“If I let you in, please don’t break anything” – Unknown
FRAGILE – means easily broken or damaged; not strong or sturdy; delicate and vulnerable.This is a trying season for us. Both of our mothers are going through illness. I’ve just started an additional job. The stress and unknowns of ministry continue. Tensions are high. Fears and frustrations have to be resisted. Our emotions, relationships, future and even life itself are fragile. Whom can we trust with our vulnerabilities as we become more keenly aware of the fragility of life? We can no longer presume upon tomorrow. “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while then vanishes away.” (James 4:14) Life is fragile folks, cherish it and those you love.
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The apostle Paul recognized the fragility of his life, emotions, and ministry. Perhaps his past as a persecutor who held the lives of new Christians in his hands, his blinding encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road, or various trials, persecutions and near death experiences informed his wisdom about the impact of bringing the light of the Gospel into a world darkened in understanding:
Paul knew at any time he could be called on to share in Jesus’ death. He could be betrayed,
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abandoned, suffer financial loss, be mocked, scourged and beaten, separated from friends and family, suffer severe mental and emotional anguish, be imprisoned or even killed for the sake of the Gospel. To withstand the vicissitudes of life (the alternation between contrasting seasons/experiences), required total reliance on God’s power and a willingness to die to self. We house the great treasures of God’s Word and Spirit, but our flesh is weak and vulnerable. As we come to grips with our fragility and mortality; we can rely on the Spirit to withstand the winds, waves and currents set to eclipse us. Remember Jesus is on your ship, navigating and directing you to the safety of His will.
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SUNDAY WORSHIP 11:00 AM
SUNDAY CLASSES 9:30 AM
Youth Room
