Pastor's Thoughts - June 2020

June 2020

A Thought from Pastor Bryson,

We have not met for corporate worship since March 22nd and since our last gathering as a body of believers, a lot has happened in this world.

It is not surprising then that many find themselves stressed out and fearful because of all that is going on. Interestingly, in Matthew 23:6-13 Jesus describes some very troubling situations that will occur prior to His Second Coming. In verse 13 He says this – “He who endures to the end shall be saved.” Simply put, we’ve got to be able to endure, to hang in there, to persevere in the midst of some very challenging times.

God in His wisdom and mercy has given us all that we need to be able to endure. We have the scriptures. God’s word is full of spiritual nutrients to strengthen us for the many challenges of life. If only we would read it, study it, truly feed off of it. God’s word helps us to endure.

We have prayer. Prayer keeps us in communion with God. Prayer reminds us that we need someone (and we do have someone) greater than ourselves that we can turn to when the going gets rough. If only pray without ceasing which simply means we have a heart and mind bent towards prayer. Prayer is just as essential as eating and breathing.

We have worship. One does not have to be in a corporate setting to worship. Worship, like prayer, keeps us connected to God. When we “remember” who He is, all that He has done, is doing, and is yet going to do, we acknowledge that He is worthy of our worship and we will worship.

We have Jesus. Knowing Him makes a world of difference. To experience His love and forgiveness leads to our having joy, peace, strength, and hope.

We have His indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus promised not to leave us as orphans. He sent His Holy Spirit to live in all who profess faith in Him as Savior. He is our “Helper, our Comforter.” We are never alone no matter how challenging life gets.

The challenges of life are not going to go away, but remember the words of Jesus, “He who endures to the end shall be saved.” I’m thankful that we are assured of victory in the end, but we’ve got to hang in there and thank God, He has given us all that we need to be able to endure to the end.