Good day family of God in Black Creek and Beyond...

 

 This morning I listened to a devotional app that I enjoy  Lectio-365

 

 In it - the practice of Lent - preparation for the season of our Lord's death and resurrection - they highlighted the life and work of Polycarp.

A man who was a follower of Jesus, a disciple of John, who tirelessly preached from the then-unestablished gospels and letters of Paul.

In the end, he radiantly declared that being torn by wild animals or being burnt was far better than recanting his faith in Jesus.  He was burnt alive in AD 155 for trusting his life to Jesus.

 

Today we somberly remember those before us who clung to Jesus no matter what.

 

Read of Stephen's experience and actions in: Acts 7

 vs 55  But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

56  And he said,  Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.
57  But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.
58  Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59  And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out,  Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60  And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice,  Lord, do not hold this sin against them.  And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 

 Continue to pray for the Enns family as they grieve the loss of Bill.

Pray for Lorne as he begins the journey of recovery from heart surgery in Victoria.

Pray as God speaks to your heart for those in your circle of care.

 

 Matthew 24:8  All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

9   Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.
10  And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.
11  And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
12  And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
13  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

 

 Let your heart be strengthened by these words of our Lord.

Such a paradox. 

I choose to release my hold on this life.... to gain it - Forever.

 

Blessings on your week,

Peter Jackson

Part of Your Team

Black Creek Community Church

peterj@blackcreekchurch.ca