“But Jews came from Antioch
and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged
him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. But while the disciples
stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he went away
with Barnabas to Derbe. After they
had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples,
they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening
the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the
faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the
kingdom of God.” Acts14:20-22
Dear Saints,
Imagine watching them stone Paul to death, only
to see him get up and return to the same city where they attempted to kill him!
Was he insane? Was it too many blows to the head? Not at all. Christ’s love
motived Paul to risk his life and keep preaching the gospel. Crazy! Inspiring!
Paul returned to the cities where they had
made disciples and gave this encouraging message, “through many
tribulations we must enter the kingdom of heaven.” Wouldn’t that make the new
disciples afraid and quit? No! Paul, covered with scars, spoke boldly. Paul
himself was the message! His courageous example inspired their faith in God!
Tribulations are God’s method of refining us
and making us more like Christ. (Hebrews 12:4-12 and James 1:2-4) God’s grace
is sufficient for our trials. (2 Corinthians 12:9) We simply need to humble
ourselves and ask God for grace to persevere and trust the Holy Spirit for the strength.
Some of our church members in Atlanta are
going through difficult times. People in the churches we work with are also
facing hardships. We have personally heard from some of you, our ministry
partners, about your trials. If you need support at any time, please contact
us! We are here to, “Bear one another’s burdens and thereby fulfill the law
of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Atlanta
Church I had a deep conversation
with Gilbert in the Home Depot parking lot this week. He told me he gave his
life to Christ while in prison recently. Miraculously, he is still married with
4 children, 8 and under. It seemed like he sincerely repented and knows the
Lord! We want God to overcome our selfishness to sincerely love others –
including unbelievers!
Prayer & Praise
Carbondale Church Keep praying for David and Stephanie to sell their house.
Pray they would walk in the Spirit to love each other, their children, and
others while waiting. Pray for Kerianna and Jeffry to manage a house full of
children, including fostering a 16-year-old pregnant girl and 3- and 5-year-old
boys. Pray for Laura and Brent and their 3 children who have been attending
recently. They are feeling more at home and enjoying the fellowship! Brent is
not saved. Finally, pray for Eve and Gavin’s relationship. He is not saved yet.
Eve renewed her faith recently.
Virginia Church Pray for Mariella’s rebab to help her shoulder and hip.
Pray for Jeff as he is extremely ill. Please pray for his wife and children too.
Pray for Brian and Jen’s relationship and her upcoming labor and delivery to go
well. Pray for Liz who feels overwhelmed by caring for her family and friends.
Ask God to give the church hope, peace, and faith to carry on strong!
Atlanta Church God just provided
a full-time job for Ward back in the movie industry! Praise God! Pray for
Michelle’s brother, Scott, who is in very poor health, but knows the Lord.
Please pray for Danelle’s minor
surgery on July 28th to be successful. Ask God to give our church quality
time with people - including Gilbert, Gwinnett, Orangel, our neighbors and
co-workers.
Our church praying “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping
alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.”
Yours by God’s grace,
Steve and Danelle
11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832
Nelson
blog: www.gcmnelson.com. Steve's email: steve.nelson@reliant.org
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