God’s Word

Finding it hard going….. Pastor Adrian Gates – 29th March 2020

Good morning Church, love to all.

Just a short thought for today. It’s only been just over a week that we have been in lock down, but not having the physical contact makes it feel longer.

It has been so encouraging to see the response of the people of the fellowship as we have kept the contact alive through technology, be it phones, e-Mail, what’s app.

So many wonderful words and scripture and prayers have been posted and acted upon in some form or another.

I listen to a guy speaking about how this crises has shown us that church is far more than just coming together on Sundays, that we need to seek Him and listen to Him every day through His word.
Something we may have lacked at times.

This crises has helped us to re focus and do that, the proof is in all the phone calls and messages and e mails that have been sent. we have been in fellowship every day.

Finding it hard going was the title, if we are honest we would say that’s true.

In 2 Corinthians 4:8 and onward Paul reminds us that though we may think we are at the end of the rope, we are never at the end of hope.

I will finish with that scripture today:
8. We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.

I pray that be our thoughts this day.
Keep on believing, Jesus is near;
Keep on believing, there’s nothing to fear;
Keep on believing, this is the way;
Faith in the night as well as the day.
Amen

A message from the Pastor – Adrian Gates – 22nd March 2020

“Pour out your heart before Him” – Psalm 62:8 NASB

More than anything else in life, Hannah wanted a son. And as the years passed she wrestled with disappointment and despair. “…in bitterness of soul (Hannah) wept much and prayed to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:10). However, she did two things that worked – and they will work for you too!

Instead of turning away from God, she turned to Him. Instead of praying less, she prayed more. She knew that while her husband couldn’t give her a child, God could. She may not have been happy with God’s timing, but she never doubted His goodness. Unfortunately, one of the things we’re tempted to do when things fall apart is to avoid God’s presence. That’s a mistake, because He’s the one you need most! Yes, it’s hard to pray when your heart is breaking. But unless you’ve prayed with a broken heart and a deep sense of your need, you’ve never really poured out your hear before God, or learned what the Bible truly means by prayer.
She didn’t just think about what she wanted, she also thought about what God wanted. “…she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will…not forget you servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life…”(v.11 NIV). And shortly after that Samuel was conceived. When you’re willing to make a promise to God that He can hold you to (which is what a vow is) you’re getting serious about prayer. That’s when God will get serious about your prayer as well! So, pour out your heart before him!

I thought this was applicable for today, as it speaks of a mother’s love for a child. We thank God for our Mothers this day, and for the prayers they have made for us.

It also mentioned about pouring out our hearts before God, we certainly need to be doing this in the present situation. We may not be able to pray together in the Chapel this morning but we can still be together in prayer. So pray for each other and our nation.

“Father God, thank you for your love and care over us. We ask for your protection over us in this time of uncertainty. Have mercy on this nation and bring us through safely. Father we love and bless you. Thank you Lord. Amen”