Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
The Redeeming Christ
Isaiah 12:1-6
Vs 2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; He has become my salvation.
This verse is truly significant during the COVID-19 crisis we currently face.  We are living in anxiety and fear, not knowing what tomorrow may bring.  In an instant our way of life has changed.  We were once so busy, hardly having time for each other and now our priorities have changed.  We have learned to spend more time with our families, more time praying on our knees and relying on God completely.   We are reminded of our purpose in life.  To worship Him, to seek Him and love Him completely.  We need to turn back to God, to trust Him and seek His Mercy.  Throughout the bible and in history we have seen instances when God allowed mankind to be destroyed due to sin.  However, even in those instances many were saved when they turned back to God.  As it says is 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”.  During this crisis many are frightened, anxious and uncertain of tomorrow. However, that is when God reminds us that, He is our salvation and as Christians we need to stay strong in our faith because “The Lord God is my strength”.  
I think many of us will agree that it may be inevitable to escape from contracting this virus and if so, what is the fears in our mind?  For most of us, it’s the fear of us or a loved one falling ill, fears of unemployment, scarcity of food, succumbing to this illness, etc.  However, God reminds us that he is present with us in our struggles, enriching us with his grace to fight and survive this ordeal. And as Christians no matter what happens on this earth, there is a home far greater than here waiting for us.  We have that promise, of an eternal life waiting for those who believe in Jesus Christ.  So, let us stay strong and not let the anxiety and fear cripple us or shatter our spirit.  As Christians let’s stay fervent in prayer, not forgetting our neighbors, family and friends.  Let us remember to remain kind and loving in a time when people have become selfish, greedy with a “survival of the fittest” attitude.   Let us remember we are called to be Christ like even during the most pressing times, as 1 Peter 4:8 says “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins”.   Let’s us face each day with our strength and spirit renewed in Christ, rather than in fear of tomorrow.  Our loving God is ready to face the battle for us “for this battle is not yours, but God’s” - 2 Chronicles 20:15. 
 
PRAYER
Father God we pray for this world, our country, for all those who are sick, those who have lost a loved one and all the essential workers who continue to work during this crisis.  We pray that you ease our restless minds and calm our hearts. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Nothing can stand against our God. Whatever you face in life, if you will just hold your peace and remain at rest, God promises He will fight your battles. He will make a way even when you don't see a way
Trigy Thampy, St. John’s MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more