Stonybank Community Church with Pastor James Carroll

 Preached at Marcus Hook Baptist (where he pastored during the 70's) at the farewell service of Pastor Jim Carroll who was transitioning to another ministry after 11 years as pastor.

The blessings we share come from the burdens we bear.  In the suffering of life we sometimes ask faulty questions:  If as we say, having stuff is the evident blessing of God then is not having stuff the evident curse of God?  Why does bad stuff happen to good people? Is all suffering a direct punishment for sin?  My dear friend, "you have seen the end of the Lord" James 5:11, which is to say, God always has a greater purpose in the suffering times of life for those who learn patience.

Scripture reading and opening prayer on July 19, 2020

God uses our circumstance of waiting and adversity to till the soil of our life in preparation for the intended harvest.  Keep your hands busy in the work or you'll end up being among the grumpy people you don't much like to hang around.  

Don’t let having your fair share corrupt your testimony which as Paul told Timothy will not only cause you to err from the faith, (but will also) pierce you through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10  If money could talk listen to what it might say: You hold me in your hand and call me yours. Yet may I not as well call you mine? See how easily I rule you? To gain me, you would all but die. I am invaluable as rain, essential as water. Without me, men and institutions would die. Yet I do not hold the power of life for them; I am futile without the stamp of your desire. I go nowhere unless you send me. I keep strange company. For me, men mock, love, and scorn character. Yet I am appointed to the service of saints, to give education to the growing mind and food to the starving bodies of the poor. My power is terrific. Handle me carefully and wisely, lest you become my servant rather than I yours.

Scripture reading

Scripture reading

How we end up in places we never set out to go and in conditions we never before imagined.

The question I get asked the most and which causes the most frustration is "how can I know God's will for my life?"  The sovereignty of God should not be a fearful or mysterious thing.  As the God of wisdom He knows what is best and as the God of love He wants what is best.  The best and most straightforward way to know what God's will is for you tomorrow is to do the next right thing today.

Scripture reading on Sunday, June 14, 2020