Onward! - Stressing the Rails - October 13, 2022, Stressing the Rails with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. - Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Onward! - Stressing the Rails - October 13, 2022

October 13, 2022

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY October 13, 2022

Onward!

When we stop to review God's faithfulness in our life, the path forward doesn't seem so scary.

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.1 John 4:4

Last week we discussed the importance of remaining aware of the present. But it’s also important to remember our past—both the bitter and the better. Think back to the times you have failed or fallen short. How did God show up? What did you learn through those experiences? How have you grown as a result?

Also consider your many victories as well as other ways God has blessed you over the years. Count them on your fingers and toes. Write them down. Name them all and celebrate them for what they are—evidence of God’s faithfulness to you in things both great and small. “O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.” Psalm 34:8-10.

By focusing on both the plusses and the minuses, you can see the path forward more clearly. After all, the goal isn’t to get back to “the good old days” or relive the past (with the mistakes removed). You’re going forward, toward something altogether new and lovely. Ask God to help you stay focused and trust in Him.

Think about it

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most-High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ``My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. …``Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. ``He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. ``With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation." Psalm 91.

How does knowing that God is your dwelling place bring comfort as you move forward into the future He has planned?

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About Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. is a native of Birmingham, Alabama where he was educated in the public school system. He graduated from Tennessee State University, Nashville,Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. He received a Master’s Degree in Music Education; a Class A certification in School Principal ship and the Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Dr. Wesley received a Bible Diploma and Bible Certification from Birmingham Baptist Bible College. He completed the Beeson Institute for Advanced Church Leadership Program from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Wesley earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary in Shreveport, Louisiana May 2006.

Dr. Wesley retired in 2003 after a brilliant 26-year career as an educator in the Birmingham Public Schools. He served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal of three different schools (Powderly Elementary; Arrington Middle and was the first African American principal of Woodlawn High School). He served on the Central Office staff as Extended Day Principal and Coordinator of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Dr. Wesley is regularly sought after to speak in both schools and churches. He has had the privilege of speaking across the nation and in several foreign countries. His spiritual gifts of teaching and preaching are well documented. He is a member of many organizations. His civic and professional associations are too numerous to mention.

Most recent is the evidence of his leadership, occurred with the completion of a multimillion dollar edifice and education facility located in the heart of the West End community.

Dr. Wesley is currently the pastor of the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in the West End community where he has given thirty years of service. He has a great love for people and for learning.

He is married to the former Venita Burkes, and is the father of two sons, Rev. Michael Wesley Jr. and James Edward, one grandson and two granddaughters.

Dr. Wesley is the author of three books, When God Changes A Church, Everybody Deserves A Good Funeral and Reaching the Unchurched_Pathway to Church Growth.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.