WEDNESDAY 15 JULY 2020

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies they never come to an end, they are new every morning.”

With that truth in mind, may I wish you a good morning friends.

At the end of last week, I had a visit from two dear friends of the Fellowship.

The last time one of them had been to Braehead House was on Sunday 15th March, and since then she had been in lockdown at home. As with many others she had to adjust to a new way of life.

However, on speaking with her she told me that in many ways she had enjoyed the time, and had been quite content to be in her own home and garden.

Others I know have found the experience more difficult, and had ups and downs along the way.

In recent days some words of Paul have been rattling round my mind.

We know from reading Scripture that Paul had his days of difficulty and spent many days in lockdown, in his service of the Lord.

We read in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33: a list of some of these difficulties, which include, beatings, being shipwrecked, hunger, thirst, nakedness, in danger from bandits, fellow Jews, Gentiles..................

And yet he can say, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being in content in any or every situation.............I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)

Paul has the means by which he can be content, he knows the Lord Jesus Christ, and he has placed his trust in Him.

One of the things I have missed during these days of social distancing and lockdown, is rehearsing and playing with the band here at Braehead House.

One of the songs that was brought to my attention by one of the band is this one.

“I want Jesus to walk with me”

It is a Negro Spiritual born out of the struggles and trials of African American men and women who were slaves, not asking that they would be released from captivity, but asking their Lord to be with them in their daily lives.

Whenever it has been sung as the band have travelled round different gatherings, it has moved people deeply, and also been a great encouragement too.

I want Jesus to walk with me; I want Jesus to walk with me; all along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

In my trials, Lord, walk with me; in my trials, Lord, walk with me; when my heart is almost breaking, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me; when I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me; when my head is bowed in sorrow, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

Friends I leave you with this blessing written by Paul while in lockdown,

“PEACE to the brothers and sisters, and LOVE with FAITH from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. GRACE to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.”