Reflections from Sunday Evening

It seems like the world is boiling over. A 24 hour cease fire between Israel and Hamas may or may not be honored. CNN reported that 52 Christian families left the city of Mosul with only the clothes on their backs. The ultimatum from ISIS was "convert to Islam, pay a fine or face death." Christians and Muslims fight in Africa. Churches are burned. Retaliation follows. There is strife in Egypt. We know of the battles in Syria. People - innocent people - suffer. Tension builds. It would be easy to lose heart. However we dare not give in to the strife and pain all around. We are called to pray. How might we stand in solidarity with Christian brothers and sisters around the world? How will we care for and support God's people in distress? Perhaps we might begin by giving thanks for the peace we enjoy. With great blessings such as we experience come great requirements. Jesus would indicate to us that "to whom much is given much is required." How could this apply to anyone if not us? So we live in peace while brothers and sisters lose possessions, freedom and perhaps even life itself. But we must not lose heart. Listen afresh to the words of Luke 21:28. "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." The Living Translation says it this way. "So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near." The point is we who have the Spirit of the Lord never lose hope. How will we share the hope of Christ with those who suffer? We may not go around the world and save refugees, but there will arise some way to assist them. We may walk across the street and show mercy to one in need. We may offer hope to the struggling. I am sure God will provide opportunity to us as we seek His heart and reach out to those in need. On a different note...We completed our "God on Broadway" series today. I cannot thank our music team, led by Walter Bryant, nearly enough! Each week the music touched our hearts. This is so exciting since a changed heart is a great step toward a changed life! It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve