Hi Newport Church Family,
Happy Fourth of July!
This weekend we celebrate Independence Day and all that this day means for us as a nation.
As we celebrate let’s take time to reflect on the declaration, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” and how these words are every bit as poignant and relevant today as they were when they were first penned almost 250 years ago.
We pray that you have a blessed day with your family and friends and enjoy this special weekend together.
It’s hard to believe that we are already half way through 2020!
Although the first half of this year has turned out very differently from the way any of us could have expected, there are some invaluable lessons that we can learn from this season.
At a time like this, I’m mindful of the words of Victor Frankl who survived the horrors of a concentration camp in WWII and said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”
When David was in one of the most challenging times of his life, we read, “David was greatly distressed....but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Sam 30:6
How important it is that like David, we encourage ourselves in the Lord in difficult times. Here are some powerful thoughts that we can all encourage ourselves with in these days:
God is Sovereign
Even though we may be in the midst of turmoil, God is God and He still is, and always will be in control. This means that we can experience a peace and security that comes from knowing that God rules and reigns from His throne in heaven and that He has the final word on everything.
God’s Purpose has not Changed
God’s purpose to bring all His children home through the finished work of Jesus has not shifted or changed.
God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The best antidote to pain is purpose. As we renew our focus on God’s purpose and the privilege of partnering with Him to establish His kingdom on earth, God promises to fill us with the power, peace and joy of His Spirit.
God’s Plans can never be Thwarted
Isaiah wrote, “...of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” God’s peace, justice and mercy will prevail, His kingdom will come, and His will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven.
We can Come out of this Season Better and Stronger
With every crisis and challenge there is an opportunity to learn and grow. The Chinese word for “Crisis” is made up of two characters signifying danger and opportunity respectively.
Let’s pray that we all make the most of the opportunity to come out of this season better and stronger and that this season would be a significant turning point for racial reconciliation, healing and a time of spiritual awakening and revival in our land.
We pray that as hope and faith continue to rise in our hearts, we can be a voice of hope and faith to all who are looking for answers in these uncertain times.
Thank you for your continued partnership and generosity in the greatest cause of all! We are making a difference together.
Once again have a blessed and happy Fourth of July and we look forward to you joining us for our online service this Sunday at 10am.
We love and appreciate you all greatly,
Jonathan & Dianne Wilson
Senior Pastors