From Death To Life

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." - Colossians 3:2-4

The recent swine flu brings up memories of the panick involving SARS a few years ago. Fear has subsided for the moment, but there are warnings in the news of the next pandemic.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reports that more than 1.5 million people will die of tuberculosis this year, and new drug resistant strains of TB are appearing. There is a lot of fear out there, but Jesus offers us a way to truly live. In fact it is a simple truth that as long as we live in fear of our inevitable physical death, it is impossible to live in a way that allows us to experience the joy of being part of God's eternal purpose.

This is one reason that the new testament tells us that we should consider ourselves to have died. The additional sense is that we have died to our sin nature, the indulgence of which also hinders us from the life that God has for us.

HIGHLIGHTED PRAYER

Pray that God will grant all of us both the discipline to accomplish our earthly responsibilities, but also the recognition that all of this will pass away. May we keep our focus on "things above", as the scripture mentions, and the job that Jesus has for us. Pray that God would also make our congregation as a place of rest and comfort to others who are fearful.

PRAY FOR OUR CONGREGATION

Our Children's ministry is growing! Please pray that our children will understand & experience God's love and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Please also pray for Ruby & Owen McGrath who are expecting their 4th child soon.

Please pray for our Taiwan and Mexico mission team applicants as they prepare. Douglas Stillman, Daniel Stillman and Edward Wang (Taiwan). Daniel Chen, Dorcas Chang, Michael Lu, Colette Young (Mexico).

PRAY FOR THE REST OF OUR CHURCH

There is a HOC6 retreat on May 22 to 23 with the theme of "Spiritual Life-Building up". Pray for those who will be attending this retreat, along with those who are planning and organizing. May it be a time of learning and growing.

Pray for sister Yung who will be on a short missions trip to China in May and June. Pray for her safety and good health. Pray that God will open doors for the gospel to be heard.

PRAY ABOUT HOW GOD IS LEADING YOU ON HIS MISSION

PRAY FOR THREE(3) OF YOUR UN-CHURCHED FRIENDS/FAMILY

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Amen.