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There comes a time in life when things can get stagnant. I have seen it many times throughout the years… At these times, people get frustrated. However, if we stop and think for a second, it might simply be a transitioning area where God may be nudging us into a new season. The bible speaks of this in Ecclesiastes 3:1. It says there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. We can see that in the “cycle of life”… A time to be born and a time to die. A time to go to school and a time to work; a time to stand up and a time to sit down… We see it in the seasons, with planting & harvesting… God’s work continues on no matter who is involved or not involved. Isn't there comfort in that? Knowing that God has it all under control and that none of us make or break His plans. Don’t misunderstand me, God is certainly looking for willing vessels, but His plan and purpose is already mapped out; he raises some up and sits some down; he trains those to take the mantel for the next generation and all the while uses all of us, young, old & middle-aged, for the purpose of expanding His kingdom. I like what it says further down in Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 (NIV) 9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. |
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. This entire passage is about God’s timing and understanding that God has work for all of us to do. We also must realize that the fruit of that labor is a gift from God. There is no better satisfaction than being in the Lord’s will for it is there we will see fruit from our labors and be fulfilled in serving God! I am writing about this now as I feel that our churches are entering a different time; we are ushering in a new season . I see that here in the USA and overseas. God is moving greatly as we are celebrating 50 years as a church organization. In fifty years, God has taken a small stirring and made a great church that spans the globe. He has raised up great men and women to accomplish the work—Dr. Herbert Carter, past superintendants and workers, and our current leadership that is in place. Great leaders—appointed at the right time and right season. God has greatly used them. I have a question for you—where will the church be 5 years from now; 10 years or even at the 75 year celebration, should the Lord tarry?
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We have to find ways to reach the world today –amid a huge explosion in muslim conversions and general unrest towards Christians. The world has become more complacent and self-centered, sowing to the sinful nature as in Galatians 5:19-21. We, church, have to find ways to connect with what’s outside our doors to survive and thrive, to show people how to embrace and cultivate the fruits of the Spirit. God is looking for a few good men and women to help lead the cause. Men and women who are not afraid to stand up and be counted for His names’ sake. This issue is dedicated to just that—modernizing and repositioning—to make a bigger impact on our world. Gal. 6:9-10 says, 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. The Philippines ministry is growing in very different ways, they are repositioning to reap a great harvest and we, my friends, should continue to be a big part of that. That’s my prayer for our denomination and the works overseas! “Lord, help us to be your hands and feet to do what we should do, help where you want us to help and to build as you say build!” To God be the glory! God bless, |
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