COVID-19 AND THE BODY OF CHRIST

OUR SUCCESS WITH CV-19 IS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

This past week has been like a non-stop rodeo. One day the cowboy is making it all the way to the buzzer, then the next, the bull rules! This is a GLOBAL event. There are very few places on the earth that has not been introduced to this bug.

As the graphic above shows, this virus is attractive to the eye. It looks so dainty, so harmless, rather pretty. [kinda like satan] It's strange beauty belighes the horror being brought to mankind. The fact that we cannot see this varmint with the naked eye makes the threat even greater. How do you counter an enemy which you cannot see? FAITH!

Lets pray; Mighty Father, God of creation, we thank you for hearing our pleading, receiving our voices. We know that You are speaking to the world through this pandemic. What a powerful message to witness as such a tiny, unseen almost beautiful virus, a pestilence, is bringing the nations of the globe to their knees. To us, Your children, to Your elect, the message is perfectly clear; the time is near, Jesus spoke to His disciples of the signs of the end of the age:

"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.  "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.  "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.  "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. {Mat 24:6-9} 

This Pestilence, CV-19 certianly fits into the messaging from on high, O Lord, and for the children of the Light, it's time to LOOK UPWARDS, IN FAITH, IN THE SPIRIT that dwells in us. Help and empower us O God, to give our testimonies to as many as will hear us. Grant us the courage and stamina to SHARE the GOSPEL of JESUS in our own words, telling the story of our SALVATION through GRACE by Your Word. Open our eyes to see that a whole NEW crop of softened hearts are ready to be harvested and grant us the strength to be mighty workers in Your fertile fields, AMEN and AMEN!

Your communities have been closed to those outside. I miss so very much not being able to see you face to face. I understand, as you do, that all of us must do our part and do so in FAITH and without grumbling, or complaining, or whining having full knowledge that LORD, IS CERTAINLY IN CHARGE!

WE are a people of believers, the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Our futures are already written into the foundation of eternity. Fear not. Follow the guidance from those appointed over us, our local health officials, state, federal; We are Your children, O God, Obey your leaders and submit to them.....Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. {Heb 13:17} Wash our hands, maintain social distances, stay at home for a while longer.

The most powerful weapon against this pestilence is PRAYER. Prayer is the 9-1-1 of the Kingdom of God. Always available, always functioning, needs no batteries and is powered by the Holy Spirit.

Pray when you wake, pray wile you conduct your daily life. Talk to Your maker, involve Him in everything you do. Ask questions, listen quietly for His whispered response. Read His word in your Bible. Pray throughout the day. Pray at night and before closing your eyes in rest.

Tell Him your fears, concerns, PRAISE HIM always, hide nothing, express everything. Let Him run your schedule. Always ask Him what HE thinks. Be thankful that the solutions to this present crisis is in His hands, and it is through us all that His will is done.

When you were yet to be formed in your mother's womb, at the very moment God began to knit your tiny bones together, and your tiny heart began to beat the Lord pre-loaded you with your character, personality, talents, hair color, facial features, all the things that make you specific and unique, one of a kind.

God gave those gifts to you knowing that one day, at His calling, you would use those precious attributes to bring Him glory, to be His hands, His Voice, His ambassador here on the earth. Fear not, dear believer, pray. The answer awaits. Look to Him. TRUST in Him. Until we meet again, may Jesus bless you, and keep you, and guide you in His unending love and majesty. Amen.

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TURN DOWN THE NOISE!!

TURN DOWN THE NOISE

Before I begin this rant, please join me in a prayer to our Lord, our Creator eternal in the heavens;

O God we come before Your mighty throne through prayer pleading with You for mercy and strength and courage, and peace, and stamina for all those who suffer or fear the suffering of the virus that may or may not be a part of the lives for those for whom we pray. There are so many sources of conflicting noise, so many moving parts to this global emergency brought on by this pestilence, unseen by the naked eye, but feared by some more than fear itself.

Let us find solace in scripture, strength in FAITH, boldness in knowing that You have Your children safely in the palm of Your mighty hand. Not one of us, not a single solitary soul will slip through Your grasp. Eternity is already here for us, our address in the kingdom is has been written. Through Your blessed love, Lord, strengthen our FAITH, faith fueled by the unending and ever power of Your love and grace, Amen and AMEN.

It is a noisy world that we sojourn through. One seems to get used to the distractions over time. It is not until silence comes that we suddenly become aware of just how noisy the world truly is. Elijah even succumed to the noise as death was revealed all around him. He escaped into the silence of a distant cave and just above the sound of his own breath came a whisper; When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" { 1Ki 19:13} In the SILENCE came the small quiet voice of God. It was true and effective for Elijah, it is true and effective for you too!

