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Jesus and Social Distancing?
By now we are getting better at keeping our distance from others, due to the coronavirus spread. Is distance from others comfortable, or do we long to be in the crowd? As recorded in the Holy Bible, Jesus himself spent time around 5,000 people (to feed them) and He would travel with his 12 apostles to teach them. In fact, the term "crowds" or multitudes is mentioned 106 times in the Scriptures.
A few examples in the Bible are Luke 8:4 "When a large crowd was coming together, and those from various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable." Matthew 8:1 "When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him." So, what did Jesus see when he was among the crowds? He saw people in need. He felt compassion for the men, women, and children in the crowd. He could recognize those who felt empty. Jesus responded with helpful, teaching words, helpful actions and healings.
As we slowly return to more socializing, and gathering in groups for various reasons. Perhaps we should look at the "weary eyes" or "lost faces" around us. Many are living their life today without Jesus. Truly a leader, like Jesus, is missing in their days. We need to break through to them with the hope and difference Jesus will bring to their life. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct your steps, and give you the words to impact someone in the small or bigger crowd. That day will come, when we will have less spread of the virus, and positively more spread of the news of Jesus! It's up to you to increase the spread of Jesus!
Living without FEAR!
During this month of March we are hearing much about the coronavirus. Fear and great concern has been elevated in our society. This prayer is posted to aid you in praying about the health situation and the fears in our world. Peace be with you.
Fear and worry are not of Your heart. 1 John 4 reminds us that perfect love casts out all fear, and we pray Your perfect love upon the hearts of all those who are burdened with fear of this virus. Oh Lord, we are aware that You are bigger than the threat of anything, even illnesses. We ask you to comfort those who are living in fear, free them from the bondage that anxiety creates within. Remind them You are still on the Throne and that You are still in control. Rain down serenity that comes from only you, our Prince of Peace.
Living God, be near all the doctors and nurses who are ministering to the sick. Fill them with your Holy Spirit, that they may go forth in your strength, in your wisdom, and in your goodness to help those in need.
We ask all of this in your holy name, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
What's Your Theme?
What's your theme? (by Newsletter, Newletter)
Disgusted by a tasteless dish, Winston Churchill once summoned a waiter, saying, "Take this pudding away. It has no theme!" Any good dish, book, movie or sermon needs a good theme. So does a good life! That's why a personal motto or mission statement is helpful. William Carey's was "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." Joan of Arc's was "God must be served first." And St. Paul's was "to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2, ESV).
Pastor Curtis Nigh says, "If the heart does not have a noble or goodly theme, then it develops an anti-theme." What noble theme can you live by as you live for Christ?
Thanksgiving for our Provider
Thanksgiving for our Provider
There are people who are truly thankful and never hesitate to voice their gratitude. They give God the credit for all the blessings they enjoy. How many things can you name off the top of your head--quickly--that God has given you? Sadly, some people are never excited about what God is doing in the world. Have you seen the enthusaism in a truly thankful person? They thank God with a loud voice of praise!
We have received Jesus "outstretched arms" of welcome and love! We have received Jesus forgiveness and everlasting hope! With awe, we can see hundreds of gifts from our Lord Jesus. The more we see God as our provider, the greater our trust in Him, and the greater the calm that enters our heart. Start each day by expressing your thanks to God and experience peace.
With Benefits!
Do you use those deals that come with benefits? Often travel packages bring benefits like--"stay 4 nights and get 2 FREE meals"! Or the credit card company encourages you to charge $500.00 now and get 6 months of no interest charges. Wow, we like those benefits!
When was the last time you considered the benefits package you have received from the Lord? Psalm 103:2 reads:
"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." Benefits come from the Lord Jesus every day, and we do not deserve all his graciousness. His benefits are too numerous to count! Certainly no earthly package can bring us unshakable peace, holy guidance, and every little or big blessing.
As humans we have the tendancy to get trapped into our gripes! We focus on the high costs of food, delays in the traffic, or noise from our neighbors. We might waste hours thinking about our frustrations. Maybe we could try to let gratitude over-flow from our humble hearts and count those benefits from the Lord.
When you start counting the benefits, share them with others. Get others on the "new track" of praising, rather than on the path of gripes.
Prayer: Change my heart, O Lord.
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Loving God our Father!
When you turn to the Lord Jesus you delight his heart! You know the feeling when someone rushes forward to greet you with a smile and hug. You feel so loved and acknowledged! Perhaps that's how God feels when we call on his name in worship and prayer, acknowledging him as our heavenly Father and honoring him above all else.