Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me... And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18, 20
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Listen the story of Job who refused to curse God.
Trust God even if you do not know what is really happening behind the scenes, God must receive all of our trust.
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:37
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13
This coming Good Friday and Easter Sunday will be the first time any of us have been unable, by reason of governmental mandate, to gather as a body to remember our Lord's death and resurrection. None of us would bemoan the restriction - it is for the greater good of the health of the general public. And yet, we long to be together, worshipping the Lord, singing praises to Him, breaking bread at His table and doing so in remembrance of His death, burial, resurrection, and soon coming again.
I couldn't help but recall a reading from "Too Soon to Quit" by George Sweeting, "The night before Jesus was crucified He sang a hymn with His disciples (Matt 26:30). Though things looked dark, He maintained His joy. His cousin and forerunner, John the Baptist, had been beheaded; the crowds had dwindled; His brothers had turned against Him; soon His disciples would forsake Him and flee. Then He would be arrested, scourged, mocked, and crucified. Yet, Jesus told His disciples not only of His own joy, but also of the fullness of joy no one could take from them (John 16:22). Jesus who is called 'a man of sorrows' in the Scriptures, also left us a legacy of joy."
In what can rightly be referred to as a troubling, trying time in our world globally, let's remember we can have peace in the midst of genuine trouble, and joy can rise from our sometimes anxious hearts. Let these be our legacy because that is the example our Lord left us.
Till we gather once again, Kathie Schiedel
This morning I was listening to music as I sit at my desk in the new normal we face and a song came on that reminded me that no matter what God is still in control and we need to trust him and praise Him.
The lyrics go as follows: (God Wants To Hear You Sing)
Their chains were fastened tight
Down at the jail that night
Still Paul and Silas would not be dismayed
They said, "It's time to lift our voice,
Sing praises to the Lord
Let's prove that we will trust Him, come what may."God wants to hear you sing
When the waves are crashing round you
When the firey darts surround you
When despair is all you see
God wants to hear your voice
When the wisest man has spoken
And says your circumstance is as hopeless as can be
That's when God wants to hear you singHe loves to hear our praise
On our cheerful days
When the pleasant times out weigh the bad, by far
But when suffering comes along
And we still sing Him song
That is when we bless the Father's heart
CCLI Song # 3583825, Rodney Griffin. © 1999 Songs of Greater Vision, CCLI License # 549010
Life is very different right now. Many are working from home, not working as things have shut down or working on the frontlines. The message we hear is to social distance but I heard it better put in that we physically distance but get in contact socially. What a great idea. So I am letting you know if you need to phone, text, WhatsApp, email, Facetime or smoke signal Cal and I are available, although we may need to brush up on our smoke signals.
Let us know you you are ok, if you need help getting supplies and any prayer requests you may have. We are here for you!!
Singing God’s Praise,
Vicki and Cal Norris (See directory for contact information)