"The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth." Proverbs 8:22, 23 NASB
Possessing a perspective like Solomon's, one's beginnings become a time of confidence in God's will, rather than a time of insecurity concerning the future. The beginning then becomes the first step within one's projected end or goal.
The busy days of transition are certainly no surprise thus far; however, these busy days that we have embarked upon have been made much easier due to your loving, caring, and sharing spirits! Please know of our deepest, most heartfelt appreciation for the many gracious acts of kindness and generosity you have shown. These days indeed signify the beginning of a new chapter in my life. All beginnings are part of this process we call life. Solomon reflects on beginnings in his antithesis of the Proverbs and concludes with..."The end of a matter is better than its beginning" (Ecc. 7:8 NASB). We all know the ecstasy of work completed, deadlines met, and goals fulfilled. It is imperative for us to consider both the beginning and the end in our quest to live life to its fullest. Consider the beginnings as we walk in the center of God's path and give our Lord the glory for all our accomplished endings. Paul said in Philippians 1:16, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." I have a peace that surpasses all understanding simply realizing that this new beginning is the beginning that God has intended for Joe, Gwenn, Sean, and Melodie Fitzpatrick and that the accomplished end of our encounters together will reveal many great and wondrous things.
I am excited about what God is doing among the people of First Baptist Nashville! I sincerely appreciate the opportunity you have given us to serve our Lord in your midst as we look forward, with visionary leadership, to the amazing future God is bringing into focus on the horizon. The vast potential of our people must be utilized for the good of God's Kingdom and I personally feel a great responsibility in performing the tasks God has called me to fulfill. We shall work together to build up the Body of Christ and unite our hearts in giving praise to His matchless Name. It is my earnest desire to give my very best to the Master and in doing so I hope to be an encouragement to you as we together share the Good News of Jesus Christ! I solicit your continual fervent prayers for our family and the ministry God has prepared for us as we walk with Him here. May the Lord's richest blessings remain on you and yours!
In His Grip,
Joe A. Fitzpatrick
Worship and Music Pastor
