A couple of weeks ago I wrote about some of the reasons to rejoice that I have experienced recently, just great stuff.
There was a short period after that, where Satan really focused on bringing me down. He did a good job, until I finally gave it all up to God and told Satan to step off! The most amazing thing happened. Last week I baptized two more teens! That is two more souls that God has brought in to His fold. I am so amazed, by how God works.
On Thursday I had another frustrating day, I was so frustrated because some of the people in our church won't just get on board with some of the containers we want to use to hold the truth in. Our shepherds had to deal with some of this and I was told what we needed to do to get things going, and to patiently wade through some of it. Obviously what I was told was not what I wanted to hear. A disappointing end to my week.
And then Sunday came. Wow! Did it come! Yesterday was the best worship service we had ever had at Port City, we had the whole church up on their feet just clapping and singing, this had never happened before. What a blessing. I felt so in tune with the Spirit during the whole day yesterday, I know He was moving amongst our people.
Last night we had our Fall Festival, we had five new families say they were going to join us on Sunday for worship next week. It was so cool to see so many from the community come and visit with us and have a good time!
I am amazed at how easily Satan gets me down, but when Satan brings me down God blasts me off! What an awesome God we serve!!!
Thank you Father for being my God, and not forsaking me. Even though I am so good at turning my back on you! You pull me through each day and help me to walk with you. I love you because you love me. Thank you for never letting me go and holding me in your everlasting arms...Please keep Satan away as we head into forty days of prayer at Port City, may we do the things in our Give to Save campaign that you want us to! I love you! Amen.
JD said...
Sounds awesome, Chris. You guys keep up the good work. The Enemy has taken notice. Do not be afraid. Your living faith springs from the source of all power and might ...and the battle belongs to Him. Love your heart.
Donna G said...
Thanks for sharing this. Sometimes we feel that we are the only ones who go through such extreme ups and downs. Praise God your up times are winning out. Satan will not give up on you, but neither will God's Spirit let you down. I will say a prayer for you.
Jason Retherford said...
Chris,
I appreciate your willingness to continue to allow God to work through you. Satan is constantly fighting against Christ's work and His workers. Be encouraged by the fruit of your ministry and those who are recognizing what's stirring within your congregation.
I will talk to our Father on your behalf today.
