Pastor's Perspective: Season's of Change

Dear Calvary Family,
Changing seasons are a wonderful gift from God. Sometimes it is hard to say goodbye to a special time of life, and sometimes we are extremely grateful for change. Ready or not, change is inevitable in this journey called life.

In the Apostle Paul's 3rd missionary journey in Acts 19-20, we see Paul on the move, ministering to as many cities as possible, with extra urgency. Something was tugging hard in Paul's spirit, Jerusalem was on his mind. Beginning with our first verse in this week's study, 19:21, Paul knows he needs to get to Jerusalem before Pentecost. In spite of numerous warnings and prophetic messages of danger, harm and imprisonment, Paul presses on. Paul senses a new season approaching, it was time to say goodbye to Europe and Asia Minor, to all the wonderful converts, friendships, and even trials he experienced on these three journeys. It's often hard to end something fruitful, but life has seasons, and it's best to embrace the next one coming.

The book of Acts will devote more than 5 chapters to this incredibly difficult time for Paul in Jerusalem, after which we see his shipwrecked voyage to Rome where he will be executed as a faithful witness of Jesus Christ. These last 8 chapters of Acts are the most intimate, full of emotion. Paul's endurance through a season of suffering, rejection, and loneliness are coupled with his sweetest fellowship with the Savior. May we all prepare our hearts to glean from this incredible section of scripture, preparing us all for the unknowns of tomorrow. Sometime, all we have from God is the urgency to move forward, trusting His faithful presence to remain in all that lies ahead.

It is a blessing to know God has chosen to put us together for this season at CCF. May our roots grow deep and our love overflow. And please take time to enjoy this most beautiful Fall season of change and color, it passes quickly.

Much love,
Pastor Marv