Sunday Words of Encouragement March 22, 2020

We are in new and unusual times. One online pastor this morning shared that this may be the first time in his lifetime that Easter may be celebrated not with person to person gathering, but through technology.

My husband and I have occasionally attended church through online services. We have enjoyed visiting the church we visit in Illinois with our son's family, Grace Church. This morning, for the first time, our local church, First Assembly Church of Marianna, complying with social distancing directives, shared online rather than in person. Hubby and I had to locate the right links to get to the program but we were glad to share in the service. Not too surprising, our Pastor shared a message on the Peace that comes from God in times of trouble and stress, such as in the current coronavirus environment.

After praise songs, one of the lay leaders shared the message from Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)
1 But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;...


Pastor shared several a message on peace, beginning with examples of peace mentioned in the Bible.
John 16:33 NLT when Jesus tells his disciples:
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT:
6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 26:2 and 3 and verse 12 NLT:
12LORD, you will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from you.

He also shared the story of Mark 4:35 - 41 where the disciples were caught in a storm and sought reassurance from Jesus. Jesus calmed the waves with three spoken words: "Peace! Be still!" Jesus is the source and the author of Peace. Where fear runs high, the peace of Jesus runs higher!

Here is a song that shares on this phrase: Peace, Be Still!

Verse for Today:
Mark 4:39-41 (ESV)
39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Lord, I am so very grateful that I can trust You in all circumstances because I know that You are in control!