Monthly Newsletter
October 2023
Acts 13:2-4; While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
Fall has arrived! I am sure you have felt the difference in temperature, seen the darkness of evening arrive a little sooner and felt those refreshing cooler days (relatively speaking).
Even more refreshing than these things is the certainty of knowing that Jesus is Alive and guiding us through every season of life. His word is our source of comfort, strength and guidance for whatever we may be facing.
Some times finding that out can be a bit more challenging than other times though. Making decisions about sin and righteousness are fairly straightforward in scripture. Those are the simple ones. But what about when we have big decisions facing us? Decisions that are not clearly resolved in Scripture? Whether there is a big decision in life or a seemingly simple one, we have all asked how we can know what to do. As followers of Jesus, we desire that He rule over every choice we make. We want all our decisions to honor and glorify Him above all.
The refreshing news is that God has a way for us to be guided by Him even in those times. To be sure, the principles I am about to share with you can be implemented in your life when you come to a crossroads. But my main desire is to show us as a Church, how we are to navigate these decisions. As we enter into a season of more intentional planning, ministry structure, building projects, and ministry opportunity and activity, it is of upmost importance that we all are following God’s will and design. If we do this then we will be sure to be following His leading in all areas.
In Acts 13 the church is about to expand it’s ministry outreach and opportunity. They had been growing over the years and it was time to move out even more. Let me share with you how this church in Antioch pursued and found God’s will to move forward.
Faithfulness through the bad and good times – Do your soul a favor, and go back to read Acts 11:19-30. In this account we find the formation of this church. It was started and maintained through persecution, mockery, tough financial times, and fruitful ministry seasons! And they kept going. Sound familiar! WBC has this legacy as well, thanks to all of you.
Be faithful in what God gives you and He will give you more – The overriding principle in scripture is that if you are faithful with little then you will be faithful with more. The church at Antioch was that! In Acts 13:1 you see that they were a microcosm of what God would use them to do. God was going to use them to reach out more because they were already reaching where they were.
Be dedicated and intentional in our service – Verse 2 says “while they were serving and fasting”. When God wants to do something He doesn’t go pick up someone who doesn’t have time for Him. He picks someone who is already taking their task seriously. God is pushing the bounds of WBC and what we are doing because He is using us and wants to use us even more.
Be diligent listeners – The Holy Spirit was able to speak to and lead this church because they were habitual listeners. That’s why they were fasting. We often want God to lead but we’re too busy telling Him where to take us.
Continue to keep your priorities – Notice in verse 3 they kept doing the same thing they were doing in verse 2. They did this because there were priorities that never got replaced, no matter the movement of the ministry.
Let me reiterate this, the priorities that have made WBC what it is today, will not and can not change.
The great news of this is that when they made a move, it was right in line with what the Holy Spirit wanted to them to do. That is the goal! That is the burn of my life and the desire of our church as well.
So here is my challenge to all of us. Are we faithful, are we diligent, are we praying, are we serving, are we fasting, are we prioritizing? As long as we are, we will be keeping in step with what the Lord wants for us! And that beloved, is the greatest thrill in life!
Seeking God’s will with you and for you
Pastor Brandon
Fall has arrived! I am sure you have felt the difference in temperature, seen the darkness of evening arrive a little sooner and felt those refreshing cooler days (relatively speaking).
Even more refreshing than these things is the certainty of knowing that Jesus is Alive and guiding us through every season of life. His word is our source of comfort, strength and guidance for whatever we may be facing.
Some times finding that out can be a bit more challenging than other times though. Making decisions about sin and righteousness are fairly straightforward in scripture. Those are the simple ones. But what about when we have big decisions facing us? Decisions that are not clearly resolved in Scripture? Whether there is a big decision in life or a seemingly simple one, we have all asked how we can know what to do. As followers of Jesus, we desire that He rule over every choice we make. We want all our decisions to honor and glorify Him above all.
The refreshing news is that God has a way for us to be guided by Him even in those times. To be sure, the principles I am about to share with you can be implemented in your life when you come to a crossroads. But my main desire is to show us as a Church, how we are to navigate these decisions. As we enter into a season of more intentional planning, ministry structure, building projects, and ministry opportunity and activity, it is of upmost importance that we all are following God’s will and design. If we do this then we will be sure to be following His leading in all areas.
In Acts 13 the church is about to expand it’s ministry outreach and opportunity. They had been growing over the years and it was time to move out even more. Let me share with you how this church in Antioch pursued and found God’s will to move forward.
Faithfulness through the bad and good times – Do your soul a favor, and go back to read Acts 11:19-30. In this account we find the formation of this church. It was started and maintained through persecution, mockery, tough financial times, and fruitful ministry seasons! And they kept going. Sound familiar! WBC has this legacy as well, thanks to all of you.
Be faithful in what God gives you and He will give you more – The overriding principle in scripture is that if you are faithful with little then you will be faithful with more. The church at Antioch was that! In Acts 13:1 you see that they were a microcosm of what God would use them to do. God was going to use them to reach out more because they were already reaching where they were.
Be dedicated and intentional in our service – Verse 2 says “while they were serving and fasting”. When God wants to do something He doesn’t go pick up someone who doesn’t have time for Him. He picks someone who is already taking their task seriously. God is pushing the bounds of WBC and what we are doing because He is using us and wants to use us even more.
Be diligent listeners – The Holy Spirit was able to speak to and lead this church because they were habitual listeners. That’s why they were fasting. We often want God to lead but we’re too busy telling Him where to take us.
Continue to keep your priorities – Notice in verse 3 they kept doing the same thing they were doing in verse 2. They did this because there were priorities that never got replaced, no matter the movement of the ministry.
Let me reiterate this, the priorities that have made WBC what it is today, will not and can not change.
The great news of this is that when they made a move, it was right in line with what the Holy Spirit wanted to them to do. That is the goal! That is the burn of my life and the desire of our church as well.
So here is my challenge to all of us. Are we faithful, are we diligent, are we praying, are we serving, are we fasting, are we prioritizing? As long as we are, we will be keeping in step with what the Lord wants for us! And that beloved, is the greatest thrill in life!
Seeking God’s will with you and for you
Pastor Brandon
