Our service was sparser than usual as many are out for spring break and the pastor’s family (a large group) were out after a very lovely wedding service for his eldest daughter yesterday. We had a guest evangelist who is a minister sharing the Holy Spirit.
He reminded us how Paul encouraged Timothy to be an evangelist. 2 Timothy 1:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:4-6. When we are in the presence of Almighty God, we won't be able to stand under own power.
The Minister’s message was titled: The Unloading Docks based on Acts 21:1-3.
Paul had an assignment, and we still have that assignment today.
We are here for a reason and purpose. Our assignments get hindered by distractions because we live in a fallen world. But we have been called from darkness to light. 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
We are to walk by faith, and by the Holy Spirit. It is a journey of faith and not everyone goes along with you. The people Paul had been ministering to did not want to see him go. Acts 20: 36-38. Paul had to wrestle away from his friends in order to follow God. Obedience is better than sacrifice. There are times when we have to tear loose from hindrance in order to move forward with our assignment.
We have to recognize that it is not enough to just get to heaven. It is not appropriate to just sit around when there is work to be done. We are to take someone with us to heaven!
Many can come up with excuses not to go to church: my back hurts, I have a headache, the kids want to go to the beach, it’s my only day to relax, etc.
The longer we stay put, the harder it may be to move. We need to be ready to push past the junk in our life to fulfill the assignment God has for each of us.
Too often we start and stop, start and stop. We decide to coast, we claim to be weary. Do not just sit. Get up and move. Follow God. Be steadfast to keep going. Move out in faith onto the open water.
Paul’s ship was ready to unload. We need to unload our burdens on God. Cast your cares on God.
Pour it all out. Coming to Christ is a place of repair. Whatever is needed there is a repair. Syria (where Paul’s ship went) means rock or stone. Don't carry too much, unload it. Isaiah 40:29-31.
When there are rivets to be repaired on the ship, you take it to the dock for repair. God will keep the ship afloat especially when you go to him for restoration. Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus.
Don't let distractions remove you from your path to Jesus. And share with others to give them the opportunity to come to Christ. One thief next to Jesus on the cross accepted the offer of heaven, the other did not.
Don't look back. Release the old wine skin.
We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow.
Unload your burdens on the one who carries you. Allow God to do his work while responding to do your assignment.
Acts 21:1-3 NIV
21 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo.
Lord, I thank you that I can unload my burdens on you, that you restore my strength, and that the Holy Spirit is available to direct me in the assignment you give me.
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