1 Corinthians 2:14
14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing
16 to those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?
Picture in your mind an army general riding through the center of the city. He has just won a great victory. Behind him is the conquered general of the opposing army tied to the chariot and led through the city. Often you may think of yourself as the conquering general riding in the beautiful chariot or on the back of a white horse when in fact the scripture says you are the captive. The conqueror is King Jesus. He leads you in His triumph.
It is not your victory; it is His. The Apostle Paul writes that he is thankful, full of gratitude to be led in Christ's triumph. He sees himself as being carried through the city as a
spectacle. Although Paul's discovered an open door for the gospel was available in Troas he had no peace about staying there. Instead, grateful to be led in Christ's triumph he ends up in Macedonia. He was committed to finding Titus. That was God's leadership for his ministry.
Remember when you find no rest for your spirit, and you are staring at an open door for ministry that you are chained to the chariot of Christ. He is your leader and he leads you in His triumph. The open door at Troas closed, but a new door opened. Paul understood that change of ministry assignment is a result of being chained to the charity.
How utterly impossible it is for you to accomplish the ministry of the gospel in your own strength and power. Christ is our sufficiency and our adequacy. Be glad that you are chained to His chariot. Your life and ministry will to some be a fragrant aroma, to others the stench of death. Some will see the life of Christ in you as you are led in His triumph. Others will not understand and reject Christ and will see your life as wasted.
Be grateful that you are chained to His chariot. You will be led in victory!
Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ
We all have heard the saying, "Time flies when you're having fun." I must be having a really great time, because time seems to fly by. My Dad used to tell me that as you got older time went faster. Wasn't so sure he knew what he was talking about. I have changed my mind. He knew exactly what happens as you get older. It is almost Thanksgiving 2011. It was only two years ago that I was unsure I would make it until Christmas
. But I am THANKFUL that I am still around, although time is moving very fast.
Sandy finishes teaching the Tuesday Ladies Bible Study this week. She has enjoyed sharing with the ladies at First Baptist Church. I am looking forward to teaching Sunday School Nov 27, Dec 4 and 11. Some of you caught the error last week when I mentioned the class met at 1:00 AM instead of 11:00AM. Some of you were concerned I would have no one to teach that time of morning.
The picture is of Burke and Johnny. Burke is Roger and Jen's youngest and of course Johnny is the preemie who has grown up. Burke is 10 and in fifth grade. He loves to play with his little cousin. The pic was taken on the bunk bed. Johnny is having
an MRI of his head. It is larger than normal and the DRS want to find out if it is fluid or just hereditary. Most of you have accused some of our family with big heads. LOL Please pray for a good outcome of the MRI. It is not scheduled yet. He did weigh 20 lbs 15oz this week. A long way from the three pounds he weighed at birth.
Roger has started his own law firm. He has a web site up and running and already has clients. Check out his web site. www.jrogerwoodlaw.com. He is excited.Pray for his new venture.
Sandy and I are already looking forward to our annual trek to Quartzsite, AZ. We do ministry during the annual Gem and Rock Show. Thousands of people gather in the desert to buy and sell rocks, gems, jewelry, and junk. Sandy and I will be leading the morning devotionals for the people doing the ministry. Really looking forward to the opportunity again this year. The dates are January 21-28, 2012. Begin now to pray for those who will hear the gospel and those who will do ministry.
I pray for you that you will have a wonderful holiday season. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years seems to be a time when many people think about God as during no other time of the year. Even though we have greatly commercialized the season I believe we can still use the season to share about our wonderful God and Savior.
May God bless you as you gather with family and friends to enjoy this special time of year. Thanks for taking time to drop me a note. It means a great deal.
May God bless you with peace in your spirit. ~ DGW
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