Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. As we gather today, let us reflect on the happenings in our world, for they are the canvas upon which God’s will is painted.

The world is in a state of flux, with nations grappling with various challenges. In Ukraine, the world leaders have pledged billions of dollars for reconstruction, a testament to the power of unity and compassion in the face of adversity. Yet, the conflict in Russia continues to escalate, causing concern and uncertainty across the globe. We must pray for peace and stability in these regions, for the Lord is a God of peace, not of disorder.

In the realm of finance, nations are taking divergent paths. The UK has raised its interest rates, while other countries are charting their own courses. These decisions, though seemingly mundane, have far-reaching impacts on the lives of everyday people. We are reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

The world is also witnessing the struggle for a new global order. As the US and China vie for supremacy, smaller nations are speaking out on key challenges of climate, poverty, and migration. This reminds us of the Apostle Paul’s words in Galatians, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In the eyes of our Lord, all nations are equal, and their voices matter.

In Russia, Google News has been blocked, limiting the access of its citizens to diverse news sources. This development is a stark reminder of the importance of truth and transparency in our world. As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

In China, extreme floods and heat are ravaging farms and killing animals, threatening the nation’s food security. This is a stark reminder of our responsibility to care for God’s creation and the urgent need to address climate change.

As we reflect on these events, let us remember that we are not mere spectators but participants in God’s unfolding plan. We are called to be peacemakers, truth-tellers, and stewards of God’s creation. We are called to love our neighbors, whether they live next door or halfway around the world.

Let us pray for wisdom for our world leaders, peace in regions of conflict, truth in the face of deception, and courage to tackle the challenges of our time. And let us remember Paul’s words to the Romans, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Amen.