Newsletter                                                                      June 2020

Dear saints,

The coronavirus has shaken the world. Virtually everyone has felt the effects of quarantine and uncertainty concerning the future. This should have been a time for us to get closer to God and take the necessary steps for our safety and those around us. We must remind ourselves of “Trust in Him at all times; you people; Pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah” (Psalm 62:8). As Martin Manser wrote, “the Christian faith is, essentially, trust in the person and character of God.” These are the very times when we must walk in the spirit and be focused on God and His promises. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8).

We are not the first to face uncertain adversities and will not be the last. Why? Because we live in a fallen world. “Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed” (Psalm 22-4-5). We are now just coming to a place this month where the wave of coronavirus is passing and restrictions are beginning to lift, as “President Trump has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again”. This pandemic came for mass destruction, but through faith, prayer, and wisdom, it is rapidly dissipating. What we had hoped for (ending the isolation) is slowly becoming a reality.

Going forward, there are many unanswered questions about our future. We know that some businesses will close as others change, to operate in this new environment. As people all over the world have to adapt to this new lifestyle, WE AS BELIEVERS MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER that “…I am the Lord, I do not change….” (Malachi 3:6). At this moment with many things plaguing the U.S.A., it is very important to know that God is sovereign and that He rules in the affairs of men. I am reminded of an old song entitled “Unto Thee O Lord”: “O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me” (Psalm 25:2). I encourage you to read Psalm 25 and look up this song and let it play over in your mind because this is the time for us to look to the Lord as it says, “Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me” (Micah 7:7).

Jesus told us to “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). He also told us to listen and hear: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life” (John 5:24). This is a time to seek the face of the Lord as never before, for our own peace of mind, and also a time to bring the Gospel to a hurting world. We know that some will not listen, no matter what we say, but Jesus also said that they would one day hear Him. “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29).

Keep in mind what is written, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Through faith in the Lord there is power to overcome, to recover, and to continue our walk with Him. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. >And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Happy Father’s Day!

Please make your tax-deductible check to: The Master’s Hand Christian Fellowship, c/o the above address.

Serving Our King Together,

Eric Ross for Rev. Joseph