WCC 2020-03-22 Service 10:30

Good morning to our was Sega church family and friends a beautiful day outside today. I trust you're feeling blessed. And there's we share will give you updates and encouragement, of course from scripture. I feel like Foster Hewitt many of you remember him from ckf H announcer for Hockey Night in Canada, and he used to say hello hockey fans from coast to coast in Canada a Newfoundland. Anyway pleasure to talk to you this morning. I want to first of all thank you for your prayers for Jane. And as you know, we left Sunday, March 1st for Florida after the morning service. We went through two days of tornadoes in Tennessee and Georgia and you might remember the devastation that was occurring down in Nashville at the time. We actually had paint taken off our car because of the storms when we came North a week ago Friday from her. And when we got into Cincinnati on Saturday, we ended up in a 3-hour snow blizzard and when we finally crossed the border into Canada Saturday night at 7. It was a real relief. We were one of three cars that came to the Border there were six border slots open in the board inspector was so glad to see us you talk to us for 20 minutes. So thanks for your prayers. We got home safely. Of course, we stopped in Windsor. We had a real canadian-made Hamburg and I have a suggestion. If you go to any of the windows to get some food in the next few weeks give him a tip. They really are are restaurants now on Wheels, and so thanks again. I also want to say thank you to our retired pastors car landfill for filling in for me while we were away for the two weeks. I also want to come into you the work of our elders Jim and Colin Kurt Carr. And fill who together with myself are trying to keep up constant and consistent contact with each of you. Please feel free at any time to call us. Let's chat. Also, there's folks in her phone list like Joan and Monica Barb Crystal David J at Ridge and Stephanie who do not have internet. And so if you want to invite them over to listen to the broadcast feel free to do that or certainly give them a call and update them as to what's happening here at the church. Also, if you need anything, we have teams on standby to bring you Necessities what I do know, for example for if your senior Shoppers is open from 9 till 10 every morning for seniors our 20% off everyday on purchases. The super store has a seniors hour at 7 a.m. To 8. I'm sure there is updates on Foodland in Walmart here in Wasaga Beach also want to just tell our kids that who are in kids church. The Becca says hi to all of you and if you want to ever give her a call if you want to chat with her feel free to do that. She'd love to talk to you and I are also making what we're calling patio door visits will come to your house and we'll talk to you buy a phone. And so if you'd like to visit just let us know. We'll be dropping by anytime this week. We have some birthdays to bring notice to your boat Rota has her birthday on the 23rd and and also has her birthday on the 23rd and Dawn Robinson has her birthday on the 26th as does Haleigh Cummings and Rob and Gail's Emerson have their anniversary on the 28th as well. I also want to just remind you of a couple of other things. We've had a number of questions about giving off Reid's we do course have online giving and we do have e-transfer giving speak to either of our treasurer's Leanne or Sheila and they all update whatever they need to do to make it easy for you personally. I know Linda has sent out emails and she'll try to keep us posted on any updates that way as well. Just continue to phone or Skype one another and remember you can call me anytime. It was it was interesting to have different calls from folks in and just to have a chat. So enjoy having those opportunity. Okay. Now we're going to give you an update on the prayer and praise situations that have come in. And again thanks to Linda for filling in for us as people have phoned in. First of all, we have Gail was ziva's daughter Jenna. I talked with Gail this morning and Jenna is doing much better. So they are not concerned that she has coronavirus. Although they are still waiting for test results. The other one that we want to pray about is Gales brother works at the Trillium lakelands hospital. And as a porter they have no protective gears material. They have are only for the nurses. So he is feeling rather concern. Shana her ex-husband is looking for accommodation here in The Beached. He's moving up here for April 15th. And if you know of anything, let us know Barbara rentals is suggesting that we all pray for those especially who have been affected by the virus. One thing that saddens us is the fact that many of these folks because her and isolation and some who are dying are dying alone and nurses are trying to get their camera getting that picture a Skype picture for family members who at least talk to their loved ones. So it's a lot of stress a reminder that hospitals are still open emergencies are still operating. If you have to go up to a local hospital, you will have an assessment and then they will take you right in and so there really are no lines like they're often are in the merge. So if you have issues still use your local hospital Samantha and John and their children of Corso to the maritimes are asking for prayer and Suzanne is reminding us all that the military is on alert and they will be dispatched four different scenarios as they