A Confession

3/31/2020

1 John 5:16 “If any man sees his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life for them that sin not unto death.”

I am going to confess something: I have been disappointed lately. I feel such a powerful call to prayer, that it is a time for us timid Christians to rise up. As believers, we are always fighting an unseen evil being who wants our total destruction, so we should be battle-ready for this new challenge.

I have been looking for someone, anyone, to sound the battle cry, for we are at war with an unseen evil. Alas, no leader has risen up that I have seen. I was thinking of the Reverend Billy Graham and how he may have been during this time of crisis in our world. I reflected on how, during other times of unrest or disaster, he was our collective national minister, guiding us and calling us to prayer. He would have been welcome on every news station regardless of political bend, and he would speak of the power of prayer and the saving grace of Jesus.

Last night, after being yet again jarred by the evening network news, I felt called to act, so I posted my own call to arms on Facebook. I have also done that here as you all know, but I wanted to try a broader platform. I asked people to pick a time to pray twice a day, trying to get a 24 hour prayer going. (Yes, I do know that millions of people are praying at every minute of the day for our world.) So, here goes my confession; when people did not respond in overwhelming numbers, I got very emotional. I called it frustration, but my wise husband saw anger. He read to me in 1 Kings about how Elijah was tired of being the only voice yelling into the wind. Then he gently told me I was not frustrated, but angry (which, if you know me, is not my go-to emotion.) I was duly rebuked, and grateful for a husband who is willing to lead, and a son who was in prayer for me during that time. It turns out I was feeling such a powerful pull of the Holy Spirit, that I could not understand why everyone was not feeling the same way.  Regrettably, I have definitely gone here in my thinking before. Oh my sinful nature. Dear Jesus, please forgive me.

Chambers says, “If we are not heedful of the way the Spirit of God works in us, we will become spiritual hypocrites.  We see where other folks are failing, and we turn discernment into the gibe of criticism instead of into intercession on their behalf.” These words further confirmed how I was not in line with what the Holy Spirit truly wanted from me. Was I moved to share a call to arms? Yes. Did I then wait on God? No, I let my emotions get in the way. Right now is a hyperemotional time for a lot of people. But for me and my shelter-in-place house, we will serve the Lord.

For such a time as this.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

Intercessor

3/30/2020

Isaiah 59:16 “And He…wondered that there were no intercessors.”

                                          

Today, Chambers is addressing intercessory prayer, or lifting up our prayers on behalf of others. Although this is always a central part of my prayer time, it has recently taken a global turn for me. I always pray for our world and its leaders, but in light of what is currently happening, I find myself in a profound beseeching mode. I am pleading with God for His mercy, and asking Him to impart the lessons in it all. I think He is absolutely teaching us all something, if we will only listen and heed His call.

Chambers says, “Worship and intercession must go together, the one is impossible without the other. Intercession means we rouse ourselves up to get the mind of Christ about the one for whom we pray.”

I am prayerfully interceding for many: the sick, and the families who have suffered loss; my family, friends, and neighbors; doctors and nurses; first responders and grocery store workers; hospital personnel and utility workers; truck drivers and restaurant employees; home health care workers and nursing home staff; the parents that have now become teachers, and the teachers trying to invent a new way to stay connected with their students; the list goes on and on. I am coming before Almighty God in His Son’s most precious name with a deep spirit of worship and gratitude, and also boldly pleading for His healing on our nation and our world. I also pray we will all be deeply changed by this moment in time.

This little virus has been such an equalizer. It has forced us to see our similarities; that we are all just as vulnerable as everyone else regardless of race, sex, creed, or political affiliation. It has put fame into perspective, and has shown hard working people for the heroes they have always been. Oh yes, the lessons are surely clear.

Dear Lord, let us now lead with love in all we do, and no longer give the evil of hatred and judgement a foothold in our lives.

For such a time as this.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

Be Ready

3/29/2020

Luke 12:40 “Be ye therefore ready also.”

We must be ready to face Jesus. Chambers says, “The only way a worker can keep true to God is by being ready for the Lord’s surprise visits. It is not service that matters, but intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn.” Am I ready? Am I looking to Jesus in all situations and for all things? This certainly does not factor nicely into a busy and distracted life. It never fit nicely into our society of hatred and judgement. So what now?

