The Power Of Perseverance

Week of January 24, 2025

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV)

Ministry often feels like a marathon. There are moments of joy and fruitfulness, but there is also seasons of weariness and challenges. In those times, perseverance becomes a vital part to fulfilling God’s call.

The Apostle Paul understood this better than most. In 2 Corinthians 11, he list the trials he endured, but he didn’t quit. You may be challenged with financial struggles or personal trials. Those times test our faith, but they also remind us of the One who strengthens us to press on. Our scripture text for today says we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.

When weariness sets in, it’s easy to lose sight of who we are living for.

Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He understood the eternal impact of His sacrifice. When we remember that our work has eternal significance, the temporary hardships we face become smaller in comparison.

Perseverance is not about our strength, but about God’s power working in us. If you will carry on, He will be faithful to sustain you. So commit to enduring knowing that your work is not in vain.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Strength In Unity

Week of January 17, 2025

“1I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3, NKJV)

The Apostle Paul encourages us to live in a way that reflects our calling as followers of Jesus – humble, patient, and loving.

In a world often marked by division and strife, the church stands as a beacon of hope. Our strength is not just in our individual faith, but in our collective unity. Paul reminds us that maintaining unity requires effort. It means extending grace when someone falls short. It’s choosing peace over conflict.

When we are unified, we reflect the heart of Jesus to a world that is watching us. Unity doesn’t mean we all look, act, or think exactly the same. It means we are united in purpose and mission and that is to glorify God Almighty and make Him known to the world.

Maybe we should ask how am I contributing to the unity of the church? Is there someone I need to forgive and show grace to?

Commit to unity, for when we do we will see His blessings poured out upon us and His church.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Prayer Alignment

Week of January 10, 2025

 “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1, NKJV)

Prayer aligns your life with God so that He chooses to demonstrate His power through you. The prayers of the people at Pentecost brought the people to a place where they were ready to participate in the work of God that God had planned.

 Jesus had told His disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait until the Holy Spirit came upon them. As they prayed, God adjusted their lives to what He wanted next from them. When the day of Pentecost arrived, the city of Jerusalem was filled with people from around the world. When the Holy Spirit came the city was filled with messengers who would carry the gospel to every nation. Prayer had prepared the disciples for their response.

Prayer is really to adjust us to God’s will and not to adjust God to our will. So if God hasn’t responded to what we are praying for, we may need to adjust our praying to align with God’s agenda. Instead of focusing on what we want to happen, be conscious of the fact that God may be more concerned with what He wants to see happen in you.

God Bless, Pastor Rick