unfold this week and we'll wait and see what happens there. Donna is asking for continued prayer as we look after each other. I think one thing to keep in mind is people feel lonely and especially people who are long it's hard to have hugs and when you have no physical contact, so that's really encourage each other and lots of smiles and lots of waves Linda son. David has been laid off. I was talking to Linda this morning. It looks like they're going to be able to come to Sudbury. And there's a possibility for his wife to have a job there. But there is a lot of financial loss because jobs are really flowing out of Alberta. People are being laid off. Also for those who are in the high stress positions hospitals and truckers. The other issue is a course that there are not wash rooms available along routes. And so people are in in distress that way people who are traveling thinking of Ed and Audrey mcmeekin and their daughter Heather and son-in-law Simon. They're heading to Vernon BC right now, they're moving out there. So pray for Ed and Audrey and their family as they travel also Becca has been accepted to Lori for Teachers College. She has to choose between tin de Laurier assuming that the colleges will still be operating. So if you would pray for her with that and speaking of students, it looks like the school year will not take place. And so we really need to pray for teachers and students that there will be some thing that can be worked out following this whole viral situation. I came through Orangeville the other day and I was Laughing is I watched about 20 kids out playing Road hockey in a parallel road to where I was driving. They were laughing and having fun. And so I was glad to see that is I prolong Bruce of course is doing much better. We're thrilled that he's going to get some more assistance and he is feeling better. I also want to let you know that I officially is spring and so go for walks Breeze the days are getting longer and warmer you're going to get your vitamin D and I was noticing I don't know if you've noticed but in our backyard Robins are everywhere, they're hopping and swimming around in the breezes. And if they could they swim in every bit of water they could find but I was reminded of Matthew 6 verse 25 for this reason I say to you do not be anxious for your life as to what you shall eat or what you should drink. Nor for your body is to what you shall put on is life more than food and the body more than clothing. Look at the birds of the air they do not so neither do they reap nor Gathering to Barnes and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they So with that in mind enjoy it all as best you can we are all emotional rollercoaster e and no doubt you at times feel as I do like animal in a cage, but I'm thrilled that is a days get longer and warmer take advantage and and go for walks. I'd like to this week include the notes of prayer and praise. I just want to take a moment now to pray and so I would invite you to join me heavenly father as we have this time together over the internet. I would pray Lord that first of all your peace would be completely evident in all of our Lives remind us that you are greater than any stress or fear. Remind us that you've not given us a spirit of fear and 2nd Timothy one says in verse 7, but you have given us a sound mind not given a spirit of fear, but love joy and a sound mind and so father for our family wherever they are this day. You said you would go before them for those that are on the road for May and Norma's they're coming home from Florida and four others that are traveling because of disessa tea that you would watch over them for all of us in our homes that you would again remind us that you're working that we can trust you. And so Lord as we do things to keep ourselves occupied as we phone and talk to friends as we go for walks Lord continue to remind us that this is your world and you're in charge we pray for those in authority over us that they would have wisdom to know what to do. We recognize that this is a groundbreaking scenario for the entire world. And so many of our world leaders are trying to Fathom and respond in ways that will be for the ultimate good of each of our nation's and so are we do pray for our world this day and we pray for Christians around this world. None of us are able to meet together. And that's all we trust that you will be close to each and everyone of us wherever we are in this globe We Just Praise You For Being Our God and we thank you now for what you're going to continue to do in all of our Lives we bless you in Christ's name. Amen.

All right, we're going to talk about a topic that's obviously very relevant to today sermon title is our eyes are on you and that's really what I want to focus on today. And I want to start by speaking from 2nd Chronicles 20 and verses 1 to 4. Let me read that to you. You'll have it on the screen in front of you. It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon and others with them besides the ammonites came to battle against Jehoshaphat. Then some came and told you hosts of fatsane a great multitude is coming against you from Beyond the Sea from Syria and they are in has on Ian as on Taymar which is of course and Getty and Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord and Proclaim to fast throughout all Judea. So Judea gather together to ask help from the Lord and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.

