True believers are more like Jesus after troubles. This thought came to me while reading this article and reminiscing of the influence my previous pastor had on my life. Even though he has gone through the problems of church planting, School Principal, and pastor his life has always been burning bright. Prior to Two Hills, what joy it was to me to talk with him as he guided me through things I should do, that would be a blessing in ministering at Two Hills. Thank You Pastor Evan Craig for being my Pastor, my friend, and my mentor, your life has made an impact in my life, more than words could ever express.
God’s people always shine brighter after beatings. The Old Testament prophets did. The New Testament saints did. We are reminded of Stephen’s glowing testimony that led to the conversion to Saul of Tarsus; and then eventually the evangelism throughout the world. But Stephen burned while he was beaten.
Why is it that oil that burns the brightest comes from the olive that has been beaten the most?
The beating of the olive reduced the olive from coarse fiber and fatty tissue to the essence of life. Christians have not yet been refined and reduce to pure Christian extract and carry excess carnal fiber. God permits some of the beatings of life for the sake of holy subtractions.
The beatings changed the form to the olive from a solid to a liquid; from a rigid, unbending structure, to a fluid willing to assume whatever shape its container dictated. God allows life to give us other beatings for the sake of holy sensitivity and holy flexibility.
Job said, “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold”.
What a blessing to realize that as a child of God; we can “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Friend, maybe it’s time that you casted all of your discontent, discouragement, despairs, and suffering on the Lord. What is holding you back from doing it now?
I invite you to come and worship the Lord with us. We begin our day of worship with a Prayer Meeting at 10:00 and the Morning Service at 11:00. Come let Him change your life through His Word. I must apologize for the delay on this week’s blog, but rest assured, they will be posted every Monday morning! I invite you, if you are not already, to become a member and sign up.
Pastor Paul
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Good reminder brother! I always tell - warn - my people if they want me to pray that God grants them patience, they better be prepared for the "beating" He will bring! In the end, however, we are made more into the image of the One who is "altogether lovely"!
ReplyDeleteLove in the Truth.
Hey Paul,
ReplyDeleteIsn't that wonderful to know godly men who come into our lives? Who have such a great concern for our spiritual life and our future in full-time ministry? I know exactly how you feel about your mentor Evan Craig. My mentor was John Mank,he played a big part in my life as he prepared me for the future of pastoral ministry. I thank the Lord every day for putting him in my life.
Paul, we can praise God for His goodness as He put these wonderful men into our lives. To Him be the Glory! Keep preaching with that passion that I see in your blog notes.
God bless, my brother in Christ
P.S. I would like for you to be my friend on my blog if that's ok with you? Here is my blog address.
http://pastormikescorner.blogspot.com/