In the soft twilight of the morning, just as my eyes are preparing to open, and I am wiggling my toes in bed, I whisper Good morning O Lord God, Praise You Father, Praise You Jesus, Praise You Holy Spirit....I take a breath then declare, "The Lord Rebuke you Satan, The Lord Rebuke you! (This helps me get a leg up on the devil even before my feet hit the floor!)

This is my quiet time with my maker. It is in this SILENT setting that devotions begin, and my Lord's revealing causes my heart to race with joy. Such joy as a child opening a present from his father. The Father always knowing exactly what gift the child would need. If it were not for the silence, this precious moment would be missed.

There was a time that I just had to know what had been going on in the world overnight as I slept. That is no longer a worry or concern for me. My trust and faith is in He who created me. He runs my schedule, my day, my life. The world finds its own troubles without my help. Every morning I ask, Lord, I look forward to whatever You have planned for me this day. It really helps keep my calendar uncluttered!

This Covid-19 Virus will run its course. It will accomplish what the Lord has intended, His will be done. Those who have accepted Jesus into their hearts and given themselves to Him are safely tucked under His wings. Those who have not received the salvation of the blood of Christ might want to use this period of relative silence to ponder their eternity. Will it be joy or anguish. It is your choice you know. Use the silence. Listen for that small quiet voice. Pray.

"Lord Jesus, for years there has been a hole in my life. A feeling that there is somthing very important that I have been missing. Even though I don't know you now, Jesus, I truly want to know you. I am asking you to come into me right now, this very minute, right here where I am and SAVE ME PLEASE! I know that I am a sinner and have done many sinful things but I need you now, this minute, please fill me with YOU! SAVE ME, FORGIVE ME, AMEN."

If you prayed this prayer with sincerity, email me, or click on OUR FAVORITE LINKS tab. Establish an immediate relationship with a local church. It is so important for a new believer to have a Prayer Warrior partner to help you TO TURN DOWN THE NOISE and lend a hand as you learn to walk in the LIGHT. The LIGHT of the Lord Jesus the Christ, AMEN.

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I WILL NEVER FORSAKE YOU

I WILL NEVER FORSAKE YOU

There is ample evidence every day that Prayer is making a difference. Talents rarely tapped are suddenly fully engaged in finding the key and understanding the mechanism of this viral bug. The answer is with God. Place your full trust in Him as he is guiding us right now, this minute, to a global solution, in Him.

PRAYER: Mighty Creator, Hallowed be Thy name. Hear our voices this Lord's day as we give thanksgiving to all those who share this pestilence threat with us. We all ask for special blessings for the many who sacrifice right along with us daily. Those in Nursing, Aids, Activity experts, Techs, Food services, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Administration, and all of those outside the walls who pray daily for a divine solution. With You and through You, Lord, we are never alone. It is our Faith and Prayer that will get us all through by Your mighty Grace, In Jesus the Christ, AMEN.

THE LORD PROVIDES TO THOSE WHO CALL HIS NAME

The Old Testament is filled with documented evidence of God's mercy and forgiveness. Time and time again! It is also a record of His rebuke of our sinfulness. As any father, the Lord teaches us how we should behave. When we do not, God is very effective in getting our attention. He is a good Dad. When I was growing up, all my Mom had to say to me was "I'll let your Dad deal with you when he comes home!". That was all it took for me to straighten up and fly right! Our relationship with our heavenly Father should include the element of fear, when needed to keep us in line. It a Father's job!

As I was writing this the Lord called my attention to Psalms 107 and Verses 23 to 32. Let us read them together: Imagine that this virus thing is like being on the open sea and a huge storm blows in threatening all of us:

Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters;  (24)  They have seen the works of the LORD, And His wonders in the deep.  (25)  For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, Which lifted up the waves of the sea.  (26)  They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths; Their soul melted away in their misery.  (27)  They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, And were at their wits' end.  (28)  Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, And He brought them out of their distresses.  (29)  He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed.  (30)  Then they were glad because they were quiet, So He guided them to their desired haven.  (31)  Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men!  (32)  Let them extol Him also in the congregation of the people, And praise Him at the seat of the elders. PRAY, each of you. Call His name. Show Him your FAITH!

PRAYER: Oh Lord God Almighty, it is as though we all are in the hold of the ship and the seas are pounding and the winds pelting our vessel. We are afraid, and we call out to you with one voice to calm the sea, mute the winds and bring us safely to Your righteous solution. We have faith that we will soon be able to feel the fresh air on our faces, and know in our hearts that it is You that saves. It is YOU that provides, and we, Your creation are so very thankful for Your love and mercy. Thank-You Father, Praise You Jesus, Praise You Holy Spirit, AMEN

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WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE HERE?

WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE HERE?

"Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go." {Joh 21:18} This verse from The Gospel according to John rings true especially during this Corona Virus battle that has come upon the world.

