VIRAL THOUGHTS
Applying Scriptural Reasoning To The Global Pandemic Of 2020

We have 1.) a link to a page dedicated to thoughts from others regarding church life in times of epidemic (from a number of perspectives)

2.) The daily writings by our preacher below.

A Little Help From My Friends 6/17/20

In Colossians 4:10-14, the apostle Paul mentions six friends who were with him in his imprisonment who sent greetings to the Colossians church. Today, we’d expect a group picture of a bunch of smiling guys to be in the envelope or attached to the email — likely with a clever caption quoting the Beatles, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” In the scripture, we get the words and have to imagine the picture. 

Among the brethren with Paul were three Jews and three Gentiles — the gospel brings us together while the world tries to tear us apart. 

One was a man who had previously deserted Paul and had been insistent that they not work together again — the gospel reconciles us to each other as well as to God. 

These were men who greatly encouraged Paul — God sends us helpers. 

One of these men had been with Paul for so long, and so shared his hardships that Paul called him a “fellow prisoner” even though he likely wasn’t legally in custody — the gospel tells us to put others ahead of ourselves. 

The man with Paul who was from the area that the letter was going to prayed for and had a “deep concern for” his brethren — the gospel teaches effective brotherly love. 

Sadly, one of the six friends would later desert Paul — so do not stay firm in their love for Christ or the brethren. 

10  Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);
11  and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.
12  Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
13  For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14  Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. — Colossians 4:10-14

When The Lord Brings Out His Measuring Line 6/16/20

In Amos 7, God showed the prophet some judgments that would have destroyed Judah but didn’t because the Lord relented and didn’t cause them to happen, But then Amos was shown something truly frighting: the Lord holding a plumb line by a wall. 

Why would that be so scary? It’s the kind of thing you’d see every time something was built or repaired. But the Lord wasn’t showing up as a builder, He was showing up as an inspector. He was going to measure what they were by what was true. 
7  Thus He showed me, and behold, the Lord was standing by a vertical wall with a plumb line in His hand. 
8  The LORD said to me, “What do you see, Amos?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “Behold I am about to put a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel. I will spare them no longer.” — Amos 7

What if the Lord held the straight and true measure up against us? Up against our lives individually? Up against us congregational? Up against us societally? 

Our national hymn, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” tells us what He’ll do when things fall too far below the measure to continue: “He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword.”

This shows that we once understood God’s righteousness and wrath. We need to take these things to heart again before His straight line is brought out again. 

Ancient, Good & Restful 6/15/20

Jeremiah took the word of the Lord to the people. If the people of Judah persisted in their sins, judgment was coming. But it didn’t have to be that way. The Lord was offering conciliation, hope, and restoration if the people would return to the ways of the Law, the ways of their forefathers:

Thus says the Lord,
“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
And you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” — Jeremiah 6:16

Today, we have so little rest because we have so few we walk in the way fo the Lord. We need to return to His ways — not the just the old ways of our past — but the ways He directs.

Our Quick Switch From The Sacred To The Profane 6/13/20

The other night I channel-surfed into a Highwayman concert with Chris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson sharing the stage. It was a great collection of talent and s superb show. 

My remote landed me there just after they’d started a heart-felt rendition of Kristofferson’s, “Why Me Lord” with these great thoughts:
   Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
   That was worth loving you
   Or the kindness you've shown.
   Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
   Help me Jesus I know what I am
   Now that I know that I've need you so
   Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.

Great words, sung with of great talent by men more than a passing acquaintance of the gospel. Jennings was raised by devout Christian parents (I worshipped for years with one of his first cousins.) Nelson was raised by a devout Methodist mother and learned to sing and play piano from a Methodist hymnal. Cash’s religious upbringing is a well known, and Kristofferson's adult conversion is known as well. Religious music was part of their souls. When Cash had a network tv show, he insisted that one song each week be a hymn. 

Yet before the applause from the line, “Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand,” had ended they’d moved on to singing about “guitars that tune good, and firm feeling women.” 

I know that these men weren’t preachers, nor lived the lives of saints, yet I can’t hear any of them sing songs of praise without pausing to listen, and it’s refreshing to my soul. But as my soul is lifted by one song, is it also brought low by the others? 

The moral versatility of man is an amazing thing to behold. And it isn’t just performers who can change so quickly. James warned us all of us about our tongues:
9  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, 
   who have been made in the likeness of God;
10  from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. 
   My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
11  Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
12  Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? 
   Nor can salt water produce fresh.  — James 2
Our tongues, and the keyboards under our fingers, often pour out good and bad at the same time. Truly, “My brethren, these things ought not to be this way” (vs. 10). 

Future Reflections On Current Posts 6/11/20

Each day many of us are leaving a great electronic wake of digital records. We need to know that this evidence might be used against us.

On a great variety of social media sites people are leaving their words, voices, images, and ideas—as well as their likes, shares, follows, retweets, and favorites. This evidence might be used against us. 

