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It was so nice and such a treat to have our Pastor and family here in Adelaide for two successive Sabbaths during January 2022. Reconnecting via fellowship in the hall and at our home was a delightful blessing and one to hold onto for the time ahead when things may not be as conducive for getting together. One sorrow we had was that the Robertsons couldn't be with us physically as Malcolm was in hospital during this time battling cancer. Our whole congregation suffers along with them as they are members of the body of Christ just as we are (1 Corinthians 12:26). When one member suffers we all suffer in our spiritual family. We are a small tightly-knit group who desire unity even if we are all unable to get together socially on a regular basis. We do this through messages via mobile phone texts, phone calls, cards in the mail, and visits to homes as able to. Sadly there will be no visiting ill brethren in hospital for now due to the rules enforced which are so wrong it makes me angry for loved ones deprived of such a necessary act of love. Imagine no contact with a member of your family who needs you at their most vulnerable time.
Staying in touch and keeping those lines of communication open is so crucial with others of like-mind otherwise the enemy, our adversary will try to put stumbling blocks in our way such as wrongful attitudes, mistrust, dislike, and can even get us to see fellow members as the enemy. If we drift apart from lack of contact it is easy to think that others are not on the same page as we are which promotes doubt. The adversary's aim is always division and while he has been permitted to cause separation and confusion through governmental edicts over the last 2 years he will not be ultimately victorious. For the time being it seems as though we need to endure interference and cope with many sudden changes. However, the Bible says a remnant will always remain faithful until Jesus Christ ushers in God's Kingdom (Matthew 16:18) and so we must do each our own part to promote healthy relationships, always going to God in prayer for help at the first indication of an offence or problem.
We look forward to our Pastor's next visit hopefully in February, God willing as scripture teaches us to say from James 4:13, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that'. But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil". Humility is the panacea or cure God gives us in His teachings to counteract pride, arrogance, selfishness and all our carnal human nature that can so easily ensnare us to sin (James 4:6-10). Oh, how we know the devil wants us to sin in order to put separation between us and GOD and yet we are acutely aware of his schemes and actively pray for it not to be so. As we do this we are in the period of intense self-examination and before we know it January will roll into February, then on into March, with April 15th as this year's date for the Passover observed from the evening prior as the sun sets.
Some now living will not be alive to partake of the 2022 Passover for which we carry them in our hearts and minds as treasured memories of those who have gone before us. Indeed so many have already died since the 2021 Passover and are awaiting their change. How wonderful this future time will be, yet those of us still living must continue to be about our Father's business each day. It truly is one day at a time with tunnel vision focussed straight ahead for God's Kingdom -- big picture stuff. Some days are tougher than others but then that is life for we must take the good with the not so good in order to develop righteous character; we show God the choices we make, the fruit we develop, and our faith, trust and obedience to His laws through everything we think, say and do. Perseverance with diligence is key, always relying on His Holy Spirit for power to do all that we cannot.
During the current stressors of these challenging times we may notice that not everyone is on the same page, as it were. Spare a thought and prayers for those who are very ill and have chosen to undergo medical treatments which means they will encounter healthcare workers who are not on the same page as they are. This is quite stressful and not ideal but nothing too hard for our great God to handle. Again, prayer is needed for these situations. Now would it not be a good thing for those undergoing chemotherapy for example to be given this via nurses with natural immunity in order to put them at ease? It would be right and helpful to have a choice in the matter as we know immune systems are "shot" meaning depleted from cancer treatments and require caution to keep away from anyone sick from contagious illnesses such as colds, coughs, and the dreaded Influenza A or B. Then there is the matter of shedding or transmission from the jabs to consider. Choice is important. It is becoming more and more apparent why God gave everyone free will, however we see this being taken away from us more and more until it will be a thing of the past. Make your free will in choice count using Godly wisdom and discernment as we follow Christ on the sometimes dusty path we walk along, through terrain such as green valleys, by the waterside, and up those steep hills till we arrive at the highest mountain of all as we yearn for the Promised Land in God's Kingdom. Psalm 23 comes to mind for times such as these to bring great comfort, inspiration and encouragement.
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever". (Psalm 23:1-6)