Again, I've chosen the scripture because I think it has incredibly credible Timeless relevancy. These are roller coaster in times when Jane and I were in Orlando before we headed north as we heard of the cruise lines closing the Disney World closing and then of course as I said to her what next will be the restaurants in in just the absolute confusion that went on as we started to head north think the world is at War and it's at war with a virus. This sticks is something that that is not Regional and I think this is what's catching everyone off guard. It is worldwide. I mean a month ago people were going about their daily activities. There was a sense of normality because of the familiar And now the new normal is an ever-changing future. And the result often is we're seeing this today and in King Jehoshaphat in the whole nation of Judah saw this is fear and their case their normality turned upside down in a moment. Suddenly. They were about to be attacked by an army. And so I want to use this example to show you what they did because what they did serves as our Hazard indicator for what we can also do so there is of course fear there was then and there is now but what is interesting with Jehoshaphat is there was an immediate spiritual Focus He immediately wanted to seek the Lord he went before the nation and he proclaimed of time of fasting. And then there was an asking for specific help from the Lord which I think is important. We need to let our requests be made known in a very specific Manner and Jehoshaphat in the end the end the folks of from Judah did that now as we go into verse 6 through 9 of 2nd Chronicles 20 is Jehoshaphat begins to pray for his nation and I want you to listen, but I also want you to see his words as he prays and this is his prayer O Lord God of our fathers. Are you not God in heaven. Do you not rule over all the kingdoms of the Nations and in your hand is there not power and might so that no one is able to withstand you. Are you not our God who drove out the inhabitants of this land before your People Israel and gave it to the descendants of Abraham your friend forever and they dwell in it and they built a sanctuary in it for your name saying if disaster comes upon us the sword judgement pestilence famine. We will stand before this Temple and in your presents for your name is in this Temple, and we will cry out to you in our Affliction and you will hear and Save What's interesting is we are going through the pestilence face that Jeremiah. Jehoshaphat was praying about and the end result is we believe you will see and hear us. It's it's interesting in for 12 as I mentioned earlier. Jehoshaphat had a army surrounding the nation and he says we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us and that we can put into words virus, but here's the crucial thing nor do we know what to do, but what do you see the next line? Our eyes are upon you you will hear and you will save and and we need to take comfort in that because his David says in Psalm 24 in verse 1 the Earth is the Lord's and all its fullness the world and those who dwell therein. The key here is that the Lord is in charge and the reminder that we need to have is he's bigger than any army and he's bigger than any virus. 2nd Chronicles 20 verse 13 after Jehoshaphat had prayed the result was and you'll notice this all Judah. All Judah so all the men with their little ones their wives and their children. They stood before the Lord the entire nation went before the Lord. And then the spirit of the Lord Came Upon to haziot who was a levite in a priest and he stood up and in verse 15 of 2nd Chronicles. We have his words list all of you of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem in you King Jehoshaphat. That's says the Lord to you do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude. Here's the crucial life because the battle is not yours, but God's And then he goes on to say in verse 17. You will not need to fight in this battle. Simply position yourselves stand still. And see the salvation of the Lord do not fear or be dismayed. Why because it's the Lord who's with you o Judah and Jerusalem and tomorrow go out against them for the Lord is with you. Well, that's exactly what they did after that word from the levite priests in verses 18 through 22. Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. bow before the Lord worshipping the Lord and then the Levites of the children and the color fights and the children of the korahites stood up to praise. The Lord God of Israel with voice is loud and high they Rose early in the morning and they went out into the Wilderness of Toccoa. And if they went oh Jehoshaphat stood and said Hear Me O Judah and you would have in its of Jerusalem believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established believe His prophets and you shall prosper and when he had consulted with the people he appointed those who could should sing to the Lord and those should praise the beauty of Holiness as they went out notice the word before the Army and we're saying praise the Lord for his mercy endureth forever and as they began to sing and to praise the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon Moab and mount seir and who would come against you too and they were defeated. And then the summation of this story occurs in chapter chapter 22 verse 27 and when they returned every man of Judah and Jerusalem with Jehoshaphat in front of them to go back to Jerusalem with joy for the Lord had made them Rejoice over their enemies and they came to Jerusalem with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets to the house of the Lord in the fear of the Lord of fear of God wasn't all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel and the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet for God gave him rest all around. Fascinating story with Timeless implications. I'm reminded of another story that occurred in the 1800's and Felker Austria. They were not fairly a fairly small community and one day they awoke to find that Napoleon's massive. Army Was preparing to attack their Town soldiers had been spotted on the heights above the little town which is situated right on the Austrian border. I told Council citizens was hastily summoned to decide whether they should try to defend themselves or display the white flag of surrender. What happened to be Easter Sunday in the people had gathered in the local church in the pasture Rose? And he said friends we have been counting on our own strength, and apparently that has failed as this is the day of the Lord's Resurrection. Let us just ring the bells have her Services as usual and leave the matter in God's hands. We know only our weakness and not the power of God to defend us. Well, the council accepted his plan in the church bells rang. Well, the French army hearing the sudden peel of the Bells concluded that the Austrian Army must have arrived during the night to defend the town and before the service and ended the enemy had broken camp and it left the Regent. fascinating when God is putting charge. I hear it. Here's my point in the relevance of this hour. I would love for our Province and our nation and the entire world to come before the Lord God of universe and say we do not know what to do. But our eyes are on you. Now that may not be the case but for you and I we can come before the Lord because this is not our fight. We have no control over what's taking place. We didn't bring it on ourselves. And so we need to take what I think we've been offered from 2nd Chronicles 20 as the prophet spoke to the to the nation of Judah and spoke to King Jehoshaphat. Take your spiritual prayer position. Stand still and see the Deliverance of the Lord. The other thing I would offer to you is I think we need to start singing and I'm reminded of the old cars Great and Mighty Is the Lord Our God Great and Mighty Great and Mighty Is the Lord Our God the Lord Our God will this virus passing the day? if the Lord wants that it will if not Our Focus does not change because our focus is on him. And so in the midst of the national and the international turmoil, I want to also leave another word with you, which I think says it's so well and this is habakkuk in chapter 3 and verse 17 to 19 in the midst of the stresses that he saw his Nation going through his day. He said the following though the Fig Tree may not blossom North Fruit the on the vines the labor of the olive May Fail and the field yield no food, though. The flock may be cut off from the fold and there be no heard in the Stalls yet. I will rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the god of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength and he will make my feet like deers feet and he will make me walk on the high places. Now I have to admit when this virus first hit national news. I was reminded of habakkuk chapter 3. And in fact, I remembered verse 17 Zelda feels yield no food. And though the flock be may be cut off from the fall. And then when I heard about the toilet paper incident, I immediately thought of and there be no toilet paper in the Stalls yet. I will rejoice anyway, that's a bit of humour. I hope you'll take it for what it is. As I can closed this morning. I just want to tell you to encourage yourself in the Lord and let's encourage one another. In whatever way we find that we can plan to phone say 5 people everyday. Sing to them sing with them Skype and sing together keep your spiritual Focus simple. Which simply means Lord my eyes are on you. And so as we conclude this service this morning, I wondered if I might have the privilege now of praying for you father for our family and for our friends and for all those that we love and care about father for all the stress that people seem to be going through and for fear and four moments of uncertainty remind us first of all that you're in charge. Remind us to that you've given tool you've given us tools whatsoever. Things are lovely whatsoever. Things are of good report think on these things remind us to that. We we have the opportunity to pray to the god of the universe and add to appeal to you you are over all the nations of the world remind us to that. We need to stand still. Remind us that this is not our battle. This is yours and remind us that you are fighting for us whether we live or whether we die. Our future is hid with God you in Christ Jesus our savior. And so father may your piece continue to be given to each one of your sons and your daughters and may this be an opportunity to where we can show our faith whatever whatever opportunities you give us Lord. May we take an opportunity to to Really smile and and be ready to give a word of the hope that lies within us and father show us his church family how we can continue to care for one another and is we continue to wait through this situation Lord. We know that you've got us all in the palm of your hand. And so Lord. I just pray your blessing now upon each and every member of our family The Lord bless you and the Lord keep you the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you his peace. May the Lord bless all of you this day. Amen.