Hope that you are having a beautiful and peaceful afternoon.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
26/07/2020
Out and about round Civray, 86
Hope that you are having a beautiful and peaceful afternoon.
The highest Valued Kingdom
Readings & Notes for 26th July 2020
Matthew 13:44-52
[44] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
[45] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
[46] When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
[47] “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.
[48] When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.
[49] This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous
[50] and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
[51] “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied.
[52] He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Romans 8:26-39
[26] In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
[27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.
[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
[29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
[30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
[33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
[34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
[36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
[38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
[39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Talk
The Highest Valued Kingdom
- Matthew 13:44-52 / Romans 8:26-39
Introduction
I went to look at the Forbes rich list and if you do so there are names you know and probably ones you don't know. I didn't see us though which was sad because we, in Christ, have riches beyond measure and that is probably why we are not there! So I looked the world's richest nations to see what I would find there:
Well, it all depends how they add up the figures to count a nation’s wealth - all a bit confusing. Again, what I didn't see was God's Kingdom but I wasn't too surprised because he owns the lot!
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Colossians 1:16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. This is brought out quite strikingly when David dedicates the gifts of the people for the building of the Temple to be done by his son Solomon
1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV) “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. Everything comes from you.
We belong, as followers of Jesus, to the world's richest kingdom because in the words of Jesus Matthew 6:19-21 [19] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
[20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So this brings us to our two readings under my title, The Highest Valued Kingdom.
Two main headings with one for each passage
1. Nature • Great Worth -
Matthew 13:44-46 [44] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. [45] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. [46] When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Simple - the Kingdom is worth sacrifices and changes will lead to benefits not loss. So many look for meaning and reality in all sorts - treasure on earth. It doesn't last but fades and spoils. What God gives to his children in the kingdom is true treasure and of eternal value hence my 'tease' comments in my introduction.
• Huge but Sorted - Matthew 13:47-50 [47] “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. [48] When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. [49] This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous [50] and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. This seems to echo or parallel the parable of the wheat and weeds with harsh words about the wicked, those not in Christ and so born of the Spirit, words that cannot be ignored or brushed aside. Remember, as seed has to be sown for a harvest a net has to be cast for a catch!
• Embraces eternal truth - Matthew 13:51-15 [51] “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. [52] He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
They as the ones who will teach the kingdom need to realise that what Jesus teaches, much that is new, is in line with, fulfils and embraces old truths as well. As we would say they haven't to throw the baby away with the bathwater!
2. Realities
• Partnership not Pleasing, Placating or Persuading -
Romans 8:26-27 [26] In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. [27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. In many world views prayer gets answered because of: persuasion / constant repetition / favour / deal / perceived worthiness and goodness - all by the person praying. Key and basic in Christian teaching- Your Kingdom (rule) come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Fundamental in understanding the will of God is the word of God but then the word of God is not a book of answers etc. Matthew 6:5ff adds much to this and of course is from the lips of Jesus long before Paul. So, what Paul expresses here is a working of the Holy Spirit who knows he mind of God and with our words, or unspoken words of sighs and groans, searching and trusting, so, the next part:
• Partaking in God's Plan - Romans 8:28-30
[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
[29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
[30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
We are working alongside our heavenly Father who has called us into relationship with Him in the fullness of His purposes and knowledge and however difficult life, circumstances or matters may be, He works for our good. Good in the bigger picture of life.
Matthew 7:7-12, again from the sermon on the mount, supplements what we have here and well worth a look after Matt. 6 from above!
• Positive Proposals - Romans 8:31-37
[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
[33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
[34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life— is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
[36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
The Victory of the cross, which lies behind v 37 is a victory for those who belong to the Father through the Lord Jesus and His sacrifice which brings life.
The world, other people, life etc throws up all sorts against God's children to drag and pull us down and devalue what we are.
What Paul says is that it doesn't stick or hold because God is at work in us: he has called us, he gave Jesus for us, he justifies His people through that and the only one who was condemned was Jesus and he is vindicated. Can we be separated from the love of Jesus? No, he is interceding in the throne room of eternity.
Persecution was starting to kick in for Christians and of course Paul (Saul as he was then) was one of the first to persecute the followers of Jesus but by now he had faced quite a bit himself! However, in 2 Corinthians 11:22ff he lists events he had endured which are reflected in v 35-36. Do these things separate us from the love of Christ? No and then in typical Paul fashion he spells it out even more graphically:
• Paramount -
Romans 8:38-39 [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. I think that is what is called 'dotting I's and crossing T's'. I'll read it again - it speaks for itself and the end is significant too: Christ Jesus our Lord - Jesus, the reigning King in participation in Godhead.
And, it is because of that nothing can touch us in our heritage with him. All this is why the Kingdom is so valuable and worth everything, our pride downwards to everything else, to be part of it.
Conclusion
What are the things, past or present, that hurt, cause us problems, frustration, anxiety, fear, worry and the like?
