Deeds Go Before

Scripture: The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. 1 Timothy 5:24-25

Observation: Paul's brief instruction to Timothy about deeds is that, while some deeds (good and bad) are observable after-the-fact, the reputation of past deeds also precedes people. Furthermore, sins of people reach the ears of others and are judged even before the person may be known to us, and likewise good deeds are so obvious that we hear about them in advance as well.

Application: One sign that the Holy Spirit is with our church is this - the conversation about our good deeds is occurring in anticipation of the deeds themselves. The city of Bothell is excited about the service we will be doing in two weeks. We haven't even done it yet, however city officials are thanking us.

We all worry about how our church is doing. We know there are earthly challenges, human failures and mistakes, and supernatural attacks. But in all the signs I can find, it seems clear we are progressing ... we are proceeding in the Spirit, and in the name of Jesus, and with the love of God, to proclaim the good news. We see the success that matters - changed lives and baptized hearts - in alignment with the signs of the Bible.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for Evergreen Church. We are just one small part of the Church of Jesus. We are just one group of people, in one small part of your creation, trying to be part of the hope of the world. Help us to stay on your path, following only your direction and guidance. Please keep your hand upon Phil in both blessing and correction, along with Laurie, Jed, Caleb, Bette, Shandra, Elijah, and Sebastian. Thank you for your love on all of us, so greatly poured out, and the opportunity we have to love others in your name. Amen.