As the months continue with no clear end in sight,
No end to this difficult time we are living through what are the things which are challenging you most? What are you missing most? Last night we visited a friend’s house and she told us about the time she had spent recently with her grandchildren; she was so happy to be able to play with them as for so long she couldn’t meet up with them. But she told us that she really misses not being able to give her friends a hug.
Keep praying for the medical professionals as they look for the best ways to care for those who are sick and for the scientists who are searching for effective treatments and vaccines. Pray too for our Government; it’s too easy to be critical when they get things wrong, but they need our prayers and God’s wisdom to guide them to make wise decisions.
Graham chose two passages this week, 1 John 5:1-5 and Romans 8:28-39 for their theme about overcoming. There is much to overcome at this time. But as I reflected on the passages the theme which struck me most is the love God has for us and the love we have for him and for one another.
Paul writes to the Romans;
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
The love the Father has for us is so great he was willing to ask his only Son to go to the cross and take our place. The love of Christ for his Father and for us was so great that he was prepared to make that sacrifice. And now, no matter what befalls us, we cannot be separated from God. In Christ we have life in all its fullness. That really is great news. Have you told anyone about it recently?
If you are struggling, ask the Holy Spirit to help you have a heavenly perspective on your situation. Reflect on the words from today’s Bible passages. What is the Lord saying to you through them? If you have something you wish to share with us please let us know, and thank you for the encouragement of those who have done so. If you are able to come to church on Sunday there will be an opportunity to share during the corporate prayer service.
If God is for us who can be against us? Paul writes;
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Shalom
Graham and Katy Hill, Local Church Leaders