Saturday Reflection – 20 June 2020

Saturday Reflection – 20 June 2020

“Full of honor and majesty is the Lord’s work, and his righteousness endures forever.” Psalm 111:3

Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed,
For I am your God and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you and cause you to stand
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand (J. Rippon, 1787)

Brothers and sisters, often we may find ourselves anxious by the prospects of a new normal. The truth is, we may be comfortable in the way of operation that has always been put into practice, and that has always been our reality. But COVID-19, in a way has restricted that comfort, as in many ways, we have to modify our normal way of doing things, our way of relating and engaging people and the mission that we have called to. This realization is even clearer, the more our borders open, and we grapple even more, with returning to a state of normalcy.

Today’s watchword is a reminder for us, that the even as we contemplate the new normal, that the Lord is still at work, transforming and changing lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. That our new normal has not changed our focus and has not shifted our eyes from our Chief Elder. The work of the church goes on, and the Lord still calls us to labour in his vineyard. And that in the work of the Lord – as we live and labour together, we find fulfillment, joy and purpose even as we live godly lives and cling to our hope and confidence. For the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and draws us closer, (by our living and our serving), in a deeper relationship with him.

The Holy Spirit has empowered the church to consider worship and witness and we must avail ourselves to the Holy Spirit, giving all that we are, all our plans, and all that we have, that he may use us to his honour and to this glory.

As we acknowledge this Pentecostal renewal, may the Holy Spirit empower our church; through its leaders and members that we may discern new methods for discipleship; our worship and witness that we may be effective in our new normal.

Until next week, let us not lose our resolve, but let us – by the power and leading of the Holy Spirit – press on as the church – to be salt and light – that we may be faithful to the very end. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair