Is there any way to find a blessing in the midst of all the difficulties we’re facing? I say, “Yes!” — and so does the book of James. James (Chapter 1) says that we can consider it pure joy whenever we face trials.
God teaches
us through our trials. I want to encourage you that even though things get
hard, there are blessings.
I heard some experts say that because of all the online services available this past weekend, it was the most attended Easter weekend in the history of the world! Isn’t that amazing? Clearly, we can see that the harvest for the Gospel is plentiful, even during this worldwide crisis.
I believe that you and I have a unique opportunity and we shouldn’t miss it. There are three ways I believe we can be a part of seeing the harvest gathered right now. Watch the video above to hear all about it.
It’s no secret that we’re all living in an incredibly unsettling time. What should we do about that? What can we do about that? I suggest we listen to the words of Jesus where He offers us peace that can only be found in Him.
Lean into Jesus this week, Church! Read your Bible to hear His words of peace. Pray and seek Jesus. He promises that He will give us peace — unlike anything the world has to offer.
How do we, as Christians, find peace during this current Coronavirus crisis? First and foremost, we should pray. Praying is the antidote to our fear.
Paul gives us some timely advice in Philippians 4:6-7 which will help us guard our hearts and minds with the peace of God — a peace that surpasses all understanding.
It’s obvious we are entering into uncharted territory and many people are confused and fearful of the future. That is understandable. But, let’s make sure we put our trust in God and direct our fears to Jesus. I love what it says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” Amen!
Last month, Pastor Tony encouraged us to set goals in areas where we want to grow. My simple follow up question for you today – almost a month into our new year is – how are your goals going? Have you gotten a plan to read the Bible to connect with God, and are you working the plan? If not, let me give you some suggestions as we steam ahead into a new decade.
At The Rock, we use phrases like “daily devotions” or “quiet times” to describe the discipline of Bible reading and prayer. This is a great way to start your day! Your Bible reading can be what you want to make it — maybe a structured study using a devotional? possibly reading through certain passages? perhaps reading through the Bible in a year (One Year Plan)? You might even consider journaling some of the thoughts God gives you (Teaching on devotionals).
In Mark (Chapter 9), we see that Jesus took Peter, James and John to a mountain top. During their retreat, the nine remaining Disciples (who had been left on their own) were having a big problem! The father of a demon-possessed boy had come looking for Jesus and the Disciples were trying to help. But, they were failing miserably. To make things worse, the teachers of the Law were laughing and arguing with them.
“But we had to celebrate and be glad….” — Luke
15:32a
This past weekend, we celebrated our twenty-year anniversary! We sang songs, honored people, heard stories, looked back, laughed, cried, ate good food, listened to jazz, bounced, climbed, rejoiced and thanked God for His amazing goodness. It was a fantastic weekend — God was honored!