We are facing an unprecedented time. It is time that is forcing many of us to be still, to pull away from everyone and everything that was normal in life just a few short weeks ago. A time that is evoking fear all around our world. Am I ready for what is to come? Am I ready to face Jesus? Am I ready to come to Him without ceasing, falling to my knees in fierce, bold, and powerful prayer? Am I ready to be grateful to Him for every day? Am I ready to sing His praises? Am I ready to share the truth of Salvation and the glorious news of the Gospel with everyone? Am I ready to be the servant He expects me to be? Is my faith as big as a mustard seed?

Chambers writes, “If you are ‘looking off unto Jesus,’ avoiding the call of the religious age you live in, and setting your heart on what He wants, on thinking on His line—you will be called unpractical and dreamy; but when He appears in the burden and the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready.”

In these difficult times, let us join together to be ready for whatever Jesus is calling us to do. Let us set our hearts on what He wants. I may not be a medical warrior on the front lines, like my nephew Tanner and my niece Grace, but I can certainly be a warrior on the front lines of prayer. Join me, fellow warriors! For such a time as this, we must be ready to face Jesus.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

There is Power - Lincoln Brewster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoOJwel1CQU

Hope

3/28/2020

John 11:7-8 “Let us go into Judaea… His Disciples say unto Him…Goest Thou thither again?”

In today’s verses, Jesus tells His disciples they are going back to a place that is not safe for them. Mary and Martha send word to Him that their brother Lazarus is sick, so Jesus decides to travel to a place of danger to help His friend. Our world has also seen many people do similar acts recently.

These past couple of weeks have been like no other in recent history. Our world is at war with an enemy we cannot see, and – as of yet – there are no identifiable weapons with which to fight it. Instead of military warriors, we now have medical warriors on the front lines. They are going into a place of potential danger every day to help the sick and dying. Everyone else is trying to do their part for the war effort by staying home and off the battlefield. All the while, we watch, wait, and pray.

Cambers says, “Faith is not intelligent understanding, faith is deliberate commitment to a Person where I see no way.” What our world is suffering through right now is incomprehensible, but that is why walking in faith is so crucial; in faith we find hope. Hebrews 6:19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Jesus is our hope and strength in times of trouble. It is our obligation as believers to pray boldly during this time of vast suffering. Let us join together to lift up all those in the battle, and ask our Almighty Father for His strength, healing, and mercy.

 For such a time as this.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

Scared

3/27/2020

Revelation 4:1 “Come up hither, and I will shew thee things.”

Full disclosure: even though I am a New Testament girl, I am not much of a Revelation reader. When I read the beginning of chapter 4, it was very confusing. It is interesting, but confusing. So today, I will focus on a portion of Chambers’ lesson and bring in some wisdom from another book I am currently reading.

Chambers writes, “Compare this week in your spiritual history with the same week last year and see how God has called you up higher.” That is certainly a powerfully interesting question in the light of what is currently happening in our world. Am I stronger in my walk? Have I drawn closer to Jesus in the past year? Are the trials of the Covid-19 virus shaking my faith or scaring me? Am I able to walk in power and strength, and not fear because I am trusting God in all things?

Truthfully, this question was a difficult one for me. As I have mentioned before, I have OCD that presents as germ phobia and checking; not a great combination. This period of time has been particularly trying for me, and exhausting in every way. Unfortunately, I have allowed external voices to seep into my mind and trigger my fears. Thankfully though, the leader of the Women’s Ministry at my church encouraged us to join her today in a time of fasting and prayer, and I have done so. Being still, and blocking out the din of the world, has helped me focus on listening to God, and my spirit has quietly settled into His truth.

I used a part of my day reading from the book Girls with Swords, by Lisa Bevere. I was struck by three powerful sentences. First, “God loves when we pray boldly without a shadow of a doubt. I like to think of it this way: God invites us to pray in such a way that it scares what is scared within us!” Yes!!!! Later came this follow up, “But in all honesty, if you are not praying the type of prayers that scare you, your prayers are certainly not frightening our enemy.” Yes and Yes!!! I do not want to give Satan any entry into my life my at all. I always want to bind him in the name of Jesus; for he flees at the mention of my Savior’s name.

God wants me to pray in all reverence to Him with boldness and strength. He wants me to be a warrior, and to pray in such a way that scares what is scared in me. If I let my fears control me, even when there is a real issue in this world to fear, I become ineffective for Him. Nothing, not even a small but formidable virus, is bigger than my Almighty God.

So, instead of excessively watching daily infection numbers and contestant newsfeeds, I will spend my time with God and seek His wisdom. I will pray so boldly that what is scared inside of me will tremble and flee in the light and mighty power of my Savior!

For such a time as this.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

Pure in Heart

3/26/2020

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

This verse is from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and a part of the Beatitudes. What does it mean to be pure in heart? The word “pure” means untainted or spotless. How then can a sinful human have a pure heart? Chambers says, “God makes us pure by His sovereign grace, but we have something to look after, this bodily life by which we come in contact with other people and with other points of view, it is these that we are apt to sully.” There has to be a communion between our inner and outer selves, body and spirit. This can only be done by focusing on Jesus, reading God’s Holy Word, and prayer. We need to be obedient to God’s will, and vigilant in all we say and do. When we allow the world and its pressures (or charms) to lure us into a state of being tainted, we are pulled away from the will of our Savior. It is something that is felt deep within the soul, because we become misaligned with the Holy Spirit. To once again become pure of heart, we need to be fully contrite before our God and ask for His forgiveness. This is a never-ending process for those who love and fear the Lord, for His mercy and grace alone sustains us.

Matthew 5:3-10

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God

Blessed are those that are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven 

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For such a time as this.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

The Bridegroom

3/25/2020

John 3:29 “The friend of the Bridegroom.”

Today, Chambers is telling us to not draw attention to ourselves as we witness to others, but instead to put total focus on Jesus. This is a call against a false sense of outward piety. He says, “A beautiful saint may be a hindrance if he does not present Jesus Christ but only what Christ has done for him.” We certainly should tell people of what God has done in our lives, but we are called to put our emphasis on the truth of the Gospel and, most importantly, Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. True contrition, along with the receiving of this most precious of gifts, is the starting point in every Christian’s life. It is transformative in every way, demanding us to be loyal to God over every other thing. We should never be the focus, only the messengers.

Chambers also says, “When a crisis arises we have to find out what God’s will is, but the greater part of the life is not conscious obedience but the maintenance of this relationship—the friend of the Bridegroom. Christian work may be a means of the soul’s concentration on Jesus Christ.” In this time of world crisis, where we are all praying for revival and God’s mercy, it is even more critical that our foundation of faith and relationship with the Bridegroom is paramount. Through this unprecedented time, we have been provided the opportunity to “be still and know.” While everyone is looking for distractions during this period of isolation, we, as believers, can spend more time in devotion and prayer. We can deepen our relationship with the Bridegroom, and become better equipped disciples for Him. We can grow into the powerful warriors of love and truth that He calls us to be.

For such a time as this.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

PEACE IN CHRIST - 5-YEAR-OLD CLAIRE RYANN CROSBY AND DAD

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Waitmz6C100

Out of Order

3/24/2020

John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Chambers’ lesson for today is a bit counter intuitive for the believer. We are caring, and want to try to bring others to the truth of salvation through Christ. We want to be of use to God, but, in our humanity, we often lose sight of His will and go forward in our own strength. Chambers’ first sentence says, “If you become a necessity to a soul, you are out of God’s order.” Why would this be? Shouldn’t we be there for one another on this journey called life?

I will share with you how I see this statement by giving you all another peek into my life. My husband and I had been married for quite a while when I became ill with a debilitating anxiety disorder. We were very solid in our love for each other and our relationship; we have always been best friends. We loved being together, whether having fun, doing home projects, or being in ministry and worship. We became so close that our focus was truly more on one another than it was God. We had lost our order of importance, where God comes first always. When my illness hit, the disorder was very obvious. We were praying, of course, but we were so wrapped up in each other that the worse my illness became, the shakier our foundation turned out to be. We had not only lost sight of our God, but in that time, each other. When the storm hit, we were more battered then we would have been if we had gone vertical throughout our marriage. We were believers, but over time had started focusing horizontally on each other.

This is NOT God’s way for our lives. He wants to be first in our lives always. Even with our best intentions for someone else, we should never let our emotions and our sympathies get in the way of our witness to them. We cannot be their savior. God will have that person grow from the seed planted, no matter what circumstances He uses as a refining fire in their lives. Our job is to pray for and love one another; bringing someone to a saving grace through Jesus’ sacrifice is God’s. We are to be a vessel full of the spirit that overflows out to one another, while also not getting in the way. “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

It took my husband and me some time, but with God’s mercy, we reordered our lives and truly put Him first, not just in our relationship, but in everything. God’s order for our lives is perfect, and we rejoice in striving to be “my utmost for His Highest.”   

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2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

A Clean Heart

3/23/2020

1 Corinthians 3:3 “Whereas there is among you envying, and strife…are ye not carnal?”

Carnal: relating to or given to crude bodily pleasures or appetites (merrium-webster.com)

                                                                                                               

Many of us are struggling with this at the moment, because life as we know it has come to a screeching halt. Sheltering in place has people longing for what they cannot have right now. There are even many who refuse to give up the desires of the flesh: Starbucks, bar hoping, going to dinner, partying, etc. The news stations are full of images of young people on beaches for Spring Break, or people at restaurants or the park. I saw one headline that said some people in New York were out and about this past weekend like it was just another normal spring day. My heart bleeds for that city, our country, and our world right now. What is the lesson here? Where many people are respectful and want to protect those around them and the world at large, some people only care about their own desires— carnality. We, as a society, know it is wrong, but the self becomes more important than all of humanity. What a sinful and selfish lot we are, but God can change any heart through His mercy and grace. Create in me a clean heart, oh Lord.

Create in Me – The Acapella Company

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noUeQQ64Q1I

Chambers says, “”Walk in the Spirit,’ Paul says, ‘and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh’ and carnality will disappear.” If we walk in the Spirit, we have no choice but to put others first. This is another area that is a call to arms for God’s children at this critical time. We need to not only share the gospel, but live it in any way we can. We need to keep reaching out to those around us in love and humility. God wants nothing less from us for such a time as this.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

A Burning Heart

3/22/20

Luke 24:32 “Did not our hearts burn within us?”

Today, Chambers talks about keeping our hearts burning for Jesus no matter what we are going though. He encourages us to guard ourselves from acting on emotion, unless that emotion is “kindled by the Spirit of God.” We are often so easily swayed by our emotions. In the climate of our world right now, the overwhelming emotions are fear and panic, but if we let these rule the day, we will not win the battle. We need to lift these feelings up to God and ask for His peace. Now is the time for believers to show the world that we truly believe in a Sovereign God.

Chambers says, “When God gives a vision, transact business on that line, no matter what the cost.” This statement was an important one for me today. As I have mentioned before, I have clinical OCD that presents itself in many ways, one of which is a contact germ phobia. Honestly, this Covid-19 outbreak could have stopped me right in my tracks when it began, but God has helped me through. I have been fortunate that my family was able to stay home, until today. We needed to get some groceries to be able to continue our “shelter in place” mode, and that job fell to me. Thankfully, there were only a few people in the store when I arrived. I will not share what my preparations looked like or any of the other crazy details; all I need to say is I survived the journey. It did take A LOT out of me, however.

I momentarily wanted to excuse myself from writing this post today. After all, God would understand my battle and the exhaustion that I now feel…and then I read Chambers’ words. God gave me the vision to write here every day, and I had to “transact business” no matter how bedraggled I felt. I could not let that emotion win out, I HAD TO obey my Lord.

So in these times of great trial, I encourage you all to keep your hearts burning for Jesus. We must honor the vision no matter the cost.

For such a time as this. 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

Broken Hallelujah – The Afters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3DudOzV4k

Death Warrant

3/21/2020

Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ.”

