04
Be Encouraged
Tim Savage22When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Acts 11
This morning I am encouraged by this passage in Acts because I believe that New Hope is a church like the one in Antioch, a church that is drawing non-believers, that is sensitive to the un-churched and the seeker. It’s always nice to be reminded of the impact that we are having on our community, state and world because most of the time our heads are down and our shoulders against the plow, doing what is needed from week to week.
It’s DCAT week and hundreds, if not thousands, will join us to learn and be inspired by the music and messages that so many have worked hard on for the past several weeks. Again, our heads are down as we plow through the work, but this will also be a week to celebrate the fruit of the harvest. New people from our church, New Hope veterans and people from around the world will come together to recognize and rejoice in God’s overflowing blessings. So amidst all of the task and responsibility, I make a conscious decision to celebrate the victory and the amazing ministry of our church. I will also encourage those with whom I serve, who also labor hard and long and might need to look up from their plow to see the blessings of our Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this amazing opportunity to serve You in a way that is so very fruitful. May I never take it for granted, even when the hours are long and the work is hard. I ask that Your hand be on this conference and that those who are attending, as well as those that are serving, feel Your power and presence.
In Jesus name,
Amen
