Cast your burdens on the LORD

Psalm 55:1-23
November 27th 2022, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Although David was in trouble and suffering, he spoke of the greatness of casting our burdens on the Lord. Why should we cast our burdens on Him?

Firstly, because the Lord hears our prayers and delivers us in times of hardship. David was able to confess this because of his previous experiences that he had been delivered by the Lord and the promises given by Him. The Lord hears our prayers as well.

Secondly, because the Lord cares for us. We are fearful and worried when we think about the future. But the Lord actively cares for us, is involved, and supports us.

Thirdly, because in all things the Lord works for the good of us. We get confused when we just look at the problems, but the Lord gives us the problems, knowing the whole picture in the end.

The Lord is reaching out his hand of salvation to all who are weary. We should not carry our burdens by ourselves for a long time, but cast them to the Lord, who carries all the burdens for us. Let us walk in peace and joy!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

With a heart like a little child

Mark 10:13-16
November 13th 2022, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The child blessing ceremony is held during today's worship service. Let us learn from today's passage at two points.

The first is to bring children to the Lord. The disciples rebuked those who tried to bring children to Jesus. Then the Lord was indignant with the disciples and told them to let the children come to Him. We all have that same responsibility to bring our children to Jesus.

The next is to walk with a heart like a child. It's a humble heart, a heart that is moved and grateful. It's an obedient heart, a trusting heart. These are all characteristics of little children. If we are also humble like them before God, if we are moved and grateful for His Word, and if we respond humbly and trust Him, the Lord will help us grow abundantly.

Are we bringing our children to the Lord? How are we walking before the Lord? Let us check everyday whether we are walking with a flexible heart like a child, and if there is anything pointed out by the Lord, then, repent!

<The Verse of the Bible>

"Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Mark 10:15 (NIV)

Love one another deeply and earnestly!

1 Peter 1:22-25
November 6th 2022, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

It is described that how those who have received the grace of salvation should walk. It is for brothers and sisters to love one another. What should we bear in mind in order to do this?

The first is that it is a command from God who loves us. This is not a recommendation or a free choice, but a command. Because it is a command from the One who loved us enough to lay down His life for us, we need to obey it.

The second is to love the family of God that God has given us. We are saved, we are children of God, and our brothers and sisters in church are God's family. The Lord has mysteriously led us to this Yokohama Church. We are to love the family.

The third is that God has changed us into ones who love our brothers and sisters. We used to have no interest in them, but now we are changed to love them. That is God's work. And we will be changed to love the Lord and our brothers and sisters even more.

How solemnly do we accept the Savior's command as our own? We are weak in loving, so let us pray to the Lord and let Him change us into the ones who love the Lord and our brothers and sisters more passionately!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)