Sunday Words of Encouragement July 5, 2020

Our church opened this morning for Sunday School as well as church service. We look forward to our SS classes when we return to Florida. We shared church online from out of state today.
My husband has been enjoying church online as he visits our son’s church in Illinois, the church we attended in South Florida, and at least two services in the town where we live.

Pastor’s message centered on Independence and Freedom. He noted how America allows open, free worship which isn’t true of all countries. He expressed concern at the increased effort to take God out of our country and the increased divisions among our society. We used to be able to share diverse opinions and remain friends and family. Sadly, not so much anymore.

There is something bigger at work. Satan seeks to stop the Gospel and he will use whatever he can, especially division. The real battle isn’t about America. It is about the eternal soul. The chaos that is around us is about The End Game. The highway to hell is broad, but the gateway to life is narrow. Matthew 7:13-14.

In John Chapter 17 Jesus prays for the disciples and includes us in the prayer. John 17:14-21.
How do we live in perilous times: Stay prayed up. Stay in the word. Find instructions on how to live by reading Ephesians. See Ephesians 4:17-31.

Difficult and perilous times are not unprecedented. Follow the example of Jesus. We are citizens of Heaven first. Our identity is found in Christ. The cause of Christ is not popular in this world but it is all for Christ-followers. We know who holds our future. We can trust God to handle the enemy.

God made a way for everyone to have freedom; to receive eternal life. God provided redemption through the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ. What are we willing to commit? To surrender?

I found this song which I like for our current situations. This We Know.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 7:12-14 (NIV)
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

My Heavenly Father - I give you thanks for creation and salvation. Help me daily to live by Your example.