Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 07:17:11 +1000
From: Pastor Ron Clarke <>
Subject: Word for the Week 31 May

SUPPORT

During the winter months those of us who are keen gardeners need to
keep a careful eye on our roses and other shrubs, staking and tying them
against strong winds and wet soil. We may not bother staking those
with apparent strong trunks because they seem perfectly able to look
after themselves. That may be true, but perhaps if the ground is very
wet and the wind strong it would be unable to stand against it and be
blown over or badly damaged. Even their own weight may be enough to
bring them down or break them off. So it is important to put strong
stakes in the ground to support them.

Similarly, we all need support in life. We cannot stand alone.
Those of us who are older may think that they have managed thus far and
ought to know how to act and live, and be confident of doing that in
their own strength. There are going to be times of testing ahead in our
lives, times when problems associated with age, sickness, disappointment
or tragedy are overwhelming. If we have no support to which we can
cling, and on strength that you can rely upon, we may fall and be unable
to rise above it. We cannot meet and resist these trials and testings
in our own strength. We may have family and friends around us to whom
we can turn to at times of need. So often they have problems of their
own and it is unreasonable to expect them to drop everything and come to
our aid.

Jesus had a younger brother named Jude. He wrote a letter as an
old man to encourage those who were confused in their faith. He told
this group of Christians that they must cling to the Lord Jesus Christ
as “one who can keep you from falling.”

We all need Jesus as our support in life, not only when trouble
comes but every day of our lives. Because when those strong winds’
strike, He is the only one who can keep us from falling.

Have a good week. Pastor Ron

Optional Bible readings: 2 Samuel 22:1-25 and Jude verses 17 to 25.

This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement
originating from the Derwent Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
A companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe email
<> with the words ‘subscribe word (or) word and
study’ Enquire about our weekly e-mail newsletter for young people.

Pastor Ron Clarke (Mark 16:15)
Email:
Internet Home Pages: http://www.pastornet.net.au/word4week
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