Spiritual Birthday

Spiritual Birthday (Acts 20:24)

Acts 20:24, But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Paul lived a blessed life but finishing his course for Jesus was his passion. Paul’s faith was firm, and he stood for the Lord and would not be moved. “But none of these things move me.” The idea is how none of these things would deter him. Though he knew from much experience the opposition he had received, and of which he expected more, it did not deter him. In fact, he did not count his life dear unto himself. Dear means “precious, valuable, esteemed, honored.” Paul was willing to sacrifice his very life to fulfill God’s will. The possibility of pain and persecution did not detour and derail Paul. Paul determined not to be overtaken by the possibility of trouble, or turn aside from doing the will of the Lord. Paul’s life was not as important as the will of God and the work of God! It takes an act of faith in God and His word and His promises to come to this type of decision! The reason Paul was willing to sacrifice even his life was so that “I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” The major essence of Paul’s ministry was to testify (to witness) of Christ. Paul wanted to finish the course that the Lord had set before Him. He wanted not only to finish, but he wanted to finish with joy. The unselfish devotion of Paul to the Gospel was above his own his personal safety. Paul’s goal was to finish the course of his life with joy, faithfully and diligently running the Christian race to the end (I Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:13-14). Paul did complete his course, proclaiming its fulfillment to Timothy (II Timothy 4:6-8).

Today marks the 27th year of my spiritual birthday. On the 20th June 1995, I made the greatest decision of my life. On that day, I trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour. Soon after, He called me to preach His Word, where I surrendered to His calling in September of 1997. I married the love of my life, Joy, on 20th May 2000. She is my very best friend and my #1 fan. She has always been by my side, through both the mountains and the valleys. I’m both pleased and honored to say that she has always supported whatever the Lord has led me to do and has never hindered His plan for my life.

The Lord has been so good to me. He has always been with me and has never forsaken me, nor failed me. He has always led me to places and people where He has wanted me to minister. I have had the wonderful pleasure of preaching the Gospel in many places to many diverse people. Also, to work and start many ministries through local churches where the Gospel has been shared and where we have had the opportunity to lead many to Christ. We are thrilled that many whom we ministered to are in the ministry today, leading and ministering to others.

On the 1st of June 2016, the Lord led us to Fellowship Baptist Church in Carrabelle, Florida. Over these six years, we have had a wonderful time with the believers at FBC as well as the surrounding communities along the Forgotten Coast. Fellowship is made up of some of the most godly and sweet spirited people who love the Lord, His Word, and people. The Lord has used us in a variety of ways for the furtherance of the Gospel. One of the ministries is through this website which has been used to reach souls for the Lord across the globe. My desire is to finish my course with my wife, and to always love people, the ministry, and especially the Lord. The Lord has a purpose for every life. We find joy when we find it and fulfill it with the help of the Holy Spirit. Although trials will come as we journey, remain steadfast as you serve Jesus. One day you will hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant...”

Points to Ponder:
Lord, by your grace, help me to finish my course.
Lord, I long to hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant...”

Questions to Consider:
Is your life more precious to you than the will of God?
Are you willing to do the will of God no matter what?

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I thank You for giving me a wonderful life. For my wife, family, and church family. For those You have used to sharpen me for the ministry that I may be used to reach others for You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com