“The imperative need spiritually is to sign the death warrant of the disposition of sin. To turn all emotional impressions and intellectual beliefs into a moral verdict against the disposition of sin, viz., my claim to my right to myself.” Oswald Chambers

Die to sin and self. When I am crucified with Christ, I give up my claim to myself. Chambers again is very direct here, and so is Paul in his writing. All of Galatians 2:20 reads, “I have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” It is a very straightforward declaration, but not very easy to do. Can I say that I have died totally to sin and to self? Sadly I cannot, although it is the deepest prayer of my heart.

Chambers uses the term “disposition of sin.” The definition of disposition: a person’s inherent qualities of mind and character. Sin is a deep internal quality and a destructor that is in us all, but when we are born again in Christ, we align ourselves with His character. From that point on, I should submit every area of my life fully to Jesus. If I focus on Him and ask for an indwelling of the Holy Spirit in me, then all that I do will be checked by the Spirit, and it is. I know when I am sinning, and do not do it blindly or innocently. I always get that “Spirit tap”, but sometimes ignore it, or reason it away, or pledge to do better next time. This response clearly shows I have not signed sin’s death warrant.

Jesus suffered and died for my sin and the sin of the whole world. How, then, can I be so cavalier with my attitude toward it? God please forgive me.

Is this current destroyer in our world the result of the sin and the evil we dismiss or ignore? It is a question we must all ask ourselves.  As always, I will continue to praying for our world, and add the following verse on which to meditate.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

A Plea

3/20/2020

Genesis 18:17 “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?”

“Why did Abraham stop praying when he did? He was not intimate enough yet to go boldly on, until God granted his desire, there was something yet to be desired in his relationship to God. Whenever we stop short in prayer and say— ‘Well, I don’t know; perhaps it is not God’s will,’ there is still another stage to go. We are not so intimately acquainted with God as Jesus was, and as He wants us to be—‘That they may be one even as we are one.’ Think about the last thing you prayed about—were you devoted to your desire or to God?” - Oswald Chambers

Today’s verse is about the plea for Sodom and Gomorrah, a place so full of grievous sin that the Lord was going to “sweep it away.” Abraham was concerned for the city, and asked God to have mercy if 50 righteous people could be found. God agrees. Abraham then starts pleading for the number of righteous to be lessened by increments of five and ten until the total number reached is ten. God agrees. The angels God sent to the City met a man named Lot at the city gate, and he alone was found righteous. The angels brought Lot, his wife, and his daughters out of the city before God destroyed it.

Abraham was in the presence of God when he was pleading for the city, but still did not fully understand what God was doing in his life. He had just been told that his wife Sarah, who was well past her childbearing years, would have a son within a year’s time. All of this was beyond imagining, but nothing is outside the power of God.

These two connected portions of scripture once again lead me to meditate on what is happening in our world right now. Humankind has become toxic with hate and violence, and sinful nature runs rampant and unchecked. Many people have turned away from God, and believers have remained largely silent to the evils they see. Technology has taken over families, and although much good comes from it, an ever larger evil exists there. It can be a place of tremendous darkness that Satan uses for his purposes. Unfortunately, we are mostly complicit about that as well. God wants us to grow deeper in our relationship with Him, trust Him in faith, and be bold in sharing the saving grace of Jesus.

This pandemic that is sweeping through our world is also unimaginable, but it is not outside of the power of God, nothing is. We need to keep trusting Him, even if we cannot see what He is currently doing. We need to plead to God to spare our world, and pray that the outcome is better than that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

May God have mercy on us all.

Not Knowing

3/19/2020

Hebrews 11:8 “He went out, not knowing whither he went.”

Abraham practiced social distancing well before we did. He distanced himself from his family, friends, and society because God called him to leave his country. He took only his wife, his nephew, and his servants with him. God told Abraham that a great nation would come through him, and all the people of the earth would be blessed. Not understanding how this was to be, Abraham listened to the Lord in faith and did what God told him to do. The nation of Israel was that nation, and from that nation came our Savior Jesus, through Whom the whole Earth is blessed.

In our world today, many of us are distancing ourselves from our friends and family. We are being called by our government to do so, but are we also being called by God during this time? Is this period of sequestering a forced stillness before our Lord? (Psalm 46:10) Is it a time when we need to have faith, even though we cannot see where God is bringing us? I certainly believe that is the case. God is calling His people, in this time of uncertainty, to trust Him and have faith. Chambers says, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.” How will God’s people show this truth in this age of uncertainty? Will we rise up in faith and find hope in our Heavenly Father, or will we operate in fear of where He is leading us?

