We’re all in the same storm, but we’re not all in the same boat. This was said by a minister describing people’s experiences around COVID. Same storm different boats (experiences).
For example, there has been an increase in mental issues and addictions. Loneliness is on the rise. Isolation is all too common for the elderly and others who have lost their social network. There have been losses to be grieved such as the loss of get togethers, loss of celebrations, loss of jobs, loss of freedoms, loss of normalcy, and the list goes on.
What about the pervasive feeling of fear in society today? It seems like we are living in a fear zone. We’ve got plenty to be afraid of these days. On some level, we all struggle with fear. God knows we do.
As you consider the fear of people mentioned in the Bible, when they were told not to be afraid, they actually had every reason to be. Moses confronting a powerful ruler was a reason to be afraid. When Mary and Joseph were told they would be the parents of the Messiah, that would cause any parents’ knees to shake. God instructing Abraham to leave his familiar surroundings to some unknown place, wasn’t exactly calming news.
Fear! The problem isn’t what we fear. It is when our life is ruled by fear. It is when we make decisions based on fear. It is when we form priorities and react to others from a position of fear. It is when we get spiritual amnesia (as Max Lucado labels it), so that we forget that our God reigns! Or that our behavior doesn’t match our belief in a Sovereign God.
I remember one of the most difficult sermons I ever had to preach was the Sunday in 2001 following the terrorists attack on our country on 9/11. One of the Scriptures I referenced that Sunday was Psalm 46. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” The Psalmist goes on to say, “Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us” (read that last line again). Spend a few minutes to read Psalm 46.
Same storm, different boats, but the Lord Almighty is with us! Same storm, different boats, but God is Sovereign. Same storm, different boats, but Christ has overcome the world! Same storm, different boats, but God will meet us in that place of fear.
The objects of our fear can be real even if it may be blown out of proportion. We should be honest about that! But then let it drive you to Him. Have a proper fear of God that trusts Him with all that is going on. It is as His love is perfected in us that we are less controlled by fear.
And join with others tonight by bringing our fears to God in prayer. Prayer 30 is tonight from 7:00-7:30 in the gym parking lot. Hope to see you there! If not, hope to see you this Sunday as we start a new sermon series in James on “Faith in Action.”
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
Profiting From Pain
James 1:1-8
Link to This Sunday Worship Service
Next Prayer 30
The next prayer 30 is tonight at 7 PM in the gym parking lot
New Sermon Series
This Sunday Pastor begins a new series entitled “Faith in Action” from the book of James.
OWLS
OWLS (Older, Wiser, Loving Seniors) will resume getting together on September 11th at 1:30 in the Fellowship Hall. We will be blessed with Rob and Patsy Tacker entertaining us in song followed by light refreshments.
Acoustic Jam Night:
The worship ministry is sponsoring an acoustic jam night for all players and lovers of acoustic-based music. If you play an acoustic instrument…any acoustic instrument…then we would love to have you attend. The event will be hosted at the home of Rob and Patsy Tacker on Friday, September 17. Please RSVP by emailing Pastor Dan at dan@ebclaconia.com
Truck Needed
A plan is in place to remove all the shrubs around the Admin Building and on the corner of the Worship Center at the corner of Washington St and Fairmont St. We need someone with a one ton dump truck to assist us. Or someone with a 3/4 ton or larger pickup truck willing to tow a dump trailer. We would potentially do this Friday, Sept 17 into Sat, Sept 18.
Email: buildings@ebclaconia.com or call Bill Wixson at: 603-524-8580. Or contact church office.
Hospitality Training
The hospitality team training will be in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, September 25th from 8:30 – 10:00. Breakfast will be served.
Community Group Fall Kickoff
It’s that time of year again! Existing Community Groups resume this month. Please contact your Community Group leader for details concerning your group. If you’re looking to join a group, signups will be held the first two Sundays of October.
CASA Volunteers Needed
CASA is looking for volunteer advocates who make a life-changing difference for abused or neglected children. You can register online for a virtual info session on September 22 that will focus on the need for volunteers in the Lakes Region. Register at www.casanh.org.