“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest…”
In this time of the “Virus,” many of us are being asked to do more with less, and often less is all we can do.It wearies us, drains us, overwhelms us. We want it to end.
Jesus understands burdens. He was severely tortured in crucifixion but he overcame death and offers us hope and even help.Jesus says, “come” and “take my yoke upon you” (Matthew 11:25-30).This is an offer to join us in our weariness and trouble.As we put on Jesus’ yoke our burden is shared (as two oxen pulling a cart) with Him and thus becomes “light” and “easy.”
Lord, as you called to Peter to “come” and join you walking on the water (Matthew 14:29) so you also bid us to “come” to you with our burdens.Here I am Lord, I will come to you and share my troubles, trials, and burden. Strengthen me; make me “gentle and lowly in heart“ like you Lord.
Blessings,
Jim
Global Prayer Points
Join us in prayer this week for the following requests from our Global Leadership:
Africa: With depressed economies, there is very little testing for COVID 19. Many are dying without knowing about the pandemic. Pray that God would have mercy on these families and team members.
Asia/Pacific: Give us wisdom to draw closer to God; and overcome the economic collapse we’re in right now. Bless the board meetings of South Korea and Japan in finding ideas for more effective ways to share the Gospel and team-build in the midst of social distancing.
Europe: Pray for Europartners’ work and your friends asking God to have mercy on us.
Latin America: Pray for protection of CBMC families and team members who are in countries that are ‘hot spots’ of the pandemic.
North America: Pray that Christian leaders would take the challenge to lead other leaders who need Jesus. Also, for the finances that are needed to do ministry here in Canada.
I know Jesus’ said this is his great sermon on the mount (Matt 6:25), but it brings to mind an old saying “easier said than done.”Are you getting anxious and weary from the new routine of uncertainty?Uncertainty of the future: family, work, health, food, shelter etc. When will it end?I feel slightly like I have lost control of things. Perhaps I have and we all have in a way.Our freedom and movement are dictated by others; we sense that our options for making a living especially are being drained away; we wonder if we or family or friends will get the virus;there is daily negative news about the virus and economy.
God does not work with or through anxiousness and fear. God works by faith, in faith, through faith (Heb 11:6).Jesus says “O you of little faith” have you forgotten about the provision of God for the birds, flowers and grass of the field?In the midst of all this change and sacrifice,
I was struck by Jesus Easter sacrifice for me.He suffered greatly as the Son of God so I could see love demonstrated, receive and have faith, forgiveness of sins and eternal life with Him in heaven.It seemed to put my present sacrifice and weariness in a different light.
What is Jesus ultimate solution for anxiousness and all of the troubles of the human condition?He asks us to remember: “your heavenly Father knows you that you need them all” that is all these things you are anxious, worried and fearful about.And he says do this:
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt 6:33).
Lord Jesus grow my faith enough to trust your promises to provide a way for what I need today.
Blessings
Jim
Join us in prayer this week for the following requests from our Global Leadership:
Africa: Pray that God would enable the Connect3 groups to have internet connectivity during these tough days to allow for the teams to continue to meet online.
Asia/Pacific: Pray for strength for the CBMC teams. Reveal to them how they can help each other to reach the needs of those around them during this pandemic. Bless the Saturday Prayer Meetings held online as a platform to encourage and inspire each other, understand each country’s situation and prayer requests.
Europe: Pray for the world, Europartner’s work and your friends asking God to have mercy on us.
Latin America: Pray that we may reach new business and professional people for Christ during these tough days.
North America: Pray that Christian leaders would take the challenge to lead other leaders who need Jesus. Also for the finances that are needed to do ministry here in Canada.
The Covid 19 pestilence will have long-lasting impact even beyond the suffering it brings now. Our lives are being turned upside down by sickness, death, quarantine and business shutdowns. Yet we have one, Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world and its pestilence (John 16:33).
As Christ-followers and CBMC marketplace ambassadors, let us be determined to use this period (however long) wisely for the kingdom of heaven. This is a time for each of us to understand, once and for all, that our joy comes from above, from God, not from earthly circumstances and success here. (James 1:16-18) The more we can live with this deep truth, the brighter our lights will shine (Matthew 5:14).
Personally, I am trying to see each day as an opportunity to reach out to family, friends, neighbors and colleagues in the marketplace – just one or two people everyday. Some of them I have not spoken to in many months.Everyone I speak with appreciates this contact. They know I cared enough to reach out to them.
I have already had opportunities to pray with and for friends who do not know Jesus. It helps and encourages them and points them to “the way, the truth and life” (John 14:6). Somehow these conversations give them hope which the world cannot give. We give each other hope when we live and share the love of Christ (I Corinthians 13). Give it a try; especially during this Easter Season as colleagues, friends and family may be searching for answers.
Blessings,
Jim
Global Prayer Points
Join us in prayer this week for the following requests from our Global Leadership:
Africa: The virus has created serious viability challenges for African small businesses. Pray that these pressures do not lead to business closures, and serious stressful challenges for the entrepreneurs.
Europe: Pray for Europartners as we are preparing for the next decade and for after Coronavirus.
Latin America: Pray for wisdom as various new initiatives are launched to support, encourage and equip the CBMC family and leaders in the region. North America: Pray that Christian leaders would take the challenge to lead other leaders who need Jesus. Also for the finances that are needed to do ministry here in Canada.
These are truly unusual times! The Coronavirus has altered many aspects of our daily life and this fact alone causes many to be fearful and wonder what the future will bring. Yet for the Christ-follower, we know the Lord wants to give us His strength to carry on. Knowing the great challenge that Joshua faced before entering the promised land, God instructed him this way:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be dismayed, for the Lord is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Please stay strong and courageous during these difficult times. God will bring us through this and together we will continue to bring His Gospel to the marketplace.
Allow me to I offer three simple practices:
1. Keep praying everyday for family, local church family, neighbors, co-workers, employees and CBMC colleagues. Ask God to guide your every step, grant you his peace and safely deliver you. Keep praying also for those on your Top 10 List.
2. Try and meet with your CBMC team every week, online if necessary. Pray with and encourage one another; go through devotionals (Monday Manna) together and help each other with issues at work and home; keep planning events in the future and keep discipling. Allow God to knit you together during these trials into an effective CBMC team. This may also be a good time to go over the basics of CBMC ministry: the Six Ministry Practices and Operation Timothy.
3. Try to speak with one or two people everyday outside your close circle of family and friends; old friends and work colleagues, neighbors and your Top 10 list. Phone them or go online. Let them know you care about them; show them love, kindness and gentleness. This could have great impact. As we spend more time apart, we will need to hear from and be encouraged by one another.
Finally, please contact me directly or the CBMC International office with any concerns or questions you may have. We are here for you. May the love, grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be yours in abundance.
