and says this:

"That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well." (Acts 23:11, NLT)

Just that simple, the Lord shows up and encourages Paul, helps him stay focused on the MISSION. 

I have to admit, there are times when I get so wrapped up in the issues of life, that I need that same reminder. My life is busy right now. Dealing with day to day issues of "managing a church", family, and still being a pastor, it is easy to let those things way me down. I need simple reminders like Paul, that the main thing is "SHARING THE GOOD NEWS in NEW CASTLE." 

Do you ever get anxious because it seems like every little issue needs to be taken care of today? It is times like that when I most feel his presence. It is at times like that I remember to KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING! My goal has been and always will be, "Make Disciples who make Disciples." That only happens through the power of Jesus Christ in complete control of my life, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Even when it seems like everything is DUE TODAY!

I am not the only one who feels like everything needs my attention TODAY. I see it and hear about it often.  The Lord is MY STRENGTH just like he was Paul's strength. He is my strength to do today, what he wants accomplished today. Everything else can wait! I have nothing to fear. 

"How the king rejoices in your strength, O Lord! He shouts with joy because you give him victory. For you have given him his heart's desire; you have withheld nothing he requested." (Psalm 21:1-2, NLT)

"For the king trusts in the Lord. The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling." (Psalm 21:7, NLT)

I join the king in my overwhelming TRUST in the LORD. I know as long as I stay focused on him, he will keep my steps. He will keep me from stumbling. Even when times are overloaded with LIFE, I completely trust in the MOST HIGH GOD!

Heavenly Father, I praise you for your guiding hand in my life. I praise you that you keep my family, you keep my flock, and you keep me safe within your loving arms. I praise you that we can all experience the same encouragement Paul discovered. I praise you that I have the grand opportunity to SHARE THE GOOD NEWS in New Castle and beyond. Thank you Lord. AMEN!

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!