| Rejoice again I say rejoice

Last week we celebrated Easter and its glorious message of hope, redemption, and deliverance from sin. Amidst a world crisis like this virus it would be easy to give way to fear and gloom but nothing can diminish Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection to the new life he promises.

My dear brothers and sisters do not accept the worlds reaction of pessimism, that sees only negative consequences of the pandemic. If we are in large debt by spending money to save lives now; how wonderful. If we face years of denying ourselves the unnecessary dross we fill our lives with I say hurrah and amen. If we have discovered the important things of life like Christ’s love for his people, humility as we witness the sacrifice of others, and communicating more with our families and friends, then God has truly blessed us. Of course some families are grieving the loss of loved ones and we must pray to our Lord to comfort them and give them peace.

Please read all of Romans 5 v.1-11

v. 3 – 5 “we glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance ; perseverance , character, and character hope. And hope does not put us to shame, God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Facing this period of lock down has caused many of us to question the meaning of our personal responsibility towards others. In belief we know how we should love one another and through Gods Holy Spirit tell our neighbours of his constant and faithful presence in this troubled world. The younger generation have had their conscience, compassion, and sense of selflessness awakened. Many will not understand that these human virtues are gifts of God. When they see, however, key workers risking, and sadly sometimes losing their lives, they must wonder what it is that drives these brave people to put themselves at risk. We the older generation must later our experience of Jesus and show how he has enriched all our lives.

There will a time to come when we are delivered by God from this virus. It may be a miraculous and direct answer to prayer or by his gifts of knowledge to mankind. Prayer is the key to deliverance.

One of the ways that God has given us an opportunity to pray to him now is that we have time. We often say that we should be expectant of God but now he is expectant of us. We are invited to draw closer to him and share our fears and hopes with him. Do so right now with pure, sincere, and open hearts free of all blockages and impediments. Especially now pray repentance for yourselves and this nation of ours. He is a faithful and merciful God, and will reaffirm his love for each and every one of us.

During this turbulent time there are many people willing to share dreams, visions and prophecies with us. Do not dismiss them because they do not match your expectations, but neither hastily embrace them because they do match your thinking. Instead carefully weigh and test them calling on God for confirmation. Read your bible and see if Gods word is giving you the true answers. Pray about it then wait on the Holy Spirit to answer.

Please read 1 Thessalonians 5 V 12-24

v. 16 – 18 “Rejoice always. pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Gods will for you in Jesus Christ”

Finally I implore you to act with caution during this period of lock down. As Christians we often talk about trusting the Lords protection and putting on the armour of God. That can be valid but we can also do things in our own strength. On this occasion, however, there is the added risk that you could infect another. Loving others means not harming them.

This time is not our time to act, but we can prepare ourselves for the rebuilding of the Christ’s Church. For now let us be still and listen to the Lord. May God bless and protect you all.

Amen.