Social Distanced From God?

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.James 4:7

This past couple weeks has been challenging for most of us used to being on the go. My mom always said my middle name was ‘Go’ so this mandatory stillness has been a challenge for me and other extroverts and those liking to be around people. Like the song says ‘People who need people are the luckiest people in the world’ and I hate the word ‘luck’ so will say the ‘most blessed’ in the world. 

God made us for community. In Genesis it says “It is not good for man to be alone so I will create a help mate for him” and consequently woman was created. (See Genesis 2:18-24) You can still connect with your friends and family with the good ole telephone or mobile device or whatever you want to call it. Text yeah but a good old fashioned call might make someone’s day. 

Above all during this ‘social distancing’ do not social distance yourself from God. He loves you. He is your ABBA Father daddy. It may be tempting to watch non stop television to wile away your shut in hours but I challenge you to get a good Christian book. Read your Bible. Daniel has some interesting parallels. Isaiah is great. Check out Ezekiel. Find ways to do something for another. Make a craft. Stimulate your mind with something other than games on your phone that isolate you and waste time.  Exercise. In other words God has given us a unique opportunity to connect in many other ways now just don’t forget him. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for this mandatory down time to reflect on many things, make changes, try new things, connect with people. I pray for those who have lost income to remain calm and know the end is near. I trust in your plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Shine Brighter!

           

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

By now most everyone wants life to get back to normal especially those losing income or not getting to sit in their physical classroom or work place. God can use this time and I know He is. 

As a follower of Christ it is our responsibility to be salt and light. To do this it is essential to keep your mind fed with scripture and things that bring peace and joy. A steady diet of news that blames our President or incites fear of doom and gloom is not where Christians should be camping out at right now. To stay strong you have to saturate your mind and heart on positive stuff and getting updates non stop on the many deaths only digs a big trench to fall into that you may not escape from. 

So friends your assignment today and every day is to wake up and thank God for life. Call a friend don’t just text. Smile. Stay home unless you are out of milk or need medicine refilled. Go outside and walk or if you live in snow country get out the cross country skis or snow shoes and enjoy. Listen to positive uplifting music like KLOVE or another local Christian station. Worship music lifts the soul. Above all don’t stop reading your Bible daily and praying. God will see you through. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for life, liberty, and your goodness. Forgive me for ever complaining and help me see your hand delivering us from what Satan wanted to use to destroy me. I will be stronger Lord. Thanks for guiding me. Help me have discipline to turn off the news and step away from social media. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Have Been Given A Wonderful Gift

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20

We in the US are not used to being told we can't go places. What do you mean I can't go sit inside Starbucks or go to my gym to workout? You my friend have been given the gift of reflection. Just like George Bailey was given the gift of seeing what life would have been like had he not been born in the movie ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ you have been given the gift of reflecting on your life. 

For many out of work, without pay,  and angry this may be a bit of a stretch to agree with. But think about it, with most forms of entertainment shut down it makes you reflect a bit on your life. Perhaps after this time things may be a bit different in choices you make. When a curve ball like Covid 19 gets thrown in out of the blue it is a bit disconcerting and challenging to adapt to a new normal. 

Know that this is a great time to do a Bible study and also to have a better longer quiet time. Maybe a time to call a friend. Above all remember to say thanks to God even during this time. Yes you heard me, thanks. Trials make us stronger in the long run. Fill your tank with positive thoughts. Have a blessed day. 

PRAYER: This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice no matter what. Protect my family and friends during this time of global uncertainty. Prepare us now to come out stronger on the other end and help us reach out to others without much hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Many churches are online. If you don't have a church home I invite to join in on mine at 8, 9:45; and 1130 CST. 

www.churchofthehighlands.com/live

When The Rug Is Yanked From Beneath You

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.James 1:17

When the great Coronavirus world outbreak of 2020 is behind us and prayerfully it will be soon, Americans will not take for granted so many things that were commonplace. Hugging a friend. Going to a coffee shop. Having lunch with a friend. Attending a first run movie at your local theater. Finding anything you needed in the grocery store, no shortages. Going to a sporting event. Walking at high school and college graduation.

A unexpected crisis like this tends to knock the bottom out of everything. For those of us privileged to almost the point of being spoiled it can be downright rough. Perhaps when this is just a memory it will make us say thanks lots more and not take the simplest thing like attending and worshipping live in our favorite church for granted.

