Sunday, August 23, 2020

8-23-2020

  Good Morning All, 

   1 John 5:4; “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

  One of the styles of music that I enjoy is the American folk music.  One of my favorite groups is “The Kingston Trio”.  They have a unique blend of humor, wit, and musical ability to blend together.  One of their songs, probably known only to their fans, is called “The Merry Minuet.”  Its name is somewhat a misnomer because while it is a minuet, it is not very merry.  Notice part of the lyrics.               

                                    They're rioting in Africa. They're starving in Spain.

                                   There's hurricanes in Florida and Texas needs rain.

 

The song goes on to speak of all types of ills and problems in the world including nuclear proliferation.  It was written in 1958 but all you have to do is change the names with different names and the effect is the same.  There is trouble in the world.

   We as Christians today can really relate with this emotion.  We are witnessing an incredible cultural shift. We see the denial of God and His creation.  We see a rejection of the Ten Commandments and of God-given natural law.  There is trouble everywhere and we seem to be on the losing end, and this is what the devil wants you to think.  He wants you to think that you are losing.

    That is part of the great lie that the devil tells.  It is the lie that brings death to man both a temporal and an eternal death.  It is the lie that destroys nations and civilizations.  It is the lie that causes sinful man to view decline as advancing and debasement as value.  It is the lie that denies God and it is spreading throughout the world.  Some will say it is worse than ever.  Whether it is worse or not really does not matter; it is still a lie and we know the truth- we have overcome this world, its lies, and its ruler the devil.

    So, if you read bad news after bad news take heart, our victory is secured by Christ and we can trust in that truth.  God’s love is victorious, and he gives that love to us through his Son Jesus by faith in him.  So, cling to Jesus and his victory in faith.  We need to stand fast, clinging to Jesus, be in the Word and be in prayer.  Truth, real truth, comes from God and him alone.  He has given us that truth in Jesus.

    So, continue to live your faith.  Everyone needs to hear the truth from presidents, governors, and legislators to college students to the babies that rest on your knee.  One of the best ways to tell this truth is by living out our call to bring healing and hope to all we meet.  Remember how the Apostle Paul spoke in 1 Corinthians 13 “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”  

Father, as we see the world seem to crumble around us.  Keep us mindful that all things are under your care and guidance and that our salvation is secure in Jesus.  Give us the courage to be your hands and voice in this fractured world.  Guide us to bring healing and hope.  In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret    

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