Hello, BRN Family! It’s good to be with you today!
Happy New Year! As we face 2024, it seems fitting to look at the verse, Acts 20:24. Let me read it to you: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
As we look into a new year, it is a good time to look at our lives and take account of the ministries and priorities we have set for our lives. It is also a good time to reflect on the assignment God has given each of us.
The Apostle Paul purposely took an account of his life to ensure he was fulfilling his greatest assignment: spreading the Gospel of grace. He said his own agenda, or even his own life, did not matter as much as the assignment did. His goal was to finish – to accomplish – his ministry assignment.
What about you today? Have you taken a moment to pause and reflect on where you find yourself and your ministry? Perhaps you are thrilled beyond measure, because God is moving all around you! Or maybe you are a little discouraged, because you see little fruit in spite of working so hard to minister in your church and community.
In either case, may I encourage you to press on! Paul, at the end of his life and in prison, persevered in joy. Listen to what he wrote in Philippians 3:12-14: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Be assured of His good work! His good grace is worthy of sharing. Don’t stop testifying of His goodness to others.
Be assured of your work. Don’t let the discouragements of last year overtake this year. Remember, “God’s mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22)!
Be assured that God is always at work. And “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
In 2024, I pray that you experience an abundance of God’s great grace, HIs power, and His love. Please know I am praying for you and cheering you on in the gospel! If you need anything, anything at all, please contact us at our Help Desk at helpdesk@brnunited.org or call or text (717) 652-5856.
Thanks for listening in today. May God bless you!
