The government will be on his shoulders
August is a month when the sun often disappears as the kids are off
school, but this year I think we are still due some proper summer
weather. The Island is busy and buzzing and we must now remember not to
go through Lake traffic lights in the late afternoon when all the
holidaymakers are heading back to base!
It’s also a fresh season as we have two new MPs! We must pray for our
new members of Parliament; do remember that a few of our number live in
the West constituency. Paul says to Timothy that we must pray for those
in authority: “I
urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in
authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness
and holiness.”
(1 Timothy 2:1-2).
We may often be quick to point the finger when we feel things are not
right, but how much do we get behind our nation’s leaders in heartfelt
prayer? As I thought about this subject, I was reminded of those
beautiful words from Isaiah 9 that we hear read at Christmas about the
coming of God’s anointed:
“For
to us a child is born, to
us a son is given,
and
the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful
Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of
his government and peace
there will be no end.”
May our new Government be upheld upon his strong shoulders. How much we
need such firm foundations to be re-established in our modern world. Our
society had been largely built upon Christian principles, but much has
been watered down and eroded in my lifetime. We must pray and take an
active interest in all that is going on locally, nationally and beyond.
Significant things have been happening in France and we watch with
interest, and some incredulity, the developments across the pond!
I was encouraged to read a post by Andy Flanagan, Executive Director of
Christians in Politics (and a co-author of the recent new hymn We
seek your Kingdom) after the election – he said: “26
of those entering the House of Commons for the first time today are
Jesus-followers... and probably more that I don't know.”
This is very positive news. Do please hold these sisters and brothers in
your prayers. In recent times, some like Tim Farron (Lib Dem) and Kate
Forbes (SNP) have taken a bashing for holding to their Christian
perspective. May God’s people stand strong in the corridors of power and
have a positive influence in the way things shape up in the coming
years.
It has been good to be praying for local business as folk from several
The Bay churches have spoken blessings over some 80 establishments right
along the seafront from Yaverland to the Fisherman’s Cottage - and
dropped in to tell them. We also had Free the Wight in May and
our midsummer prayer walk which was a wonderful time of intercession for
our community. Do join us for a Prayer Breakfast on 17th
August - and with folk from Bay churches who will join us for a
bring-and-share tea at 17:00 on 1st September to prayerfully
consider our united work and witness.
Let’s be fully engaged in the culture around us and be good news people
in what can often be a bad news world. Prayer must be the starting
point, but it often leads to God’s direction for us to get directly
involved in action. Be careful what you pray!
Janet joins me in thanking you for your ongoing love and support,
With very best wishes,
