And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city." And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (NAS)
What is your ministry? Where are you serving God and people? How much confidence do you have that you are where God wants you? The Apostle Paul found himself in the great commercial city of Corinth. Located on the sea it attracted people from across the known regions. Here he found a tremendous need for the gospel, and received a good response. Paul had experienced rejection in almost every place where he had taught the great truth of the gospel message: salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. He had survived everything from stoning, to verbal assault, to tremendous physical torture.
No wonder when he entered a new ministry area he did so with questions. He no doubt looked for the call of God to stay and minister. Most of the time he stayed in one area only a short time. this time with great confidence he stayed for a year and a half. He proceeded with confidence because he received direct instructions from the Lord.
God is revealing God and delights in giving to His children encouragement and hope. The Apostle Paul was used to being afraid of what was coming next from those to whom he ministered. He never knew if he would receive another beating, an imprisonment or both. So when God gave him the word to not be afraid but to continue his ministry Paul was renewed in his mission and this challenge came with great confidence. Paul normally stayed in a city from a few days to maybe a few months but due to God's word of encouragement he stayed a year and six months making disciples by teaching the Word.
Do you have a ministry through which you serve God and people? Do you have confidence, not self-confidence, but God-confidence because you know god has called you and given you His word? Everything did not go well for Paul at Corinth, but he stuck with it because he knew God had spoken to him. Go today in the confidence and strength of God's call. Be encouraged as you serve the Lord in the area of
ministry He has called you.
______________Today's personal note from Dennis
Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ.,
Sandy is really enjoying her Tuesday morning Bible study. She is teaching the Book of Ephesians. Although some of you have accused me of having Sandy write my sermons, I want you to know she went to my notes on Ephesians this week for ideas. What goes around
Hope and pray that you are having a great day and that this has been a wonderful week. God seems to know just what we need at the right time and sends the answers when He knows we are ready.
Several of you have asked about our grandson, Johnny, who was born prematurely 7 months ago this week. He has grown from a little 3 pounder into a big boy of 18 1/2 pounds. He is doing well. He is teething this week. His Mom and Dad are loving that, drool and all.
Sandy is still awaiting results from her tests.
Susan, our youngest daughter, has been having extreme pain in her hands and arms. This last week it moved into her feet. She has been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. She is on medication. Pray for her, especially the pain she is experiencing.
comes around.
Our friends, the Tuttletons are coming for a visit next week. They currently live in Louisiana. They are the couple that stayed with us for a month when I was so critical a couple of years ago. They are dear friends and we are
eager to see them. They have never been to San Diego, so our plans are to take them for a few days to see the sights.
I will be preaching October 23rd at Northpointe Baptist Church in Chandler, AZ. Pastor Ron is hiking the Grand Canyon again and so he asked me to preach. He didn't ask me to hike the canyon with him; wonder why?
Monday I have CT scans and X-rays. Pray for a good report. I get the results of the labs and scans on October 14th.
God bless you, your family, your church, and your ministry. May you have the great confidence of God's call on your life. ~ DGW
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