Chambers says, “The final stage of the life of faith is attainment of character.” What character will the world see in God's church? What character will those around me see? My prayer is that my character reflects Jesus' now and forever more.

My sweet husband felt led to encourage me to end each day’s blog with this verse. May God have mercy on us all.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

Such a Time as This

3/18/2020

2 Corinthians 7:1 “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

 The NIV full verse is, “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence to God.” As I read this verse in its entirety, I was struck by how timely these words are; although the Bible is eternally timely and timeless.

Every person on Earth is currently living through an evil, the likes of which have not been seen in over 100 years. We are vigorously trying to shield our bodies from the contamination of a global pandemic, a virus that we have no immunity to as humans. We are practicing social distancing, telecommuting if possible, and temporarily closing down schools, businesses, and churches to try stopping the threat of this unseen and ruthless enemy. It is currently affecting every area of life, both personally and financially. We are spending tremendous amounts of time and resources fighting against this horrible contagion, but I wonder: Are we fighting as hard against the evils that can contaminate our souls? Are we focusing on God, and perfecting holiness out of reverence to Him? Chambers says, “I have to cleanse myself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit until both are in accord with the nature of God.”

People will have different thoughts and feelings about the “why” of what is currently happening in our world, but one thing I feel for certain is this; God is allowing it at this period in time. Why now? Since the year 2000, there have been two other coronaviruses that have jumped from animals to humans, SARS and MERS. These both were certainly frightening, but did not create a widespread crises and panic. So, why would God allow this new virus to have a deeper impact? Is it because people are not just turning away from God, but actively battling against Him? Is it because bigotry and hatred of those unlike ourselves is beginning to rule the day? Is it because many of God’s children are largely silent in the world, becoming more and more self-contained, while others sow seeds of judgment and hate in His name?

Fellow believers, this should be a time of fasting and devoted prayer, and a time when God’s people rise up together in courage, hope, faith, and love. It is not a time to be silent and conceal the life-changing truth of the gospel contained within us, for it was never meant to be.

Now is the time to care not just for the health of our bodies, but for the health of our souls and the souls of those around us. We have an opportunity as believers to love others out loud during this nerve-wracking time, and show others that there is peace in the saving grace of our Jesus. We were called and saved for such a time as this.

Jesus in All

3/17/2020

2 Corinthians 5:9 “Wherefore we labor that…we may be accepted of Him.”

Today is Saint Patrick’s Day. It is a day when the Irish and Irish-at-heart wear green, talk of leprechauns, and often do copious amounts of drinking. Not much public celebrating is going on this year, as many Irish pubs are closed, and people are being advised to stay home and practice social distancing. So, this year may be a good time to reflect on who Saint Patrick really was and his ministry. I had to read up on him, I am embarrassed to admit, even though I was raised Catholic (although not Irish Catholic).

Born in England, Saint Patrick was captured by Irish pirates at the age of fourteen, and taken to Ireland as a slave. At that time, Ireland was a land of pagans, but Patrick turned to God and penned The Confession. In it he wrote, “The love of God and His fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same. I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain.” Can you imagine being so deeply in prayer that the outside word, and all that tries to distract you, falls completely away?

Patrick escaped, but after a few years he saw a vision calling him back to Ireland. He studied to become a priest, was later ordained a bishop, and was sent to preach the Gospel in Ireland. He often used a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. He spent forty years preaching the Gospel, and many of the people of Ireland converted to Christianity. He was a humble and devoted servant of the Lord. His life was truly a reflection of Chambers words, “Learn to discern where the ambition leads, and you will see why it is so necessary to live facing the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Saint Patrick’s poem of faith, “The Breastplate”:

“Christ be within me, Christ be behind me, Christ be before me, Christ be beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all who love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”

Let us all, in this time of uncertainly, pray as Saint Patrick did, for Christ in all.

*Research taken from Catholic Online.

Actions Matter

3/16/2020

2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ.”