When you realize how huge this pestilence is it will not be hard to focus on WHO is actually capable of making a difference;   For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,  (6)  who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. { 1Ti 2:5-6} Your strong faith in God will carry you through.  "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. { Isa 45:22}

The doors here are closed for a short period of time. The closing is an expression of love, respect and protection for the residents of these unique communities. As inconvenient as it might be for those living inside and those who wait elsewhere, it gives all of us some breathing room to figure out how this bug works and design a weapon to defeat it. As Americans, we are very good at defending and being creative in that defense. When trouble comes, God gives us what we need to come together and witness the power of the Lord fighting with us and for us. Those of you coming out of WWII, Korea and Vietnam all understand that sometimes we need to be shaken a bit before the creative juices that God gives begins to join the battle.

Once, we were all lost and blind;   But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. { Eph 2:13,Heb 7:25}

Pray with each other, pray FOR each other and for those who are here serving with you on this battle against the BUG!

FATHER, Author of all protective cures, fill each of us with Your Spirit of patience, courage, and help us increase our FAITH and TRUST that Your will be done, and Your children shall come through this pestilence, this unseen foe. Grant us a large helping of LOVE and EMPATHY for others who are in the same boat as we are. In and by the name of JESUS we pray, AMEN.

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ARE WE GOING TO BE ALRIGHT?

ARE WE GOING TO BE ALRIGHT?

Php 4:5-8  Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.  (6)  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  (7)  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (8)  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

To dwell on or to fret about all the WHAT IF'S is counter productive and not in keeping to our Faith we have in our Father and His Son and in the Holy Spirit.

Children of God have the great benefit of supreme love from the source of love Himself. We access that Fatherly love and support through the wondrous power of prayer. Although the Lord knows that which is in your heart, your concerns, fears, and yes, anxiety, He loves to hear your voice pleading to Him for comfort and spiritual guidance. He is as close or as far away as a single WORD; FATHER!

Praying to our Lord in times of peace and in turmoil is all part of our expected service to our maker;   "But you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst. { Exo 23:25}

You who are saved are His family, His possessions, His Elect.   'Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth. { Jer 33:6}

ARE WE GOING TO BE ALRIGHT?

Yes, O Believer. Find solace in scripture. Comfort in Psalms. Encouragement in Isaiah. Discovery and the revealed promise in Ephesians. Strength in your Bible.

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THE UPWARD CALL

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Php 3:14

Are you where you need to be in your walk with our Lord? When was the last time you did a self check? A look in your own rear-view-mirror to see if what changes God made in you, on the day that He was invited to come in to you, yet remain to this day. Remember? You asked Him to save you. To place His Holy Spirit into your body. The changes He made, are they still in force? Have other changes taken place over the years? As you get older, do you find yourself thinking more and more about the prize that awaits?

I was a "late bloomer" having avoided the Lord's call for many years. In my younger days I recall reading or perhaps I heard someone relate what Jesus said to a wealthy man who had expressed great interest in the kingdom of God; Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." {Mat 19:21}.

Now, wealth has never been a part of my life, so that portion of what Jesus said was of no import to me. What prevented me from saying YES to the Lord's invitation was the fear of losing control. Control over ME! Then I joined the Army.

Halfway through basic training I began to re-think this whole control attitude thing that was causing me grief with the Drill Sergeant!! Unbeknownst to me, God ordained that honor, allowing me to serve my country in an army uniform for 23 years. He rewarded me with a wife and two children. All of this and more even before I ever uttered the words, Come into me O Lord Jesus! Running from the Lord will not succeed. He will just wait until you are tired, or, you draw your last earthly breath and end up never seeing His Glory. How sad is that?

At 64 years of age, I answered His call and was overwhelmed when Jesus came into me and into my bride Linda at the same time!! An immediate change came over us, and the changes continue to this day. All our fears are gone! After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great." {Gen 15:1}

One of the first things we were blessed to learn is that we did not have to go searching for that elusive "What does God want us to do?"

The Holy Spirit revealed that God already gave Linda and I all we need to serve Him. He delivered those talents, characteristics, personality traits to us while we were yet in our mother's wombs. This gift at the Creator's hand is all we need to serve Him. These pre-birth gifts is the Lord's blueprint and road map that God will tap when He calls us to serve him. Here is the secret; Serving God is simply using those gifts He gave us before we were created, and use them to bring glory to Him. What ever you are good at, what ever area you excel, what ever you love to do with your mind, hands, talents, use those to His glory. After all, He gave you the tools because, in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. {2Ti 4:8}

Final thoughts; Being a true Christian, a devoted follower of Jesus is not easy. This is especially true in this world where so many temptations and vulgarity are constantly considered NORMAL to those who may perish. Be strong; Rom 8:18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Linda and I are now in the autumn of our audition time on this earth. Thanks and Praise to our Lord Jesus for calling us, loving us, and giving us the opportunity to audition for the Eternity that waits just beyond that not to distant horizon. Our faith gives us confidence that we will both hear those precious words spoken from on high as recorded in Matthew 25:21, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'

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