Thinking of Church

And I had thought that serving in church would have been a lot easier compared to BB.....

Brothers, pray for us.

- 1 Thess 5:25

It is just so hard at times. The pitfalls in Christian ministry seem so numerous and in every avenue the evil one prowls, seeking whom he may devour. (cf. 1 Pet 5:8)

Was reading a very convicting blog post (found in five parts here) Who then is sufficient for ministry? (cf. 2 Cor. 2:16) Out of own strength we can do nothing. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8)

It is hard, so so hard. Eyes that see without comprehending. Ears that hear without understanding. What hope is there for this generation? Is it in stories and songs and entertainment? Is it in drama and plays and general merriment? Where is the sober reality of God and His Judgement? Where is the realization that all that we can now see will one day be pushed out and burned in the fire?

To look at their faces every Sunday and know that there will be some who will spend an eternity in a Christ-less Hell just as surely as there will be some who will be with You in a Christ-filled paradise. Who then is sufficient for these things? The heart and the flesh fails before such realities. Lord, is my heart so hardened that it cannot feel? Has it been so deadened by my lusts that it cannot weep anymore?

Where is my anguish over sin O Lord. The despising of my iniquities and lusts. Are they not dishonouring to You? Was it not because of them that Your Son went to that wretched tree? Surely Man is like a brute beast, unable to comprehend even the slightest glory in You apart from the Holy Spirit's power.

Lord will you not come by and into us once again? Save us from our frivolities. Save us from our dead traditions. Do not take your candlestick away from us. Grant us repentance that we may turn back to You and pour scorn upon our earthly ambitions. Lord, keep us faithful to your Gospel always.

Let us not despise the disciplining of the Lord, for He disciplines those whom He loves. Let us cast aside all earthly philosophies and methods and cling to the Rock of the Word of God. For you O Lord are mighty to save, and by Your Hand you will redeem for Yourself a people for Your Holy Name's sake.

Lord have mercy on my weakness. In all the problems and trials, show Yourself strong and able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. (Eph. 3:20)

For Your Glory alone. May the Lamb receive the the reward of His suffering.