They may hinder our walk with Father God but think, we lift them with unspoken type prayer knowing we are under God's love and that nothing, no, nothing can separate us from it. Keep going there into that special place where we are safe in that love and cast all on him and seek to leave them there.
Again, when we are in Christ, God is totally on our side and if we are not in him or not sure - easy, remedy it.
Read Romans 8 again and if needed again and again and in doing so commit into the life that is there not in a legalistic way but responding to that love God has for us - you. This is a passage of great encouragement.
We won't find ourselves on any rich list - but we know the treasure we have as God's
Kingdom is the kingdom over all others. It is the highest valued Kingdom and of supreme
worth not monetarily but for life now and eternity.
Oh, and share this good news!
Christ is preached!
Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[d] 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Philippians 1: 12-26
And here is a message from my sister Pastor Sope
Don't Share God's Glory!
23/07/2020
Matthew 5:17
Dear friends, only recently on twitter, somebody asked : do we need the Old Testament?
To answer this question, I thought that i'd share the answer that Jesus-Christ himself gives us, as written in the Gospel of Matthew! As you can see, it's a very clear answer!
If you have any more questions that bother you, let's talk about them! Blessings and love N.A.
19/07/2020
Jesus you're my everything...
When I close my eyes and think of you
And reminisce of all the things you do
I can't imagine my life without you
It's like paradise now I know that it's real (um)
It's a mystery for someone to give their life just for me
Whatcha did on Calvary makes me wanna love you more
I never knew I could be so happy
I never knew I'd be so secure
Because of your love, life has brand new meaning
It's gonna be a brighter day, brighter day
Never thought that I would smile again
Never thought the dark clouds would end
Never thought that I would have a friend
That would keep me never leave me alone
Jesus you're my everything
The only one that makes my heart sing (heart sing)
Now I know what real love means its everlasting, lasting
Nothing can compare to the joy you bring
And everlasting love affair
Jesus my life will never be the same
I found someone who truly cares (cares)!
Brighter Day!
Today again ....
2 Grace and peace
be yours
in abundance
through the knowledge of God
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith
goodness; and to goodness,
knowledge; 6 and to knowledge,
self-control; and to self-control,
perseverance; and to perseverance,
godliness; 7 and to godliness,
mutual affection; and to mutual affection,
love.
8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12/07/2020
08/07/2020
Can't stop praising our Lord!
Proverbs 3:5-12 (NIV)
A prayer today Wednesday 8/07/2020
Heavenly father, thank you for a new day and for all our blessings. Thank you for looking after us during the night too.
Help us today, give us wisdom and patience, grand us peace and love through the anointing of your Holy Spirit.
May we not rely on our own abilities but seek you and wait for your answers.
Thank you for being your children and there is no favoritism nor distinction.
Bless all our friends and families, all those who are in dire situations, remember where they are and may you switch their tears into smile and joy.
We ask you in the mighty name of Jesus-Christ Amen
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
06/07/2020
Roof Raising Rhetoric - Matthew 11:16-30
Matthew 11:16-30
[16] “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: [17] “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' [18] For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.' [19] The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” [20] Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. [21] “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. [23] And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. [24] But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” [25] At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. [26] Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. [27] “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. [28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Talk
Roof Raising Rhetoric
Matthew 11:16-30 Introduction
Title = Straight, strong and convincing talk - but mine is 3 R's!
There is a tendency by us and others to have Jesus fit our understanding and preconceived ideas of who he is and what he is like and that doesn't really work well. When we look and listen, we must hold in our thinking the he is the eternal son of God, Lord, creator, saviour and king of eternity - and of course a friend we are on first name terms with - Jesus!
1. Reflection on society - vv 16-19 [16] “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: [17] “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' [18] For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.' [19] The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
In this case the critics of the message of the Kingdom first spoken of by John The Baptist and now being taught more fully and comprehensively by Jesus. He says they are like children in a playground and setting up a 'loose, loose, can't get it right and please' scenario. The music is bright, you won't dance. The tune is sombre and you won't mourn. - no winning.
John the Baptist had a frugal lifestyle and he was deemed as demonic; Jesus goes and joins in feasts and banquets and is called a glutton and drunkard. - no winning / no pleasing some, at least.
Has anything changed?
If and when people are against the good news of Jesus and the kingdom there is nothing you can say and do that will get you / us anywhere.
They'll knock the church / Christians / the bible etc with anything that's disparaging and usually far from the truth. Fault finding rather than truth seeking! I am sure you have come across it and in the next section we see it from another angle altogether.
2. Rough on the locals - vv 20-24 [20] Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. [21] “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. [23] And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. [24] But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.
I note that this section is not included in the cycle of readings, only what comes before and after - the compilers don't want you thinking about tough words from Jesus on a Sunday morning - well, we are going to!
Jesus said it and it is important on 2 counts:
• Jesus calls people to repent and follow him and that those who reject are under condemnation - Romans 8:1 states the reverse Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, And the passage goes on to say how we are being changed as we live in the sovereignty of God and the Holy Spirit who adopts us a his children.
