Dear Blog
Well I've now finished my first week back in Panama after our Dominican trip. To be honest it was a bit tough. Whether it was me missing the Dominican, Canada, the ministry being a bit slower, extra work I had to do...the list goes on and in all it made for a tough week. Although through it I probably had the best devotional times I've had in a long time. On Thursday I was able to give the talk at our weekly meeting. I shared from 2 Timothy 2 and v.8/9 really stuck out to me "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!"
The word of God is not bound.
In the past couple days I have found lots of comfort in those simple words...I have also been inspired by some friends of mine back home.
The first inspiration came from my friend Russ. Last week his baby daughter Elyse, went in for heart surgery. Throughout this Russ has been keeping us up to date through e-mails. In his last e-mail Russ signed off with "Standing on the Rock - On behalf of the Gorsline's - Russ" I can't imagine how hard it must be for be for Russ and Yvette and all the extended family to simply watch...but I was inspired by the faith in that although Russ is just standing, waiting and watching, that he is standing on the unmovable Rock.
Ian is another good friend of mine. Recently he heard that his plant will be closing down early next year. This week I was talking to Ian on Skype and he said this to me "Stevie, I'm actually looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me. It's easy for me to say I trust in Him when I know where my income is coming from, but now He is going to test my faith and its going to be tough, but I'm looking forward to having to trust in Him. It's going to be a real test of faith."
Both of these stories got me thinking about the abundant life Christ promises us in John 10:10. I believe that these men are both experiencing it. The abundant life isn't perfect health and a good income. Abundant life is being able to have joy in the midst of the hard times in life. It is the confidence and hope that we can have in Jesus no matter what life brings us.
Until next time...
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2 comments:
i love it!
Hey Steve,
It is incredible that something as a sign off in an email can inspire another brother. I am always encouraged by your updates and a couple times a month read your blog as well.
Our little girls name Elyse means consecrated to God. It has been and continues to be our prayer that God's will be done here and that whatever the outcome He will be glorified. There have been opportunities to share about that Rock I stand on with people at work and elsewhere as they say things like - "I don't know how you are getting through this and are so strong." Yvette has had the same comments from Nurses as to the inner peace and strength she has. She has been at Elyse's side 24/7 except for 2 nights when we switched roles.
You are correct bro! The word of God is not bound. The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. This word of God took on flesh and dwelt amongst us so that he knows what it means to be tempted and because of that is able to aid those who are tempted. He is the Faithful One!
Standing on the Rock - Russ
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