Isaiah 46:8-10

8 “Remember this, and show yourselves men;
Recall to mind, O you transgressors.

9 Remember the former things of old,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me,

10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things that are not yet done,
Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all My pleasure…’ ”

“Act like men! Remember… My (God’s) Counsel Shall Stand!”

We’re living in interesting times. COVID19 has gripped the entire world in the space of a few days. Whether the demanded actions by governments are warranted or hysterical will be debated for decades.

Here is where Christians should rest: God was not taken by surprise. He is not in heaven wringing His hands. And, regardless what happens here on planet earth, He will accomplish His purposes.

Sunday I will have a message based on Isaiah 45 - 48 posted online. We will give you instructions about where to find it. And, in the weeks ahead we will have “church” in our homes on Sunday mornings via the internet. I hope we will be able to livestream. Perhaps we will. Perhaps we won’t!

Look back here to find out places where “open homes” might be available on Sunday. I hope we will look for opportunities to be together within the 10 persons guideline.

I have no idea who wrote “How Firm a Foundation, Ye Saints of the Lord.” It is only attributed to “K” in the original hymnal in which it was published. The authour had keen insight about Wherein our hope lies… and for how long! Most hymnals leave verses 2 and 6 out. Read them below and rest in the Good Hands of the Providence of the Sovereign God.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word
What more can He say than to you He hath said
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled

In ev’ry condition—in sickness, in health,
In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth,
At home or abroad, on the land or the sea—
As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

Fear not, I am with thee; oh be not dismayed
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand

When through the deep waters I call thee to go
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress

When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.

E’en down to old age, all my people shall prove
My sov’reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be borne.