• It is good for us to remember when people don't want to hear or know about Jesus that he was rejected too and actually by some of those who were the closest to him. He lived in Capernaum for a time and had healed people - they had known the power, presence and love of God but even then didn't want to know! We looked at Jesus prayer in John 17 a few weeks ago, I go back to v 14: I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. And a little earlier the same evening there in the upper room on the night before the cross John 15:19: If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. I also recall that the three parables of Luke 15 - lost coin / sheep / son were told because his critics (Pharisees and teachers of the law) accused him of eating with eating with tax collectors and sinners!
Jesus can speak a little bit 'rough and tough' - so let's get away from 'gentle Jesus meek and mild' because he isn't in the way we often use those words!
Back to these verses and what he says about the places where he has been ministering and that his words are uncomfortable, we can also remember that love and justice are two sides of the coin which reflects the image of God.
Finally on this section: when it came to the cross Jesus bore in his body, once and for all, our sin so we can be called to repentance and faith, receive purification from sin and be deemed righteous and therefore able to enter the presence of God now and in eternity.
3. Revelation to his followers - vv 25-26 [25] At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. [26] Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. It follows on and brings us to something that I think we'll be looking at next week from another angle and of course the phrase 'little children' are those who humble themselves, whatever their background, and listen to and receive Jesus.
The Pharisees and teachers of the law thought they knew it all and that only they got it 'really right' - Jesus begs to differ and is on and continuing on his disciple training course. We saw last week in Acts 4:13 that when Peter and John were cross examined after the healing of the lame man by these self-same critics and opponents of Jesus When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Jesus did a good job and do you know what? He still does!
4. Reality of the Father and the Son- v 27 [27] “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Again, it follows on and these words are a bold declaration but fully in accord with the message of Jesus in the Gospels. I go back again to the upper room and to another passage we looked at a while back, John 14:6: [6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [7] If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” No wonder so many people wriggle and squirm and will throw out anything to discredit all things Christian because once you start to acknowledge statements like this to be true, well, atheism, agnosticism, cynicism start to collapse and fall apart.
5. Refreshment for life and service - vv 28-30 [28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
I haven't said this for a bit but now seems a good time to do so as it is all through this passage and that is that so much, if not all, of what Jesus says centres on him and the Father through him! Come to me . . . And I will . . . . 7 occurrences of I / me / my in just 3 verses!
Next, I wonder how these verses are seen. Is Jesus saying - when everything is bad and falling apart come to me and I give you some rest? I certainly think that is all part of it but not all of it.
The 'more' is that this is a general invitation to all in all circumstances and like all that Jesus says it is about our starting and ongoing relationship with him. He seems to be saying with me you'll be in a better state all round and we'll keep tweaking it when it goes out of shape!
Observe the following: • The world and life without Jesus is wearying and we get loaded with a lot of unnecessary baggage - burdens. • At the heart Jesus says learn from me, take on who I am and what I give for life, caring and service in the Kingdom then we receive not just rest, but rest and refreshment so we can continue. • Then there is the phrase by which I suggest we get misled - I am gentle and humble in heart. The word for gentle is that which was used for an animal that had been tamed and with reference to humble, Jesus humbles himself - see Philippians 2:5-11.
In his book 'Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe' C S Lewis casts Jesus as the lion called Aslan. When asked by Lucy if he is safe she gets the answer, “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” Jesus is the King and he is all loving but as we saw earlier not to be trifled with.
• Then we have the other part about Jesus' yoke and his burden. If you have your bible look at v 30 - easy and light - now that sounds good, we can just chill. No! • Remember what a yoke is. It is used to carry whatever and go round you neck and shoulders. Jesus the carpenter says it is well fitting. It won’t rub and cause sores and blisters it's carved and moulded to fit. Light means well balanced. Not 5kg and 10kg but 7.5kg on each side!
Boats, planes, ships and lots of other things have to be well balanced or they sink, crash or wear out. Even car wheels are balanced to maximize tyre wear!
• Jesus 'burden' is that of the good news about him and the Kingdom with focal point at the cross and resurrection. Then, with all our other cares / anxieties / burdens whatever, we listen to Peter's encouragement: 1 Peter 5:6-7 [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
[7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Then, in response to the invitation from Jesus we follow and keep on following him: your kingdom come, your will be done . . . . Conclusion No messing with Jesus. He's the best friend we can have and so much more. Many have been using this time of lockdown, and now by many of us more reserved freedom, as a time to get closer to Jesus and understand a bit better all we are when we are in him and our prayer is that we continue in that. Trusting, following, receiving at the gracious and loving hand of our Heavenly Father. Refreshed and renewed to continue from where we are to wherever we end up through it all. He sustains - bread / water / vine / light / good shepherd etc. And we shall conclude our time this morning reflecting on John 15:1-17 - below
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