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Today
as I write this it is dull and grey and it is raining. What a contrast
with the brilliance of yesterday – a bit like life really – sunshine
and shadow.
I
am reminded of John's vision of the triumphant Christ in Revelation
where he describes Jesus face "like the sun shining in all its
brilliance" (Revelation 1:16). It was no wonder that he fell at the
Lord's feet in worship; he was blinded by the radiant vision. John was
in a place of shadow, yet he is given this brilliant vision of the Lord
which sustained and strengthened him.
A
few weeks ago I was in a place of shadow due to the death of my much
loved mother. It was a sad time and the sorrow still lingers, yet it
was a time of joy, because my mother "went home" to be with the Lord
she had loved and served for many, many years. Now she is "forever with
the Lord" living in that place of radiance for she is in the presence
of the living Lord. The Hope that we as Christians have prevents the
shadow from enveloping us in deep gloom. There is a bright future ahead
for all whose trust is in Jesus and as His followers we live in the
Light. The prayers of God's people are strengthening and sustaining me.
I am so grateful for God's caring, loving family.
We
have just celebrated Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit to that
small group of believers in Jerusalem to empower them to be the Lord's
witnesses throughout the world. The Spirit has not been withdrawn for
He lives within each believer and empowers us to continue the work
Jesus began here on earth. We rely on Him and on the power He gives us.
In
this edition of News and Views you can read of how the Spirit is at
work among the women of Europe in the various articles we have for you.
Also you will read of the new "outfit" which has been prepared for the
women of Germany.
I
would like for you to consider how you can be part of News and Views.
Wies and I would love to hear of what is happening in your country or
district, of how the Spirit is at work. You can e-mail us at the
addresses given at the back of the magazine.
In Acts 4:31 we read, "after they had prayed, the place where they were
meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and
spoke the Word of God boldly". That must have been some prayer meeting.
Perhaps it is time for us to be ever more earnest in our praying,
really seeking God's will as we pray, seeking for Him to be evident in
all we do, say and think. Often when we pray we are asking God to do
what we think instead of seeking His mind and His will. Like those
first believers may we devote ourselves "to the apostles’ teaching and
to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42).
There are prayer requests at the back of the magazine; please make use
of them, praying God's will into each life and situation.
May
we all experience the Son shining in all His brilliance and may He, by
His Spirit, enable us to reflect that brilliance in our lives to a
watching world.
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory now and forever".
Margaret Brown
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