from all of us at messy church in Weston. Gill and her team of helpers prepared lots of activities to celebrate Jesus-Christ's resurrection. Joy and laughter in this village hall, busy volunteers and happy children moving from an activity to another. If you haven't been to a messy church, give it go, come along, it's fantastic!
Not long ago, I was reading about the armor of God. Tonight, I' m reading a truly inspiring book by Janet Thompson, Praying for your prodigal daughter. Here is what she says: I stand and fasten the belt of truth around my waist and I put on the breastplate of righteousness.. as shoes for the feet, I put on the readiness to proclaim the gospel of peace, .. I take up the shield of faith to guard my heart against all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6: 10-18 Do you have any worries about your children or grand-children (I don't have any grand-children..yet!) Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you, he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22. Rely fully on the Lord who is in charge!
Have you ever been in a situation when you keep on doing the wrong things and you feel that nobody wants to listen to you. For different reasons, maybe you weren't there for your friends when they needed you.. Maybe the only friends you ended up having were your friends because they 'added' you in the gang that was 'following' them - there is a bit of 'celebrity' in this kind of false friendship, to be counted in the 'in' crowd can lead to dangerous situations. Or not only you feel rejected by your friends but also your family is experiencing huge problems, whether financial, emotional, you thought they were strong and stable, there for you..no everything you thought was a rock is crumbling fast around you. What do you do?
The good news is that if you ever need someone to talk to, God is there 24/7 for you. He loves you, He is patient and full of compassion. He wants to welcome in His family, the family of all the Christian believers who believe in Jesus, his beloved son. He'll listen to every word you say, and cleanse your heart. He already knows everything about you and all the things that you have done that are bothering you and filling you with guilt.
Ponder on what Jesus said:
“Come to me,all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.