Pastor's Points - July
Dear Church Family,
To say that 2020 is different than any of us ever could have imagined is a great understatement. We have experienced a pandemic which fundamentally changed the way that we live and operate. Because of this we have gone from one of the best economies and employment rates ever, to layoffs, terminations, and whole companies being closed. People now must take precautions that just a few months ago none of us ever even really thought about. Many people are frustrated, scared, or just plain wore out with this whole situation. And on top of this we see the fallout of us living in a fallen world with how we treat one another. Our days are marked by unrest, hatred, disunity, lawlessness, anger, and fear. And if all of this were not enough, we also have been threatened with an invasion of killer hornets, and a sandstorm. These are indeed strange days.
But during it all, followers of Jesus Christ have much to hope in. Our God is still in control when all seems to be spinning out of control. He is the one that we run to and place our full hope in. We do not need to despair! 2020 does not have to be a year of fear, and unrest. We can run to His Word and find that we can have peace, comfort, and hope even in the middle of a pandemic that is marked by loss, unrest, confusion, and fear. Take hope and comfort from the Word of God in these strange days.
1. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
2. “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
3. 6 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
4.“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:31:34
5. “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless[d]his people with peace!” Psalm 29:11
6. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
7.“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord, your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
8. “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalm 55:22
9. 2 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
May God use His Word to minister to us and help us to see that in the middle of these strange days we have an opportunity to grow in our faith and trust in the Lord. I am truly excited for the days ahead and know that God is going to see us through!
I love you and I love being your pastor!!