Joyfulness in every circumstance
Being joyful may be seen by some as being happy only within positive circumstances. Joyfulness in the Bible, on the other hand, is seen as a state of rest or peace that results from a deep trust in Jesus that prevails through varied circumstances, even negative ones.
We highlight two Bible verses which show this understanding of joy: Hebrews 12:2 stated: “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Likewise, James 1:2-3 note: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
In the Spirit of Giving Thanks
We are thankful to the Lord for leading us thus far, and for the privilege of being a part of His equipping of today’s Christian leaders and believers for the fulfillment of His Great Commission. It is also our privilege to witness how our students have been transformed during their time at EAST to become more effective in life and ministry.
We are also glad to be praying and walking together with you as we go through these seasons of challenges together with the Lord. You have been our friend, prayer partner, ministry partner, hand of support and beloved community in Christ in all these seasons over the years in the history of EAST.
Indeed, for all these and more we give thanks, and rejoice together in the Lord as we see His Word bearing fruit in the lives of many.
In Thanksgiving – for This Semester
We had our final Chapel of the semester this week. In this season of safe distancing, EAST has been convening online for all the Chapels this semester. For many of us who have been at EAST for a while, these online Chapels have been very unique in the history of EAST.
We give thanks that online platforms have been available for us to ‘meet’ for Chapel, worship God synchronously, and even interact and pray for each other in breakout rooms!
We also give thanks that we are now into the last week of classes for this semester. It has definitely been a steep learning curve for our faculty and staff to switch over to online teaching platforms, and tough for our students to be in front of the computer for longer hours than before.
With a spirit of thanksgiving we approach the end of this semester, and also with thanksgiving, we look forward to the fellowship and guidance of the Lord for the semesters ahead.
We say a big “Thank you!” to everyone who has been journeying with us in these times, and we pray that Jesus keeps each one of you close to Him now, and in the seasons ahead.
EAST Library Catalogue
EAST Populi
National Library Board eResources
The Digital Theological Library
