Over the last two years none of us have escaped the shaking that seems to be happening near and far. The whole world has been touched by this pandemic and many have lost loved ones and livelihoods. We have come to realize that we can have no confidence in our plans, in our flesh, in man, politics or parties. We see and hear that from the palace, through parliament and those charged with carrying out the laws, that there is much corruption. Who can we trust?
Things we never thought we might see or experience in our generation has happened, people dying alone, cut off in wards, in isolation, without the comfort of their loved ones at hand. Lives have been put on hold , with our young people (the next generation) significantly affected. The norms and patterns of their developing , necessary, social lives disrupted and many have become despondent and depressed.
Those who had been living on the fringes have been severely affected ie the homeless, those caught up in patterns of addiction ie gambling, sex, drugs and soul destroying, unstable lifestyles. The rates of suicide has increased – people who have lost hope, looking for a way out. It is (and has been) a sad state of affairs .
Yet there is hope.
As I review my bible this year, I see that these signs we now see have been prevalent from the day Adam and Eve fell from grace. The effect of coming ‘out of cover’ and wanting to go their own way resulted in disgrace, death and disease coming into our world. It is not the first time there has been a ruthless pandemic and where men and women have had to run for cover. I read that the wearing of a mouth mask to prevent the spreading of devastating disease (which many have questioned)was instituted way back in the book of Leviticus – Old Testament – and was instructed by God himself (amongst other remedies ) and to prevent the passing of disease and to save lives. There is indeed nothing new under the sun.
The greatest disease affecting our world is the disease of sin. Sin has reigned from Adam until now. Sin is the breaking of God’s divine laws.
God in his mercy and love for mankind continues to show his love towards us a people. He sent a further remedy found in Jesus (his son) and the price Jesus paid with his own life on the cross, by the necessary blood sacrifice of the shedding of his own blood for our sins.
The Bible tells us
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16
I want to tell you that wherever you are today and whatever it is that you have done or are dealing with, there is hope and forgiveness of sin. The Bible tells us that it is appointed that men must die – that is the nature of the physical man – but there is a spiritual side of man that lives on (never dies ) and that side of us has an eternal destination.
This world is not it, there is another destination and appointment beyond the grave that we all must face. We are all here on assignment ie given the divine opportunity of life and to use that life well. God made it possible (through Jesus) that we don’t have to fear sickness, death or disease, or to suffer the eternal death penalty for our sins, but we can find healing, forgiveness and redemption in accepting the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, his son and by our continued obedience.
The Bible is full of the stories of the patterns of his grace and where the default mode of Jesus was always to forgive. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
It is the start of a new year and I want to encourage you to take hold of the olive branch that Jesus extends from his mercy seat. He is a forgiving God, He can heal, wipe away tears, restore broken homes and relationships and help you to start again. God, through his son Jesus, wants to do life with you here, and in eternity.
To accept this olive branch and receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life , you can say this prayer.
A Prayer of Salvation.
I believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he died for my sins. I confess my sins today before God and ask for forgiveness in Jesus Name . I surrender my own will and my own way to God and do this in Jesus’ name. I ask that Jesus shows me the way I now should go and how to live.
What to do next
If you have prayed this prayer (and do make it your own) find a bible believing church or fellowship in your locality and seek further instructions from the leader or pastor on how to live a life as a born again Christian.
Evangelist Linda J UK
5/2/22
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