Good morning church,
I hope that you have been receiving the church prayer list and updates. Please keep on praying! If you aren’t on that distribution list and want to be added just let me know.
The last few days the weather has been nice so it has been good to get outside. As I was walking down 79thStreet the other day, the scenery really caught my attention. On one side of the street, the trees still look dead. The grass along the road has not turned green yet. In fact, it all looks desolate. On the other side of the street, the trees have buds on them and they are springing to life. The grass is already green and well-manicured. Of course, that side is a business park that has a sprinkler system and a lawn company taking care of it. The other side, not so much. Of course it is also dependent on the types of trees on each side of the road since some bloom earlier. Nevertheless, the contrast between the two sides was rather significant. To the north, it was dreary and bleak. To the south, renewal and hope for the days to come. As I thought about that, it dawned on me that this describes a lot of people’s outlook right now. If you focus too much on all that is going on with the pandemic, you will feel depressed. Obviously, I am not advocating that we ignore what is going on. We all need to be aware so that we can pray, and do what we can for those in need. We also need to learn the best practices for staying healthy. Furthermore, I think it is important that we continue to remember where our hope comes from. Our hope comes from the Lord. He loves us and He helps us to walk through difficult times. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to , “Cast all of your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” It is an incredible comfort to know that the God of all creation not only knows who you are, but He truly cares for you. Our God is far bigger than this current crisis, and all of the ones from the past, and the next one that will come – whatever that may be. God is God. He is never surprised by any of these things. His position is not in jeopardy when there are things that mankind hasn’t figured out yet. Until there is a new heaven and a new earth, there will be the ramifications of the sin of mankind in the garden that introduced death to the human race. While these certainly are difficult times, we trust God now, looking forward to the day when all things will be made new.
1Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
Do your best to keep moving forward in your walk with the Lord. Study and apply His Word. Pray without ceasing. Keep growing throughout these days. Don’t let your faith wither like the north side of the road I described. Take care of it. Nurture it. Maintain it. Allow it to grow so that you can share hope with those that need it.
You are loved,
Larry
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