Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without
wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 ESV
While I cannot recall the many sermons I have heard in detail, I can remember several hymns. Awe-inspiring lyrics with majestic melodies find me like a long-lost friend appearing just when needed most. Recently, John Rippon's hymn, How Firm a Foundation, flooded my soul as I reflected on the events of the past year.
If you could insert yourself into a Bible story, which one would it be? If I were to choose, the following Bible scene would be high on my list:
"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!'" (Luke 2:8-14 ESV).
"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone,
and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Galatians 6:10 ESV
I first heard about "Mary" and her brother Daniel in 2008 from Pastor Abraham, a VOMC ministry partner in Northern Ghana. "Mary," Daniel, and their parents accepted Jesus as Lord after attending a Jesus Film showing near their home. It didn’t take long for them to find that following Jesus came at a cost. But it was when "Mary" and Daniel’s parents died (they were poisoned by family members) that these children felt the weight of persecution. Because of their Christian faith, they were abandoned and denied support from their community.
"The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
and good news refreshes the bones."
~ Proverbs 15:30 ESV
In times of hardship, it is natural to focus on the negative. Time to time, and from one degree to another, everyone battles hopelessness weighted by dread. As the conditions and perspectives will differ in each person's life, it is essential never to make light of anyone's distress. We are all unique and, therefore, how deeply such feelings occur dramatically affects one's disposition.
"Seek the Lord and His strength,
seek His presence continually!"
~ Psalm 105:4 ESV
By the time you receive this blog message, August 2020 will have already morphed into history, bringing with it the end of the summer months. Now, even with September well upon us, questions of uncertainty continue to abound as COVID-19 protocols complicate the return of Canadian children to school, leaving parents to decide the best options for their children's education.
There is no lasting value in empty words, and a person who utters them risks reputational harm. It stands to reason then that words of substance carry significance, which can influence those who listen. Jesus processed the ability to exude authority and meaning whenever He spoke. When our Lord spoke, people listened, even those who opposed and hated Him.
