Pastor Jason Wright brings a thought-provoking and sobering word. Much to chew upon and to take heed.
1 Peter 5:7
In 1740, Charles Wesley penned the words to the timeless hymn, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”. Without question, he had in his mind the words of the sweet psalmist David when he fled from Saul in the cave. “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast” (Ps. 57:1). The first two verses of Wesley’s hymn read as follows:
1. Jesus, lover of my soul,
let me to thy bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high;
hide me, O my Savior, hide,
till the storm of life is past;
safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last!
2. Other refuge have I none;
hangs my helpless soul on thee;
leave, ah! leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenseless head
with the shadow of thy wing.
We are living in an age of mounting pressure, not least for the Christian. All around we are beset with many cares and vexing thoughts. How are we to bear up under this pressure? What are we to do with all our cares and anxieties? Peter instructs us: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you”. I trust that this sermon will offer to you much comfort and encouragement, as you set your heart to serve the Lord amidst a troubled world.
1 Peter 2:2-3
A lot can be gleaned from newborn babies that teach the children of God what it is to hunger and thirst. Peter, instructs believers, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). In the natural, newborn babes have an insatiable thirst and hunger for milk. Peter is saying that this ought to characterise the appetite of the believer in Christ! Have you an appetite for the Word of God? Have you strong cravings, not only to behold it but also to consume it? May God bring each one of us onto higher ground and revive in us an insatiable hunger for His Word.
Mark 10:46-52
Christianity is no passive religion. You don’t get to be an idle bystander while others around you participate. Each and every one of us is called to step into this arena of faith personally, and to walk with God for ourselves; to experience His covenant blessings, to taste of His goodness such that we can appeal to others first-hand (not on the basis of hearsay or another man’s testimony), and say, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Ps. 34:8).