Our ministry at Inala Chapel came to a conclusion as we shared our final worship service with our beloved congregation. It concludes another chapter in our ministry journey - 7 years of aged care ministry. More importantly, we are able to praise God for 7 'blessed' years of personal and spiritual fulfilment as we've pursued God's 'ongoing' call in and through our lives.
So what does one share as a farewell message? I thought of no better way than to share three ‘pastoral prayer’ statements in the hope that they will continue to inspire a deeper 'Blessed Assurance' in the lives of those we have been privileged to journey with.
Below is a summary of what was shared.
1. BE CONSCIOUS OF GOD’S INDWELLING PRESENCE
Ephesians 1 verse 17: "I ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know Him."
God’s ‘Indwelling’ presence:
...is His gift to us!
...is our Greatest Guide!
...is the key to knowing Him!
2. BE MINDFUL OF GOD’S PROMISED EMPOWERMENT
Ephesians 1 verses 18-20: "I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world."
God’s ‘Promised’ empowerment:
...is worth being aware of!
...is our personal reinforcement!
...is our key to living victoriously!
3. CONFIDENTLY PURSUE HOLY LIVING
2 Corinthians 13 verse 11b: "...strive for perfection (in Christ); listen to my appeals, agree with one another; live in peace (‘Inala’). And the God of love and peace will be with you."
Confidently ‘Pursue’ holy living:
...for it is God’s calling to us!
...for your corporate advantage!
...for your personal blessing!
Be conscious of God’s Indwelling Presence!
Be mindful of God’s Promised Empowerment! and...
Confidently pursue holy living!
If you take these to heart and live by them each day, you will experience God with you – always!
2 Corinthians 13:11a&14 - "And now, brethren, goodbye! ... May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