Unexpected things are going to happen in life. It is how you react and weather this storm that matters. Accept it first, pray for doctors and nurses on the front lines, and follow the stay at home rules. Remember God is your ever present help in times of trouble.(Psalm 46:1). Call on him now.

PRAYER: I pray for my friends and family who are torn and confused right now. I pray for business owners who are forced to close and for many people unemployed because of shutdowns. Give super natural strength to all and help a cure be found. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Is My Hiding Place

For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’ (Psalm 32:7-8)

Sometimes it takes something pretty drastic to wake up people. 911 was one and now Coronavirus is upon us. Never could anyone imagine America being shut down almost entirely. But here we are the new normal for now. How do you deal with this? Some are grateful to still be working from home offices or be in a critical need job where life goes on a little bit chaotic but it still is happening. Churches are making the most of it with live services online and through Facebook. 

The first thing most people fear is not having enough money. Big concern but God is your main provider. During this time all of us are learning to be still. Be grateful too and hopefully never take things for granted. You can watch church online now so there are many throughout the nation doing this. Maybe call people you have not talked to in a while. 

The main thing is to keep your spirits lifted up and don’t waste too much time on the nonsense that can be social media. Perhaps get some paper out and actually write a letter to someone. Start a new hobby. See if your church has a service project you could maybe help with. It is a challenge for all of us. Do the best you can to follow the guidelines even if you don’t understand why. Stay emotionally healthy. Get a good book to read. Go for a walk.This is not going to be forever. And be nice to those you live with. Now go be creative. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for loving me. I thank you for being my provider. I thank you for the storms of life for in them I learn to appreciate things. Give each person strength, wisdom, and love during these unusual times we are in. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a song of worship to get through these challenging  times:https://youtu.be/cHoGEDQQ67o

Stay Purified

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:8

Since the Covid-19 scare began you are hearing much about the importance of washing hands and staying pure and clean. It is essential to beat this virus to follow the rules set forth by the Center for Disease Control, the doctors and task force. Similarly it is necessary in order to stay pure and clean and set apart for the kingdom to follow the guidebook most of us own but some may rarely utilize and of course I am referring to the Bible. Where is yours right now? Are you familiar with it? Do you know how to locate key verses for critical times in your life? 

If not now when so many seem to be seeking peace from this mass outbreak affecting the entire world, why not break out God’s word. Put the TV remote away. Put the political hatchet down some have used to beat up on our president since he was elected to office. Stop texting and playing mind numbing games. Learn a new skill perhaps learn to use the concordance of a good Bible. Use this time to draw closer to your family and closer to God. 

God didn’t create this virus but He can certainly use it for His purposes and for the glory of God. Churches now had to get creative so many are meeting online. Bible studies likewise are conference calling or doing Zoom. So many things all of us are going to take away from this seemingly horrible time. Granted it sure is unexpected in America and totally different than anything ever on our shores. Together we will rise above and find good in this time. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for sort of being forced to be still. Thank you for helping me take a better look at cleanliness. Thank you for helping me appreciate what our doctors and nurses do each and every day sometimes that goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Be with those in this time who are out of work. Help those who are hurting or suffering from the disease. Prayers going out that soon a vaccine will be developed and medicine to beat this. Thanks for the wake up call Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Be A Fool Today Or Any Day

They spend their days in wealth, And in a moment go down to the grave. They say to God, ‘Depart for we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways.’Job 21:13-14

What can I say but how many times I have fallen for April Fool’s jokes and feel so stupid afterward. I am not sure where this day originated but it is here. Maybe this year with so much stress going on there will be some light hearted fun.

To be a fool is really not an ideal situation. If you get a Bible concordance out you will find may references to foolish people and none are really flattering.No one likes to be referred to as a fool. It is not a term of endearment by any means. 

A fool does not heed advice. A fool squanders his money. A fool does not listen to God. A fool according to the Bible lacks wisdom, thinks only of himself, mocks sin and sometimes flaunts it, does not fear the Lord at all and often ridicules those who do. Run far away from being a fool! 

PRAYER: I certainly don’t want to be known as a foolish person. Help me listen to your voice and stay away from false teaching and things that tempt me to stray from the truth. Guide my family to also not be foolish. In Jesus’ name. Amen.