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Pastor's Message - February 2009

"For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. (Mat 24:5-8)

As we begin 2009 many are feeling under pressure during this difficult economic climate. The news is full of stories of woe and impending disaster. A friend of mine said that he has stopped listening to news reports, because of the negative affect it seems to be having on him. If he didn’t feel bad before hand he certainly does after hearing the same gloomy report for the umpteenth time.

We are seeing an increase of things happening around us, which Jesus described as "birth pangs" and signs of the approaching "end of the age". Peter, when talking to Christians regarding that time, says: "Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless." (2 Peter 3 v 14)

'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11)

We know that those who have put their trust in the cross of Christ can trust in His love and faithfulness, but how are we to be at found at peace, when so much around us is trying to take away that peace?

The apostle Paul also talks about peace when he says:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4 v 6,7)

Prayer and giving thanks to God in all situations is certainly a key to maintaining peace. Paul goes on to give a further piece of advice, which is very important in today’s society.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Rom 5:1-5)

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4 v 8)

So maybe my friend is not far off the mark in trying to avoid an unhealthy diet of dwelling on gloom. Whilst it is good to be informed about what is going on around us and to use that information in our prayers, it is essential that we meditate on the truth of God’s word and on the good things that He is doing in peoples lives. Only by dwelling on what God has done, is doing and is going to do can we maintain a right balance that will guard us from the inevitable depression that comes from absorbing bad news.

As we focus on the good things that God is doing it also enables us to persevere when things do get difficult (Romans 5 v 1-5). That perseverance results in a fresh hope in God that will not disappoint us.