Romans

Brothers and sisters,

This Lord’s Day is different than any Lord’s Day I can ever remember. We are all at home probably and doing our best to be good citizens and help slow the spread of the coronavirus. It is difficult for me and maybe for you to not be worshipping corporately. But there are some ways that we can still worship and seek the Lord together.

Psalm 56:3 is a verse I remember and shared with my children when they were young. This is what it says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Whenever we are going through any trial, there are times when our faith seems strong and we are not afraid. But if I am truly honest, there are a lot of times when I am truly afraid. I might put on a brave face, but you would not want to put a stethoscope on my stomach and listen to it churn! We will be afraid from time to time. This simple verse reminds me that when I am afraid, I can turn to the Lord and take my fears to the Lord, and put my trust in the Lord. I can remind myself that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” (Psalm 46:1). I can remind myself from Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I can remind myself of Romans 5:8: “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s love is sure and was forever demonstrated for us when Christ died for us. I can remind myself of Romans 8:31-32: “If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” So today, as you worship together in separate places, take your fears to the Lord. “Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you,” (1 Peter 5:7).

I am putting the links for a couple of worship songs that you can use to sing to the Lord. Use these to help you worship privately or with your family. The first song may be new to you because it is to me. It is entitled “All Hail the Glorious Christ” https://youtu.be/g9S21iLtXD8 and it is a great song reminding us that we serve a King who is above every other king and we worship Him alone. The second song we sang even last Sunday, “Oh Lord, My rock and My Redeemer,” https://youtu.be/TpELMk4-3n8. This song reminds us that God is for us and watching over us and helping us in whatever we have to go through. I know I need that reminder today.

Pray for each other today.

Love being your pastor,

Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church