Dear Faith Family

As we follow the situation in the world today, it is impossible to miss that we are in a crisis.  Some are concerned about Covid-19, some government control, and others the financial struggles that accompany the shutdown of the economy.  Many worry about all of it combined.  At this point, it does not really matter the real cause for concern because our job as the church doesn’t  change.  We are to love God and love others as we grow in Christlikeness and help others hear about Jesus and grow in Him.  We must be about this business now.

Times of crises provide opportunities to share our faith and live it out if we will take them.  It is precisely at times like these when people are forced to consider the bigger questions of life and eternity.  How can you take advantage of this opportunity? 

As we come through these unique times together, I will be sending out pastoral thoughts from 1 John every few days in order to “stimulate [you] to love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). This will also provide a way for me to keep in contact with you since the governing authority has recommended that we gather as little as possible until the virus has passed. Please feel free to respond or comment back additional thoughts or questions for the purpose of encouraging and challenging one another. 

Before we get to 1 John in a future note, I invite you to meditate on the beautiful words of Psalm 145 as it describes the awesome character of our great God. 

A Call to Praise

A Psalm of Praise, of David. I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. (Psalm 145-1-7)

In good times or bad, God is good.  He is worthy of praise.  Though we pray in times of apparent judgment that God does not forget mercy, we also remember that He is altogether good, just, and righteous.  He knows what is best and is working His plan so that, in His timing, all things will be made right.  Joyfully, then, we praise and proclaim God’s righteousness, even when things are difficult. 

Praise God for His Power

The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.  (Psalms 145:8-13)

God always has been and always will be.  He is in charge, even now.  His character is marked by grace and mercy.  We may find ourselves or others asking, “why is this happening,” yet nothing bad that happens in this world takes away from the goodness of God. Yes, bad things do happen because we live in a sin-filled world, but God is above and beyond; able to understand where we cannot, able to work when we cannot, able to sustain what we cannot, and able to remake what we can only ruin.  Give thanks for His mighty power—past, present, and future!

Praise God for His Provision

The Lord sustains all who fall And raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to You, And You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psalms 14:14-16)

Ultimately, it is God who provides.  We must look to Him in times of need and times of plenty.  If you feel low about what you don’t have, start praising God for what He has supplied.  At a minimum, He has provided His children righteousness through His Son!

Praise God for His Protection

The Lord is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever. (Psalm 145: 17-21)

God is not unaware of our problems.  He desires that we fear Him and call upon Him.  Therefore, in the midst of this mess in the world, praise God.  His power, His provision, and His protection never cease; nor will they for all eternity.  Praise God!

In His Grace,
Pastor Nathan Britton