Greetings, EM family,
How is your week? I pray that this email finds you well physically and spiritually.
While Gov. Baker has announced the plan to reopen the Massachusetts economy, we are yet to hear more details on phase one.
If you have listened to Gov. Baker’s announcement at 2:30 pm today, you probably sense his stress from his voice. The number of reports he has to go through, the decisions he has to make for the Commonwealth has worn him down. Totally 60 sites state-wide have been opened, and some of them are on Wal-Mart’s parking lot (Full List of Test Sites). Gov. Baker is concerned about the public health of the state and could use your prayers….
I was reminded about a story I heard some time ago. It may have many variations, but the message is the same.
It is a painting contest on the theme of “Peace.” The contestant artists were told to paint whatever they feel that will best show “Peace.” Some artists painted serene landscapes with sunsets and fields of beautiful flowers. Some painted a still quiet lake with a reflection clear as glass with sheep grazing on the side. Yet some painted babies sleep soundly in their mothers’ arms. All the paintings are stunning and beautiful. But to everyone’s surprise, when the winner was announced, the winning painting was nothing showing serenity on your first sight, but something similar to what the below painting, “Peace in the Midst of the Storm,” is conveying:
PC: Jack E. Dawson; https://jackdawson.com/bgshop/product-category/gallery/peace-in-the-midst-of-the-storm/
Water cleaving through the rocks with a storm lurking in the background. Do you notice a man’s head (symbolize Christ) in a rock formation, a bird resting in its nest, and a serpent blocked by an inscription of a cross?
Jack Dawson is a Christian artist based in Webb City, MO. You will find many of his paintings with “hidden messages” in his gallery, called the “Bitter Sweet.”
The reason why a painting like “Peace in the Midst of a Storm” can convey a better admiration of “peace,” is because deep in our heart we all know that “man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7, ESV). No one can escape. It is probably as surely as death and taxes.
But Jesus said,
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
(John 14:27, ESV)
When your heart is troubled and afraid, it is only human nature that we want to escape, or plan to avoid. Jesus told his disciples not to worry or be afraid because his peace was left with them.
God spoke through the prophet Isaiah that
17 And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust1 forever.
18 My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
(Isaiah 32:17-18, ESV)
And King David also expressed a similar praise
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(Psalm 23:4, ESV)
If you are still troubled by your current situation, lift them in prayers!
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7, ESV)
Remember, here is what our God
13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
(Isaiah 41:13, ESV)
Put your trust in Him and receive your peace!!
Announcement:
- Friday Night’s Bible Study is ON. We will continue to study the book of Romans lesson 5. You may dial in or login via your phone or personal computer:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/685376249?pwd=cWtyUk1pckJiRHJxZVZCSGdJZWw2UT09
Meeting ID: 685 376 249
Password: 840840
Dial-in from your phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 685 376 249
- This Sunday, Elder Sam Cheung will be sharing God’s word with us:
- Live stream Youtube: http://cbcgl.org/resources/live-stream/
- Title: Selah
- Text: Psalm 46.
- Coworker reminder:
- Sunday bulletin: http://cbcgl.org/ministries/english-ministry/em-weekly-bulletin/
- Next Sunday is Memorial Weekend. It will be a combined service.
- EM Sunday School
Topic: CBCGL EM Sunday Alpha Class
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 491 248 585
Password: 403767 (This is the new password)
Dial-in from your phone: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 491 248 585
YAs Sunday School (via Microsoft Teams)
Bible study signup sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H0oSS1kpU8JUZAv0JcmivEIzR-tvDtihkrEtBLE8tJo/edit?usp=sharing
- The ladies’ fellowship is hosting a Zoom conference this coming Sunday (05/24/2020) at 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
Speaker: Minister Hongmei.
Topic: Do not be afraid; just believe
Time: May 24, 2020, 02:00 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://uml.zoom.us/j/6173331717
Meeting ID: 617 333 1717
- From the EM Future Search Retreat back in January, many of us have expressed a common desire to become more prayerful people, for the purpose of growing in love for God and unity as one body. To assess where we are lacking in prayer and gather ideas of how we can improve in the English Ministry, we are requesting all to fill out the following survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUtqyoCTDMXwCxwl5ydW_g5lJTpAPkoThjdrcgwygFAPbjmA/viewform
Besides gathering feedback and ideas, we also want to know if there is interest in forming EM Prayer groups – small groups that are intentional about spiritual support/accountability and praying together consistently. Please see the survey form for a greater description of Prayer Groups, and fill out your contact information if you are interested in joining one.
Know that all feedback and ideas towards improving prayer in the EM are much welcomed and appreciated, so please fill out the survey! More importantly, be praying for the Spirit to guide and unite us as we seek to grow deeper in prayer together.
- Local Mission will launch a two-week “Care for community” fundraising activity. The money raised will be used to purchase masks and personal protective materials for clinics, elderly centers, and any places in need. Please use online donation via Zelle from your online bank or mobile bank Apps via general.fund.cbcgl@gmail.com. (General Fund), please specify “Support our community.”
- All other announcement items can be found here.
Prayer Request:
- If you have not had a chance to look at our prayer list, please do! There are many answered prayers, and many more that require our intercession. Here is the prayer list. You may also enter yours:
Blessings,
Jeremy