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"Every Opportunity" by Connie Armstrong
Colossians 4:2 Keep persisting in prayer, staying alert in it and being thankful. 3 Include prayer for us, too, that God may open a door for us to proclaim the message about the secret of the Messiah — for that is why I am in prison. 4 And pray that I may speak, as I should, in a way that makes the message clear.
5 Behave wisely toward outsiders, making full use of every opportunity — 6 let your conversation always be gracious and interesting, so that you will know how to respond to any particular individual.
7 Our dear brother Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow-slave in the Lord, will give you all the news about me. 8 I have sent him to you for this very reason — so that you might know how we are, and so that he might encourage you. 9 I have sent him with Onesimus, the dear and faithful brother, who is one of you; they will tell you everything that has happened here.
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends greetings, as does Mark, Bar-Nabba’s cousin, concerning whom you have received instructions — if he comes to you, welcome him. 11 Yeshua, the one called Justus, also sends greetings. These three are among the Circumcised; and among my fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, only they have turned out to be a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras sends greetings; he is one of you, a slave of the Messiah Yeshua who always agonizes in his prayer on your behalf, praying that you may stand firm, mature and fully confident, as you devote yourselves completely to God’s will. 13 For I can testify to him that he works hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send you greetings.
15 Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, also to Nympha and the congregation that meets in her home. 16 After this letter has been read to you, have it read also in the congregation of the Laodiceans; and you, in turn, are to read the letter that will come from Laodicea. 17 And tell Archippus, “See that you complete the task you were given in the Lord.”
18 This greeting I, Sha’ul, write with my own hand.
Remember my imprisonment!
Grace be with you!
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During our years of marriage and ministry together, my husband, Clark and I were always ready to make the most of every opportunity. We often talked about how we would love to do volunteer missions after he retired from being a senior pastor. These talks often included the countries England, France, and Switzerland. If we felt particularly bold, we would throw in Scotland, Ireland, or Wales.
So when the opportunity to become missionaries was extended a full six years away from retirement, what would we do? Especially when it involved going to the other side of the world–to the Philippines? Had God forgotten how old they were? Wouldn’t it make more sense to remain steady until retirement, and then pursue our original plan? We also had a new grandbaby we wanted to spoil, and aging parents who might require their care.
However, after much prayer, there was a tug in our hearts to make the most of this opportunity. We sold our home, said good-bye to a beloved church, precious children, and grandbaby. We began a journey with God that has blessed us with new relationships and opportunities beyond their understanding. You don’t want to miss out on the adventure God has for you!-------
Hymn for Today: "Heavenly Father, KIng Eternal" by L. Harold Johnston, copyright 1961, Renewed 1989 by Lillenas Publishing Company.
1. Heavenly Father, King Eternal,
Leading onto victory,
Thro' the din and strife of battle,
Conquerors by Thy side are we.
Powers of Satan cannot harm us;
Evil cannot long endure.
Marching 'neath Thy mighty banner,
We do surely feel secure.
2. Thro' the valley, over the summit,
Darkest night and brightest day.
Waters deep and stormy places,
Still Thou leadest all the way.
Flash of lightening, Crash of thunder,
Restless wave I shall not fear;
For the pathway straight before me
Is not long when Thou are near.
3. Father, hear our supplication
As we bow our hearts to Thee,
Fill us with Thy Holy Spirit,
For like Thee, Lord, we would be,
May Thy blood which flowed from Cal-v'ry
Sin and guile this day erase.
From our present lowly station,
Elevate us by Thy grace.
4. Sing! O sing, ye pure and spotless,
For this day art thou made whole.
Let the rocks and rill proclaim it;
Love hath cleansed yet one more soul.
Praise His Name for full salvation;
Give Him praise forevermore.
Gladly take the cross of Jesus;
Follow as He leads before.
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Thought for Today: Psalm 48:14 (13) Note its ramparts, pass through its citadels,so that you can tell generations to come
15 (14) that such is God, our God forever;
he will guide us eternally.
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Pakistan.
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