This past week began with July 4th celebrations and family gatherings. It seems to be ending with a nation dealing with violence, murder, death, unrest, and worry.
This Sunday, as we gather together in our churches and proclaim Jesus as the Lord and Savior…our neighbors and the nations so desperately need the Jesus we need!
As you begin your weekend and even before gathering on Sunday, let God’s Word strengthen you.
One Scripture to take note of is found in Romans 12. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:14-21 ESV)
Let’s be prayerful. Let’s be ready to serve others (each church can make a difference in their local community in times like these). Let those who serve our community know that you appreciate them. Let us be prayerful for all those mourning the loss of the life of a loved one.
This Sunday, consider praying by name for those whose lives have been talked about in the news and pray that the good news of Jesus will be proclaimed in our nation. This Sunday, pray for racial reconciliation and remind people that people from every nation and tongue and tribe are called to worship the Glorious Christ (Revelation 5 and 7). This Sunday, if you have a law enforcement public servant in your church, consider calling on them to pray. Pray for our public, civil leaders, and pray for those in leadership to seek the Lord.
I pray the Spirit of our God will rest upon you mightily this Lord’s Day, that you will be empowered to point people to Jesus – the only hope, the author of peace, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. May He guide You with His perfect Word. Dear preacher, brother pastor, He will guide you. He has already given you the Word to share. Bless you as you serve.
The world needs to see the love of Jesus. May we be His voice, hands and feet in days such as these…
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Brian
