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Look to the future - with confidence
Well this will be the last article about the scriptures for a couple of months. I was scratching my head and wondering what to write about this month when I came upon a passage of scripture from the Book of Hosea, Chapter six, verse one and it says:
"Come, let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, that He may heal us; He has stricken, and He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before him. Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; His going forth is as sure as the dawn; He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."
This is a lovely and poignant extract from scripture. It reminds us that we can be punished for our sins but it also reminds us that the Lord wants us to return to him. It reminds us that he will heal us and make things better. It also reminds us he will raise us up on the third day as he was raised himself. He calls us to get to know him better and we are reassured that his coming is as certain as the dawn and the showers in springtime that water the earth.
Does it not seem apt that God has selected this particular passage for our consideration at this particular time of year? It is certainly appropriate bearing in mind the weather we have been experiencing of late. It is also appropriate in relation to the situation within this church over the past few years. It may seem that God has been punishing us but this passage assures us that he will make it better.
I had the pleasure of attending the Girls' Brigade's presentation of awards. It was interesting to see a large turnout of the girls' parents and made me think how wonderful it would be if all these parents could be in Church every Sunday. Surely this indicates there is potential for our congregation to grow to a healthy size when once again we have a leader in the pulpit.
Let us all pray that this may be the case soon, let us all press on to know the Lord knowing of a certainty that he will indeed heal us and this is as sure as the Spring rains.
With thanks
I should like to share with you the following letter which I received from Mr David Young.
"I wanted to write a few words of thanks to the congregation and hope sincerely that you are able to convey my deepest gratitude for the kind words and gifts received by me from both the congregation collectively and from the many individuals at the door at the close of worship on Sunday 14 May.
"I really wasn't expecting anything and was quite stunned when Stewart made his way up to the Sanctuary to make his vote of thanks. I have received many gifts from the various churches I have been placed in but I have to say that none have been quite as practical as the ones received from the folks in Holytown - I don't want to single anyone out because I am equally as grateful for all the many gifts but I will say, and the people will know to whom I am directing this, that my hair is now gelled to perfection, my aftershave smells like a million bucks - and I will never lose my keys again!
"My heartfelt thanks to you all, "With the greatest of blessings, "Your friend,
"David T Young"
Franklin D Roosevelt said, "Never before have we had so little time in which to do so much. "
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