The days in which we live, seem to be a bit scary, but don't lose hope! This not the time to get discouraged, especially if you are part of the body of Christ.

It is our time to shine!

Those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ have been reading and hearing about the "end of the age" for some time; but reading scriptures that give reference to 'end times', such as Matthew 24, Luke 17, the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation to name just a few, is not like living it. I believe we are living in such times as we have been reading about in the word of God. I realize there are many different views on this matter; but let us get past that! I think we all can agree that everything that can be shaken is being shaken. If you are like me, I sense these are exciting times: the world system is crumbling and there is fear and uncertainty all around. Fear not!

I recall what Jesus said in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." We must remember that we are in the world, but not of the world (John 15:19). It is time to encourage ourselves in the things of God. We can have peace in the storm! It is predicted in 'the word' that material possessions, governments, or world leaders, will lead us to a false peace; you can read it for yourself in the word of God (the Bible).

We need to focus instead on Jesus and on the things of God. Trust in the Lord, we do have hope!

The word I have been getting all year is found in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." With all your heart trust Him! I know, 'easier read than done!', especially in the days we live in, but with God's strength we can do it! And again I say, "Rise up Church! It is our time to shine!!"

Isaiah 60:1-3, "Arise; Shine, for your light has come. And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and

eep darkness the people; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will

ppear upon you. And nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."

For those who say, "But

don't know how to do it?" Trust Him! Lean not on your own understanding! He will give you the words to say, the actions to do, is not about you! It's about God anyway!

Do not come under the fear that is so rampant in the world, rise above it, see what God sees, walk in the Spirit not the flesh, which gets caught up in worldly affairs and all its worries, seek out the Kingdom of God and the things of God. You can do it!

Don't let fear grip you! Let faith arise! You have a different spirit living in you, than the world. You have resurrection power through Jesus Christ in you. We are not here at this time by accident, we have a purpose, a call: to give the world our hope that is in us, a hope and a future in Christ Jesus. Do not let fear for your own life get in the way of God's desires. You are called for such a time as this! Rise up! Share your faith, and in whom you put your trust!

The Lord says, "Fear not. I will never leave you or forsake you. Trust in me; lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge me! And I will direct your path." "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts then your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

If God be for us, who can be against us! God is in control. All that we are walking through at this moment in time has been spoken by the Lord and coming to pass. Trust in Him and His word. "So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the things for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

I don't know the future, in great detail, but I know who holds future! May you all be of Hope, Faith and Peace, let love prevail. Love conquers all!!

Blessings , Pastor Gord Horsley