View this email in your browser

Mid-Week with Christ
March 20, 2020

Going Viral

Listen

Philippians 4:4-13

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Prayer for the Day

God of Peace and Comfort, we make all our requests known to you, especially our desire to be back together again and receiving as your family your gifts of forgiveness and life. Be with us as we are separated from one another for the sake of physical life, that, in good time, we might come together once again to celebrate our shared eternal life in Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

You know that video that everyone at work has seen? That picture that everyone at school is talking about? Those images and clips that seem to be all over the place? When something becomes that ubiquitous we say it's gone "viral" - it has literally spread like a virus.

For over a decade scientists have warned that, in our modern world of international travel and interconnectedness, a new disease could be a real threat to the human race. Many of us dismissed the threat or hoped it would happen later and to somebody else. Now the threat is a reality, and every corner of the world is affected. Schools are closed, stores are empty, borders are shutting down and life has ground to a halt. In times like this it is natural to be anxious, worried and distraught. We find ourselves being pessimistic about the future and thinking the worst of each other.

In the midst of these anxieties and doubts and ill thoughts comes the Word of God: "Do not be anxious about anything." Why? Because "the Lord is at hand." When Jesus walked among us it was not as a Lord of judgement, but a God of salvation and life. Disease, demon possession and death all met defeat in the light of Christ Jesus. He brought the peace of knowing that even when it seems all things are falling apart, the Lord remains God. We shouldn't judge his presence on our circumstances. Whether facing hunger or plenty, abundance or need, the Lord will strengthen us for all these things.

The world will be sorely tested in the weeks and months ahead. Scams will abound. Panics will come on many. We who are anxious for nothing on account of Christ must be the reasonable ones, the sane and healthy ones, even in the midst of sickness. We can proclaim Christ Jesus as the saviour from sin, death and the Devil - even from coronaviruses. Rejoice in the Lord! Again, I say, rejoice.

Copyright © 2020 Mission to Quebec and the Caribbean, All rights reserved.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.