Dear <<First Name>>,
Lent begins on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. This period before Easter Sunday sets out for us a time to prepare our hearts for the great celebration.
Pastor Simon Measures
Daily Guide
Devotional reading for today
Hope in the midst of trouble
So don’t venture away from what you have heard and taken to heart: the living hope of the good news that has been announced to all creation under heaven and has captured me, Paul, as its servant.
Colossians 1:23 - The Voice
If you look at the world right now there is little to encourage us that a better future is around the corner. The daily news on TV, radio or internet presents little reason for optimism in these harsh and traumatic situations people and nations are facing. But remember how this contrasts with Bible presentation of events. The Bible tells of troubling and traumatic end-time events but at the same time the Bible presents Jesus in the centre of the movement of history. The Bible presents Jesus enthroned. Rev.3:21.
The hope of the Gospel strengthens our hearts. Living hope has been found by us in Jesus. The knowledge has been revealed in our hearts, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." We have accepted the gift of righteousness which the Lord's death and resurrection delivered to us. We now stand believing that He is able to save us in all and every respect because always He lives to make intercession for us. Christ is our Saviour. Christ is our Redeemer. This is where we find the hope of the Gospel. This good news is absent in the daily news but this good news is present in our hearts. This good news counters the daily news. Hold fast to the hope of the Gospel which you have heard and taken to heart! Heb.7:25.
The next generation needs the Gospel. The people of the nations need the Gospel. Let us pray God may shine in their hearts. The people need to receive "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Only when they turn towards Him can they receive it. You and I can help them make this turn! Let's make it that our speech and our lives demonstrate how hope and deliverance arise out of a relationship with God through Jesus. Pray that grace will save the next generation. 2Cor.4:6.
Focus on the Good News, it counters the daily news!
Prepared by Pastor Simon Measures
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