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The media is tripping over itself to bring us more bad news. The experts admit they don’t know what they are talking about. And a mass hysteria has descended over a fair portion of the population. Yes – I speak of the new strain of coronavirus that popped up in China
Anxiety rules many people’s hearts and minds as they imagine horrible mental pictures of this looming pandemic. But if you belong to Jesus – this is show time! You have the answer. You have what the panicked need to hear. This new virus is scary but I don’t have to be afraid because I know Someone stronger. Would you like to know about Him? Life is uncertain but I know I am safe trusting God who loves me. Did you know He loves you too? No one gets out of this life alive but when I die I know I will go to heaven. Would you like to know that for sure? “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – Romans 5:1-5 Two kids paid the death penalty for their rebellion in Albuquerque three weeks ago. You didn’t see it on the news, you say? No, I suppose you didn’t. It would have made the news if they were sitting in prison but they weren’t. They were driving. Recklessly. Under the influence. Flaunting the laws. Evading the police. And when they wrecked the stolen car they didn't walk away. No jury sentenced them. No judge rapped a gavel. State law and federal laws were not consulted. But they were sentenced all the same. And the Judge of all the earth looked on and I know it broke His heart. Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? (Ezekiel 18:23) Even if the government takes it away – the death penalty will always exist. It rests on the head of every sinner. And one day, often unexpectedly, that debt always comes due. There is only one thing that changes anything. His name is Jesus. And He changes everything. Dear Jesus, I have known you many years and it will never be enough. I praise You. Thank you for making me right with God. I am safe trusting in Your sacrifice as the only door into heaven. I am forever secure because of Your death and resurrection and I worship You. I fear no evil. I dread no death. I walk in the light for You are my unshakeable foundation for life now and forever. May all those who read this and those who touch the lives of Your children have all these blessings too. By the precious Name of Jesus and through His intercession I pray. Amen.  1 Corinthians 12 is not typically where I would direct someone struggling with stress. But it was where I was reading this morning when God granted me an extra measure of peace. The latter half of the chapter talks about the body of Christ and how we are part of that body. Much of our stress in life and work and family is that we picture ourselves as alone in the situation. We feel and allow ourselves to feel we are carrying it all. We aren’t. Even in our individual responsibilities – we have helpers and help from. We are part of a network, part of a body and for that, Lord, we are indeed grateful.  It was just after six in the morning and my eyes were still half shut. The bathroom lights might have as well have been a thousand candle power as I looked for a brown scrunchi. Most days black would have been just fine but today I was wearing brown. And I know “they” say the “black with brown” rule is passé -- but not to me. So I was searching for one of two brown scrunchies and I found one, quickly. And as my barely cognizant mind praised God for His gift, I was struck anew with how easy it is to take so many of God’s gifts for granted. So much so that we don’t even identify them as blessings anymore. The ability to speak. The blessing of being taught to read and do simple math. The beauty of sunrise. How many brown scrunchies can you count today?  |
The AuthorCome with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious life. Archives
September 2022
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