“See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”” (Isaiah 42:9, NIV84)
I head into 2020 with great anticipation of the new things God is going to in our church.
But the former things have taken place, and I have a heavy heart for our family at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement. As you know, there was a shooting there during Sunday worship. I am grieved and angered that two Christians were murdered because they were in church worshiping. In my mind, that makes them martyrs of the faith now safely home, enjoying the favored position of the Lord at his throne (see Revelation 6:9).
Fortunately, West Freeway Church of Christ has a robust security team and plan in place. Things could have been a LOT worse. It makes me so grateful for our team at New Life Church!
Every week for the past several years, our team of trained volunteers work very hard to prevent events like we saw on Sunday. These men and women work behind the scenes, often unnoticed by most of us as we come to worship. One friend texted me this morning: “So thankful we have a security team! Seriously, for your safety and ours! When I first attended NL I had no clue. Now I’m just happy!”
Me, too!
As you pray for our friends in White Settlement, pray for our team and our church as well. Refuse to be intimidated by the enemy. Don’t let fear take hold. Keep the faith (by the way, we’re starting a new series this week, “A Faith Worth Fighting For”). And be confident that you can worship the Lord without distraction because others are watching over us.
The verse I quoted above, continues: “The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.” (Isaiah 42:13, NIV84) Amen, Lord. March on!
Happy New Year, friends!
Pastor Jim
