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A Postscript to Yesterday’s Blog As I thought about our 'travelling companion ' my mind went to the two on the Emmaus Road. They were living in dark times, traumatic times - the crucifixion of Jesus had just taken place. But there were rumours of something momentous - the resurrection! They couldn't grasp it, it was so hard to believe but as they wrestled with it 'Jesus Himself drew near' and how different they were by the end of that journey. They invited Him into their homes and there they saw the risen Lord. The same travelling companion draws near to us and if we invite Him into the deeps of our spirit in these difficult times, we will come to realise that our companion is indeed the risen Lord and ' our hearts will burn within us, as He talks with us on the way'. Luke Chapter 24 Jennifer Jack The Prince of Peace All around us there is uncertainty, turmoil, anxiety and fear. But for us, and for all who know Jesus Christ, it can be different. There is no dis-peace in Him. He is the One who calms the storm, who heals the broken hearted, who brings peace to the troubled soul. Even on the road to Calvary, while there was anger and danger all around Him and fear in the hearts of His followers, there is one serene figure in the midst of it all - Jesus Himself. The answer, as always, is Jesus Himself. When we look at circumstances we can be afraid, when we look within ourselves we realise our resources are limited, but when we look at Him, it is different. Don't look around too much, don't look in, look up! Centuries before Christ came, David wrote: 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me' (Psalm 23:4) The answer was not in the danger being removed, it was in the One he travelled with. We have a travelling companion. Many of us are finding that He is very near in these days as we turn to Him. May you all find Him very close today and in the days that follow. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace'. (Isaiah 9:6) With much love, Jennifer My daily readings for today included Exodus 39. The part that lived for me was verse 33 - 'and they brought the entire tabernacle to Moses'. I read what followed - a picture of everything we have In Christ - the Rams skins dyed red (speaking of the covering of the blood), the Ark and the place of atonement, the bread of the presence, the light from the lamp stand, the oil and the incense of worship, the beautiful garments for the priests (that includes us). The final verse of the chapter says ' when he found it had been done just as the Lord commanded him, he blessed them'.
I was aware of the entire provision that there is in Christ and felt the beautiful garments of salvation around me as I meditated on it all and worshipped. I pray that it will bless you too. A further thought - we have all been using WhatsApp, texting, phoning etc and keeping in touch. This is really good and I hope it will continue. But don't forget to spend time alone with God. I think we are meant to deepen and strengthen our ties with Him at this time, and that is what will take us into a new place. Take care, and keep safe! And if you have Daily Light, read the verses for this evening 22nd March. Jennifer Jack 'And it shall come to pass, afterward'This is the beginning of our new year word for this year, and a number of days ago Lesley spoke to me about thoughts that had come to her as she had been meditating on it over the weeks since new year. I pass some of these thoughts on to you.
Afterwards. After what? If you read the first two chapters you will realise that the nation had been going through very unusual troubled times. Look at the following verses: Chapter 1v6 - A vast army of locusts has invaded my land. Verse 16 - No joyful celebrations are held in the house of our God. Verse 17 - The barns stand empty. Chapter 2v2 - Like dawn spreading across the mountains a great and mighty army appears. Nothing like it has been seen before or ever will be seen again. They swarm over the city and break through its walls. Verse 6 - Fear grips the people. Chapter 1v2 - Nothing like this has happened before. Tell your children about it in years to come and let your children tell their children. Doesn't it describe the times we live in, the relentless spread of the virus, the fear, no church gatherings etc. etc.? Read the chapters and you will find more. But thank God there is going to be an 'afterwards'!! I believe God is calling us to be among those who not only stand firm and steady during these unprecedented times but who put their roots down more and more deeply into Him, who show to others that there is a rock and a security in Christ Jesus. And to look to the 'afterwards' and expect a mighty outpouring of His Spirit. If we deepen at this time, we will be able to receive a fuller anointing in the days to come and to see the impact of that in our lives and the lives of many others. Be encouraged, God as always is a step ahead. The word we have been given is a prophetic word and He has promised to see us through Jennifer Jack Director / Minister |
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