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Where Do We Go from Here? (Pastor Mark Parsons)

8/22/2022

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​     Someone has said, “No matter where you go, there you are.” We can go on to say, “No matter the circumstances you find yourself in, there you are.” –  for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or health, in calm seas or stormy seas. We may not be able to always choose what each day may bring out on life’s seas, but we can certainly choose the captain who is in control and commander sailing our ship.
     Shirley and I will be married for 46 years this coming December 20th on her birthday. I remember some at the 37th Aeromedical Evacuation Group at MacDill Air Force Base (where we both served in the Air Force Reserve) saying they would give us six months being married. Obviously, we have exceeded their misguided expectations.
     Most certainly, Shirley and I have had our share of life’s daily challenges, but we have never abandoned the covenant we have made with each other and our Great Father in heaven and Lord Jesus Christ. And now, here we are in Tennessee with our fifth change of address on earth since we have been married. Our Kingdom address, however, has not changed. We still remain seated with Jesus in His Kingdom. Once again, “No matter where you go, there you are.”
     We are now in Tennessee with a binding relationship and covenant with Jesus Christ. God has a purpose for us right where we are, and He has a purpose and plan for you right where you are. In fact, Paul said in Acts 17:28, “In Him we live and move and have our being.” This “address” of being in Jesus must be every day, all day in Him. Never a “time out” with God. But trusting Him at all times. Job was so committed to God regardless of his circumstances that he proclaimed with passion, “Though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him.” (Job 13:15) Wow! Job said he will maintain his own ways before God. Job had an address in God’s house, no matter his horrific physical conditions and loss of his family, animals, and earthly belongings.
     Shirley and I must also maintain our own ways before God at our new location in Tennessee. However, the mailbox of our heart, mind and soul will receive our Father’s kingdom mail with a readiness to receive what He desires to say to us. Living in TN with lots of trees, turkeys, deer, bears and other critters, must not ever be a retirement destination but an acceleration, revelation, and impartation of God’s Kingdom plan for us. Shirley and I love being a part of a cord of many strands in our Lord’s Ekklesia, Bride, His Church. We love how God has called us to promote His Kingdom as faithful ambassadors of His life and light.
     How about you? Are you thirsty and hungry to receive Kingdom mail right where you are? Are you open and willing to “…examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith to test yourself, or do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you unless of course, you fail the test.” (2 Cor. 13:5) Our journey in Christ must be a life of faith for without faith, it is impossible to please Him. And we understand that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
     We are now in Tennessee not knowing exactly what God has in store for us, but we know His plans will be revealed with substance, hope, and evidence of things not seen. When you logically think of what we are doing, it doesn’t make sense. But when you ask, seek and knock, He will respond! We must then obey and actively engage in His response. For Jesus said, “I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to Him and I will sup with Him and He with me.” (Rev. 3:20) We desire to open our hearts to Him and to meet with Him at His table — to go to deeper places we have not known before.
     It’s a new day for Shirley and me. It’s a new day for you, our friends in Jesus. Let us be most willing to open our hearts as Jesus knocks and arise to the life He has for each of us. “Arise and shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the people, but the Lord rises over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and the glory appears over you.” Is 60:1)
     We will keep you informed of what is going on with us in Tennessee as our Father in heaven informs us. We will pass on to you what Jesus and the Holy Spirit reveal to us on our glorious journey.
     Once again, where do we go from here? Most assuredly we will go with Jesus – the way, the truth and the life. All is well and all shall be well.

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  • New Direction
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mission | Purpose | Vision
    • What We Believe
    • Membership
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • Know Jesus?
  • Good News
  • Sermons
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