This has been one of the most frustrating, stressful, tiring, irritating, unbelievable, difficult weeks I've had in a long time. The week started out with a mis-understanding stemming from a heated exchange that led to an unwarranted conversation with person that's dear to me. I try my best to apply James chapter 2; "Be slow to speak" but sometimes, I think I'm toooo slow to speak and when my tea kettle sounds the alarm, watch out. To fix the situation, I bit my pride and apologized for my words that led to the mis-understanding but I'm extremely un-happy with the situation itself because it did not have to get as far as it did. That's how my week started on Sunday. Unbelievable!
On top of that I received bad news this week from the IRS that a company I hired 3 years ago to help me resolve some tax issues never came to pass. Actually, they did nothing at all to represent me and now, the company is out of business. I guess that's why I haven't heard a word from them for the last six (6) months and I'm out of $4000 that I don't have to give away for retainer fees as well as tax payments for the last 3 years that never reached the IRS. Be careful of those commercials that say, "I can save you pennies on the dollar if you owe back taxes". I believed it and got burnt! Unbelievable!!!!
I've been teaching the congregation, as of late, to pray intentionally for their pastor and his family because when progress is being made in ministry the enemy, Satan, is not happy about it. So, to destroy the church's progress he will go after it's leader, ME. Last week during the ministry of response period (invitation), I explained to the church that believers are in the midst of a spiritual warfare and now is not the time to fight fair. In Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul teaches the church how to respond in spiritual warfare. It's amazing that all armour described in the text is defensive. The only offensive weapon we are given is in verses 18-20: praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. The believers secret weapon is prayer!
I need prayer! I'm being hit on every side as of late and I know God is on my side but it's still difficult to hang in there.
On a better note, the appraiser is coming tomorrow to review our property. Once this is completed, we will receive our loan payment at the end of August and construction is on target to begin September 1st.
Be blessed!
Be encouraged my brother and know that I am praying for you on this end. Keep on doing God's work and will for your life.
ReplyDeleteJames Cleveland said in a song, " Nobody told me that the road would be easy, but I don't believe He brought me this far to leave me."
Remember verse 10 of the passage in your post, "Finally my brethren, Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might!"