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Thankful for Modern Life But….

Last Sunday New Breath, the new Ukrainian church, live streamed their worship service for the first time. It was such a blessing to share a message that people in Ukraine and other places in the USA watched and commented on. This morning my church, along with most churches in my city, canceled services. I don’t…

jesusluvsall
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Last Sunday New Breath, the new Ukrainian church, live streamed their worship service for the first time. It was such a blessing to share a message that people in Ukraine and other places in the USA watched and commented on.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

This morning my church, along with most churches in my city, canceled services. I don’t recall services being canceled because of severe cold before, but canceled they are. However, I will meet with my Sunday group via Zoom this morning. New Breath has not canceled yet, so perhaps the live stream will be on again. I keep playing around with other ideas to use technology such as a podcast, making more videos, etc.

What keeps me humble about ministry and the opportunities Jesus has brought my way is remembering what Paul endured as he shared Jesus with his part of the world.

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

Last Sunday after the worship service live stream from New Breath, I got in my car that has heat, drove home to my apartment that has heat, and relaxed while watching videos. That does not exactly cry out suffering.

Don’t get me wrong. I am so grateful for the technology that can be used to share Jesus with the world. I am also grateful for modern conveniences. But they are something to keep in perspective.

One day in heaven I hope to meet Paul and the other Apostles as well as those who worked with them. But I am sure it will be a humbling experience.

Thank you for reading. God Bless.

20 responses to “Thankful for Modern Life But….”

  1. Gary Fultz Avatar
    Gary Fultz

    “New breath” I like the name. Very fitting.
    Unless the wind chills are below -50…New breath might not even think of canceling…only because cars parked outside don’t want to start.
    We have your weather (very cold windchills) here as well. Time to put the parka on and the hood up.

    Reply
    1. jesusluvsall Avatar
      jesusluvsall

      My friends from New Breath were out and about even on Saturday morning. They are hardy folks.
      cold windchills and snow- I think that is your kind of weather, maybe 🙂

      Reply
      1. Gary Fultz Avatar
        Gary Fultz

        It also means they know how to dress warm…that’s most of the battle against the cold. We had cold warnings here which means it was -40 windchill or colder. I would rather have -40 with no wind but our vehicles disagree.

  2. Catsandcoffee Avatar
    Catsandcoffee

    Where were the specific number of lashes, stones, shipwrecks you mentioned in the Bible? Is there a specific verse?

    Reply
    1. jesusluvsall Avatar
      jesusluvsall

      2 Corinthians chapter 11

      Reply
  3. alimw2013 Avatar
    alimw2013

    Wow I’m surprised they canceled!!
    I could see you doing a podcast!!

    Where are the verses located on Paul?

    Reply
    1. jesusluvsall Avatar
      jesusluvsall

      I was surprised too until I realized the large parking lot took a lot of time to clear.
      The verses are in 2 Corinthians chapter 11

      Reply
      1. alimw2013 Avatar
        alimw2013

        👍thank you!!

  4. Journaling To My Truth Avatar
    Journaling To My Truth

    Matt, this was very insightful, it brings much perspective to those that have come before us, to see how much they endured. But still pressed forward, it’s an example for all that follow and love Christ. We haven’t come close to suffering in the ways they have, what we go through now, is simply mediocre. The strength they showed then is inspiring. Blessed day.

    Reply
    1. jesusluvsall Avatar
      jesusluvsall

      Their examples inspire me so much

      Reply
  5. dawnfanshawe Avatar
    dawnfanshawe

    We have become creatures of comfort and afraid of moving out of our comfort zone. I pray we will be willing to endure whatever He requires of us, even if it is difficult and we are afraid. Blessings.

    Reply
    1. jesusluvsall Avatar
      jesusluvsall

      Whatever we face, he is with us

      Reply
  6. meganinlincoln Avatar
    meganinlincoln

    Mine was canceled yesterday too

    Reply
  7. bigskybuckeye Avatar
    bigskybuckeye

    Matt, your testament brings this word front and center . . . gratitude.

    Reply
    1. jesusluvsall Avatar
      jesusluvsall

      Thank you Richard

      Reply
  8. Beverley Avatar
    Beverley

    For most of us our sufferings in these modern times are psychological but we must pray for those who are suffering phydically. Thank you for sharing this post. Blessings

    Reply
    1. jesusluvsall Avatar
      jesusluvsall

      The physical suffering in some countries is as brutal as it was in the Roman times

      Reply
  9. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    Well said, Matt. It is astounding the amount of people who haven’t returned to church after the COVID scare. They have simply become too comfortable.

    Reply
    1. jesusluvsall Avatar
      jesusluvsall

      Viewing from home takes away so much such as fellowship with others

      Reply
      1. Michelle Avatar
        Michelle

        I agree, Matt!

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