As a nation, we find ourselves in a time of great crisis. I am encouraging Christians to put their political differences aside and go to their knees in prayer asking for God’s intervention in the state of our nation. In a time of great confusion, conflict and uncertainty our hope is in the Lord, Jesus Christ and we must give ourselves constantly to prayer.
My dear people, thank you for the prayers you are praying for me and my family. These are very difficult times for us as we seek to walk through these uncertain days. As your Pastor, my heart is heavy for our church family. I encourage each of us to walk each day hand-in-hand with God.
Once again, I remind you that the closer we draw to each other, the greater concern we have for others. Please remember Jesus taught us to also take care of others. Please know my heart as I share the following: In recent days I have received calls from persons in places of political leadership, as well as physicians and other health care workers. They have encouraged me to encourage others to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands regularly. I am doing this out of love and respect for others. As Pastor of Providence Baptist Church, Rico, I feel a strong conviction to ask that we all put aside our political differences and focus on the common good of all our people. We all must work together expressing through word and deed our compassion for others.
I must share with you the name of one whose entire life was given to helping others, through healing the sick, sharing encouraging words, and giving His life for others. His name, JESUS, THE CHRIST. Why would we call Him Lord, and not walk in His steps, reaching out, setting an example of what it means to care for others? Please, my dear people, this is not a time for confusion and conflict. This hour calls for cooperation and compassion. Above all, it calls for spending time in prayer seeking God’s direction for each step we take as we allow His wisdom to permeate our minds.
Also, join Margaret and me in praying for our children and their parents, teachers and educators as they face decisions concerning school openings. There is a special place in my heart for children. These are difficult days for them. They miss their friends, church, school and community's events. Also, pray especially for parents as they care for the special gifts God has given them in their children.
Jesus is praying for us this very day. Read His words in John 17:20: “I am praying not only for these disciples, but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you are in me, Father, and I in you.”
“Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for others.
Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true
And to know that all I’d do for you
Must be done for others.
Others, Lord, yes others,
Let this my motto be.
Help me to live for others,
THAT I MAY LIVE LIKE THEE. AMEN."
Nancy (Music Minister) - As we think about Doc's devotional, there is a hymn that reminds us to reflect the love of Jesus: Let Others See Jesus in You. I invite you to read or sing these lyrics.
While walking through this world of sin,
And others your life shall view -
Be clean, be pure, without, within,
Let others see Jesus in you.
Let others see Jesus in you.
Let others see Jesus in you.
Keep telling the story be faithful and true.
Let others see Jesus in you.
Your life's a book before their eyes,
They're reading it through and through.
Say, does it point them to the skies?
Let others see Jesus in you.
Let others see Jesus in you.
Let others see Jesus in you.
Keep telling the story be faithful and true.
Let others see Jesus in you.