Balancing Ministry N' Work

 A year ago I figured that my 10 year post op message would have been the last one. After all I had received an all clear with no regrowth of my Acoustic Neuroma tumor and had my final MRI prescribed by my surgeon 10 years ago.  A year ago I was still struggling with balance and fatigue and Praise God that has changed. A year ago, I could drive a car for maybe 30 mins and that would take a lot out of me. Recently I spent 7 hours behind the wheel and did just fine.  I write today to encourage everyone to NEVER give up! Whether you are battling the results of an Acoustic Neuroma brain tumor or something else... do not give up! In 2020 I spent a lot of money having more vestibular (balance) testing done for more inconclusive results and the only suggestion from the doc was to try vestibular physical therapy again. This has not worked for me in the past and action made things worse. I did not go that route as I could deal with my limitations at the time, but could not go backwards again. 

1.      Introduction a.       The letter to Ephesus reminded us that:                                                     i.      Love for God and Others is absolutely critical.                                                   ii.      Doctrine is important, works are how we express faith.                                                 iii.      Most important of all is to love God with all we have.                                                 iv.      Then…we need to love each other. b.      The letter to Smyrna:                                                     i.      One of the few without criticism of the church.                                                   ii.      Reminds us: 1.      That we need to remain faithful in the face of adversity. 2.      Hardships are coming, but so is Our Jesus. 3.      Nothing we endure on this side of Eternity can impact the Hope we have in our Jesus. 4.      Do Not be afraid – Trust in God. 5.      Eternity in

  1.      Introduction a.       As we looked at the Letter to Ephesus we saw:                                                     i.      They had a lot of good things going for them, but they were missing something.                                                   ii.      Solid doctrine is critical, but it is not enough.                                                 iii.      Serving others is key, but it is not enough.                                                 iv.      Casting out false teaching and teachers is necessary, but still not enough.                                                   v.      Believing itself is not enough.                                                 vi.      We need to love God with all that we are and Love Others as we have been commanded. 2.      The Letter to Smyrna a.       Smyrna was built on the site of a city that was destroyed in 600BC by the successor of Alexander the Great. b.      Smyrna is a coastal town 35 miles