King's News 33
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In these times of change, is there anything firm we can hang on to? Dave Palmer thinks there is...

Dire predictions of climate change. Fears of a flu pandemic. Taxpayers paying for exorbitant bankers' bonuses and government ministers' 'expenses'. Soaring national debt and unemployment. Social services failing to protect 'at risk' children, such as Baby P, with tragic consequences. Has the world gone mad? Is anyone in charge or is it all out of control? Who's driving?

What about you? Has your life gone crazy? Do you have your personal heartaches too: Health problems? Relationship breakdown? Personal debt? Addiction? Work? Family adrift? Who's driving?

A few years ago the Soviet submarine Kursk went down in the Barents Sea. When the diving crews finally reached it they heard SOS signals coming from inside. Desperate sailors wondered, "Is there any hope?" Sadly, for them there wasn't. But it doesn't need to be like that for you. Do you feel trapped in an impossible situation you can't seem to change or escape? Whatever depths you may find yourself in, the God who heard Jonah cry from the belly of the whale will hear you too! God is saying to you today, "the plans I have for you are…good...to give you a future and a hope".

You say - does that mean that God actually understands and cares about me? Hasn't He given up on us and left us to our own devices?

The answer, amazingly, is 'No'! It wasn't God who brought misery and pain to the world, it was man. In our proud independence we have turned to find our own answers, but in so doing we have lost our identity and the reason why we live. But God hasn't abandoned us or the world around us: he has sent Jesus to buy it all back, and the time is coming when all things will be restored.

The Bible says it plainly: John 3:16-18: 'This is how much God loved the world: He gave his son, his one and only son. And this is why: so that no-one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to the trouble of sending his son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted.

Alint Eastwood became famous for starring in the film called 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly'. Over forty years later some of us still use these words when describing certain aspects of life. But here's the good news: through His amazing grace God can take the Good, the Bad and the Ugly experiences of our lives and use them to make us unbelievably better at what he created us for. He can take the good things we remember fondly, the bad things we might like to forget and the ugly things that shaped us into people we didn't start out to be - and use them all to bring about his purpose for each and every one of us. So remember - God is still in the driving seat not only of the world, but your life too. So why not invite Jesus in and give him the keys?

Dave

PRAYER FOR NEW LIFE

To begin a new life with Jesus, please pray this prayer:-

Lord Jesus, you said you wouldn't turn away anyone who came to you.

Jesus, I come to you now. Forgive me for having shut you out. I want to stop living life my way and start living it your way.

I believe you are the Son of God. I believe you died for me and that your blood pays for my sins and provides me with the gift of eternal life.

I believe your promise, Jesus. I receive that gift and I acknowledge you as my Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

If you've prayed the prayer and aren't sure what to do next, phone us on 01822 612100, or contact a church near you - try the Yellow Pages.
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