We have been rocked by so much over the last year but in just the last few weeks, it’s been especially hard. First storm Arwen knocked out power for more than a few days. Then the Omicron variant lowered hopes and expectations for the second year. But worse than that is the loss of friends, family and neighbours who have been shining lights to the world. This is the hardest blow and we are suffering this Christmas. Words cannot express the deep mourning that accompanies our loss.
Here is a message from Handel’s Messiah which is the only fitting response to our situation:
From Psalm 85: 10-13 we have hope for the future:
Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
The blessing of hope, love, joy and peace in Christ be with you all. Amen.
Whilst the annual campaign may be over, it’s never too late to donate. Christian Aid helps real people lift themselves out of poverty through enterprise. A lofty goal which gives dignity and hope. Donate Now if you can.
The Journey’s vision is to see every young person within the Furness area to have an opportunity to explore the Christian faith, journey with it and respond to it.
Thought for the month from Vic Sekasi, Furness Network Youth Minister
Hi! Welcome to the February prayer diary. When I was praying for 2017, I was thinking about the word, BREAKTHROUGH. Think for a moment about a situation you are facing in 2017 that needs breakthrough… When I read 2 Samuel 5:19-20. David asks God if he should go and attack the Philistines or not, and if God would deliver them into David’s hands. And God said “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.” And that is exactly what happens! God is a God of deliverance! No matter what situation you face ahead or how long you’ve struggled and prayed, lets have faith that “It’s all about to change” and lets pray for BREAKTHROUGH. Think for a moment about what breakthroughs young people might need. Pray for the young people to see breakthroughs in their health, in their friendships, in their school life, in their families, in their friendships etc…
For more prayer opportunities, please see The Journey
If you believe that Jesus lives today, if you believe that he is here, in this place, now in the 21st century, then one way we can put this faith into action is to pray for God’s transformational power to give new life to his children. Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pray for God’s children. And when you have a story to tell, proclaim it (see encounter) to the world!
