Change of Season

Kia ora koutou, greetings church family.

Since the last pastoral message, we have elected a new party to form a government, Chris Luxon as Prime Minister elect, and a host of new faces to lead the country.

This election had an element of the quarter final rugby match between the All Blacks and Ireland. It was tense, exciting with the outcome satisfying for some but disappointing for others.

The elections come and go and human leaders pass and in the up and downs of life Jesus reminds us of His forever presence (Psalm 139). He will be our helper and comforter (John 14:6), He will be our strength (Psalm 28:7), He will be our joy (john 15:11).

He sums it up for me when he says “Do Not Worry” in Mathew 6:25-34. We are uniquely made in his image (Genesis 1:27). We are His children in Christ (Galatian 3:26), and we have our hope and trust in God’s sovereignty and grace. What joy and comfort!

Whatever challenge you are going through this week, enjoy the encouragement and affirmation from God’s word below.

25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.

Enjoy the long weekend, and those of you who are rugby fans, whatever the results remember it’s just a game…