Hey Church! Is it just us, or are the days (of quarantines and sweatpants) starting to blur together?
Come what may in this life—famine or disease, darkness or war—none of it is worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. We’ve found the city that Brother John is talking about (below), and we will rule and reign with Christ forever!
Our spiritual mother speaks comfort to our heart, and we will be able to go to bed at night because she’s saying, “Although weeping may endure for a night, there is a guarantee that joy will come in the morning!”
We need to stay connected and encourage one another in Christ. The only way we will get through anything–our own season of suffering or what’s going on in the world—is by remaining one with Christ and his body. It will give us the courage and strength we need.
A mother serves as a place of refuge, solace, and provision in times of crisis. No time is clearer than now that the church is not the building—it is you and me. We need to remember that statement wherever we are at times like this. Anxiety and fear bring depression, but life-giving words of encouragement, as Brother John is bringing, can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.
Share this with a friend who never doubted God would be faithful to us.
#wearethechurch #cityonahill
By Brother John Shepard
So, unless you’ve been in outer space for the past three months, you probably know that there’s more than enough fear and torment going around in this world right now.
Whether it be over sickness, anxiety, lost jobs, lost finances, lost peace, lost joy, or simply loss of routine, this new virus is scaring many to the point of panic. No doubt it is sensationalized by media outlets, but it is a real thing.
I Ask That You Consider Something.
It’s obvious that people everywhere are afraid. You might be of the mindset that people have nothing to be concerned about or afraid of, but afraid, not matter what the cause, is still afraid. Many of us can probably recall as children being afraid of the dark or something similar, and almost every time we could find comfort or consolation in an embrace from a loving mother. I can’t imagine what it could’ve been like growing up without a mother’s care because I was, and still am, blessed with a wonderful one.
Maybe you’re not afraid, but you still lack something in your life. Maybe there’s a void that nothing seems to fill. Perhaps there is still some things you can’t wrap your head around and you need more truth on.
What ever it is you need, there is a mother who can and will love you like no other.
Please read on . . .
You may not be “super” familiar with scripture, but allow me to share a couple with you.
In this scripture, this mother I’m speaking of is referred to as a city, a holy city (New Jerusalem). All throughout the Scriptures, people, no different than you and I, have searched for this city.
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” -Hebrews 11:8-10
Though it came much later for him, he did eventually find the city he was looking for. He found that warm embrace of a loving mother and received the promise from God that he had been waiting for. This “city” is still very much in existence.
“But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” -Galatians 4:26
If you’re searching, but have never been fortunate enough to find this loving, caring, and comforting mother, your fortune can change!
Her Arms Are Waiting . . . For You.
Perhaps you have been previously introduced and you haven’t spoken to her in a while. Regardless of your situation, this City (Our Mother) is still standing strong on the solid foundation with her arms open wide for you to run into and feel the safety and comfort that can only come from a true mother.
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” -Hebrews 12: 22-24
I spoke briefly before of being blessed with having a wonderful natural mother. As great as that experience is, it doesn’t compare to the comfort that my soul feels having found this spiritual mother. It’s peace that passes all understanding, even during the troublesome times that this world is currently facing.
If you want to learn more about her, come and be with us and allow God to minister to your heart through the truth of His Word.
I promise, you will feel her love!