FOCUSING ON JESUS
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Recent events and the resulting uncertainties have been challenging for me to process. But at every turn, I have the privilege to choose how I respond.
Three things in particular have helped me:
Keeping my eyes on the One who does have control by reading and thinking about His Word and also by listening to and singing songs of worship.
Connecting daily with friends and family, through video chat like Google Hangouts or Skype or Zoom.
Focusing on what I do have control over - following CDC recommendations, limiting social media and news, practicing yoga and exercising, going outside, home based activities, our routine
In the next week, I have something additional to add to my list - communal prayer.
We are creating a daily time of prayer and reflection for our CGNortheast family. Our Worship Director, Coty Miller will be leading this live on Instagram and in our Facebook Community Group. (So make sure to join that, by clicking on the blue button on our Facebook page!)
James 5: 13-16 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
We have a few weeks ahead of us still with this new normal, and I know that not every moment will be a good one or a positive one. But many will be.
I know that our Together We Pray time will be some of those positive moments. I hope that you will join us!
- Katie Erickson, Communication Director