Matthew Henry (18 October 1662 – 22 June 1714) was a nonconformist minister and author, born in Wales but spent much of his life in England. He is best known for the six-volume biblical commentary Exposition of the Old and New Testaments.
A Thought From Your Pastor!
Sometimes when we go through problems we think we are the only ones it is happening to. Cabin fever is setting in on many of us. There are many concerns: Will this virus hit my small town? We are not the only generation that has gone through these kinds of trails and trouble. We just need to know how to handle them.
Matthew Henry can help us with that, he once said: “Days of trouble must be days of prayer.” So that leads me to another question: “How is your prayer life?” This is a time we need to be in close contact with the one that can make a difference in this upside down world.
Scripture tells us: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
When you pray and turn these concerns over to Jesus, you can rejoice but also remember to give thanks. We give thanks for two reasons: #1 because we are to be a thankful people, but #2 when we give thanks we are confessing that by faith we know God has it all under control.
Prayer is a serious and powerful tool that our heavenly Father has given us. Remember the story of the fig tree. Jesus tells us we can move mountains with our prayers and I believe this pandemic is a mountain that needs to be moved.
Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV) 21 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.
22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
We as a church and as a family need to take this time to be serious about prayer. I wear a mask when I’m out, stay away from people and wash my hands, but that’s what I can do. I am more trusting in what God can do.
Snoopy, who is on the lazy side, has another idea. I like a good laugh and a nice nap but I trust Jesus and His power to solve this problem.
Once again, I want to remind you of a verse that is becoming one of my favorites: Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I heard an evangelist say to make a Worry List. Write down everything that concerns and upsets you. Then take a pencil and scratch out Worry and write in Prayer. This will make a difference and bring that joy into your days of being home.
Of course as always: Keep praying but also keep rejoicing in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Hopefully we will be meeting together again in the near future.
God’s Blessing, Pastor Gerry and Carolyn
Don’t wonder about it—Know God is in control !
St. Petrie Lutheran Church AFLC 