Dear church family,
Ten years ago I was called as a pastor in this church. I was so happy! Being a vocational pastor was something that I had desired and worked towards for many years. God's hand of providence was so mighty, not just in directing, but redirecting my steps towards this church. I had very different plans. The first book I chose to preach from was Philippians, the epistle of joy. Paul tells the Philippians in 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say; rejoice." I was so happy to be called as a pastor here - I still am! However, over the past 10 years, I've learned a lot more about joy and I've learned it through trials. Joy is much deeper than happiness because it transcends temporal circumstances. Joy is in the Lord and joy comes from the Lord. Joy comes through the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you joyful in the Lord? Preach God's precious promises to yourself. Your circumstances might not change but your joy will abound for God's glory.
With love in Christ, John