God is loving and oh so merciful, but each one of us will answer to Him one day for our every action, good and bad. During this globally unprecedented time in all of our lives, all of our actions matter. We have been witness to a microscopic evil that has become the great equalizer of our world, for it cares nothing about race, sex, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, nationalism, or faith base. It is an equal opportunity infector. This has struck me deeply over the past several weeks, and it is one lesson that can be learned through all of this uncertainty. God is the only Superior Being, and although He created us to have dominion over every living thing (Genesis 1:26-28), He also created us to be the same. The only thing that makes us different is our own thoughts towards one another. Hatred and prejudice is always what Satan wants. I don’t know about you, but I do not want to give him ANY power over my life. Chambers says, “A wrong temper of mind about another soul will end in the spirit of the devil, no matter how saintly you are. One carnal judgment, and the end of it is hell in you.” Chambers certainly does not go gently when he writes his purpose to challenge. He encourages us to, “Drag it to the light at once and say—“My God, I have been guilty there.” If you don’t, hardness will come all through.”

Let us all reflect Christ in our lives and love everyone out loud as He did, (even if, for now, it must be from a distance)for this will truly heal our world.

I recommend reading all of 2 Corinthian 5

May God’s mercy and peace be with you all.

Endure

3/15/2020

Mark 10:32 “And as they followed, they were afraid.”

Jesus can identify with us, for He knows every part of the human condition. We cannot, however, identify with Him. The level of love He showed us through His sacrifice is unimaginable; to take the entirety of the world’s sin upon Himself and suffer for each of us what should have been ours to suffer alone.

Mark 10:32-34 tells of when Jesus was traveling with His disciples to Jerusalem, telling them again of what would befall Him. He was leading the way, and they were afraid, for they still did not understand, and yet they followed. Isn’t that often times true of us as His followers as well? Jesus goes before us always, but we often do not understand where He is leading us, or why.

When we are new believers, just as the Apostles, we follow Jesus in the glow of His teaching, mercy, and love. We excitedly wait for Him to move in our lives because becoming His child is transformative on every level, and we bask in that glow. Then, after a while, we come upon a time of darkness where we do not always see or hear Jesus clearly, or know where He is moving, and we become dismayed, even fearful. Chambers says, “When the darkness of dismay comes, endure until it is over, because out of it will come that following of Jesus which is unspeakable joy.” It is the joy His Apostles felt after His resurrection, and it will be our joy as well when we are able to see His determination through our darkness. All we need to do is continue to follow Him.

 I Will Follow - Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g02mOpdNDtY

Surrender

3/14/2020

Romans 6:16 “His servants ye are to whom ye obey.”                                                  

What dominates my life, and to whom do I give power? Is it God or self?

If I am yielding to anything other than to God, I will soon become double-minded and lose focus; my surrender to Him has to apply to every area of my life. I must be obedient in all things. Chambers says, “Yield for one second to anything in the nature of lust (remember what lust is: ‘I must have it at once,’ whether it be the lust of the flesh or the lust of the mind)—once yield and though you may hate yourself for having yielded, you are a bondslave to that thing.”

My personal struggle has mostly been with lust of the mind; I tend to perseverate on things that draw me away from the joy and peace that are found in Jesus. Alas, I often surrender to it willingly. Just yesterday, I was yielding to the over-information about what is happening in the world. I was compelled to know every last detail I could find about the insidious little virus that is moving over the earth. I, unfortunately, surrendered to the pull of knowing rather than the pull of my God. This unyielding to God and focus on fulfilling my own desires comes from the evil one, for he is the deceiver and only wants destruction.

During my devotional time this morning, I realized I had wasted precious time I could have been in prayer, with my family, or being productive in any other way. The Holy Spirit made this evidently clear deep down in my soul. I felt the Spirit leading me to pray, to not waste any more of my time and energy on something I have no control over. Sure this virus is strong, but my God is all powerful and almighty. I, as His child, need to be obedient to Him alone through prayer, faith, devotion, and action. He will give me, and us all, the peace and the strength to endure.

The most critical thing we can do at this time, or any other, is pray and yield to our Lord and Savior; for like the song says, “There is power in the name of Jesus, there is power in His holy name.”

There is Power – Lincoln Brewster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoOJwel1CQU