If our current unforgiving “cancel culture” continues to progress, that kinda funny, maybe edgy, joke likely won’t be taken as such. The militant position of today might be completely unacceptable in the future and could cost you jobs or friends. This evidence might be used against us. Actually, that’s already happening.

Words, reposts, and shares of unkind, unloving, and unsympathetic things that feel good to “get off your chest” today might be found in the future by new acquaintances, or new brethren, or the new people you invited the church as they friend or follow you on social media. Then they’ll be made to wonder what kind of person you really are. This evidence might be used against us.

And all that falls short of the glory of God and fails to bring praise to Him is constantly noticed by the omniscient recorder of all words and deeds. This evidence will be used against us unless we're forgiven of it in Jesus Christ by God’s grace (1 Tim. 1:15; Rom. 6:23). 

What does the record you’re leaving say about you? Jesus said:
35 “The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.
36  But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.
37  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” — Matthew 12:35-37 

They Walked Many Miles 6/9/20

Near the end of the book of Acts, Luke records these easy to overlook facts: “And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage” (Acts 28:15).

The great apostle was coming to Rome. It wasn’t the most glorious of circumstances as he was in custody. But they still wanted to see his face. He had written then a long letter giving the most thorough single explanation of the gospel not so very long before. But they still wanted to see his face. 

The two places Luke mentions, the market and the inn, were way stations on the main highway into Rome, 30 and 45 miles from Rome. Walking out there was worth it to see Paul’s face. 

These little factoids that illustrate how much people long to see each other, especially when they care for each other and share the “like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:1 KJV). 

The isolations of the current health crisis have shown that after time alone, many folks would, like those Roman saints of old, walk many miles to see their brethren. Let us always so appreciate one another and strive to be encouraging to each other. 

“So Let Your Light Shine” 6/8/20

Believers constantly interact with unbelievers, after all, there are sure are a lot of them—at work, often at home or among our relatives, in the neighborhood, etc. As Paul observed, “I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world” (1 Cor. 5:9,10). 

In a world of people who do not know God, especially in sense of saving faith, the apostle Paul gave us this charge: “prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life” (Phil. 2:15,16a).

In our reactions to the frustrating and provoking situations we find ourselves into today with the virus restrictions and the racial animosities that have flared anew, what are our speech and conduct,—and our social media posts—saying about us? Are faith, hope, and love coming to the fore? Or is something else? 

What If We Could Make This Crisis Go Away?  6/6/20

From time to time over the last few weeks, I’ve been wondering what if we could make the current crisis just go away? 

But then the health crisis seemed to be starting to abate as the worse predictions didn’t come true, emergency declarations expired and many restrictions were eased. But then came another crisis, a race-based social one steeped in grievances old and new, presented directly and often provocatively. Protest was met with counter-protest and claim with counter-claim. Few seem to be trying to persuade or convince, but many seem to want to intimidate and overwhelm. 

So now we find ourselves in a different crisis we wish would go away. 

The Covid virus has not gone away but seems to be a great deal less weighty on our minds. But did any fact about the actual disease change? And if we could go back to the greater societal peace of just a few weeks ago, would any of the underlying grievances change? 

No, if the crisis portion of these things just went away we wouldn’t have learned anything. We wouldn’t change anytime. All opportunities for improvement would be lost. 

Sometimes trials are lessons. Sometimes trials are judgments. One should’t be escaped. The other can’t be. As the scriptures say, “You have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,
   “MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, 
   NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; 
   FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, 
  AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.” — Heb. 12:5,6

And even more starkly: 
   Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, 
   But he who hates reproof is stupid. — Prov. 12:1

Gracious Speech 6/5/20

The apostle Paul told the Colossians, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person” (4:6).

Currently, our culture’s state of civic discourse is devout often devoid of grace at every level, from the halls of power down to the neighborhood street corners, especially when engaged in through social media. But disciples are called to wisdom and kindness and consideration for each individual. 

Wisdom to “know how you should respond to each person” requires real thoughtfulness. Insight is required to find the right words. Sympathy is needed to make the right approach. And it takes patience to wait until the right time to bring something up. 

Instead of these things, we too often find the airways, the internet and the people around us filled with all the things Christians are to have left behind. “But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices” (Col. 3:8,9).

The Proverbs have never been truer or more needed: “He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles” (Prov. 21:23).

Worship 6/4/20

In the recent “stay at home” and other general quarantine type restrictions, meeting for worship became controversial. We’ve always gathered for worship, and in times like these, we’ve felt the need all the more keenly. 

Then as I was reading about various responses to racial violence and strife, I read a report of a preacher saying, “Worship is our protest.” Against the troubles of the world, they turned to God. 

I have to say, I like that approach more than any other that I’ve seen in dealing with this world’s many problems. Bowing the knee in true reverence and humility before the great Lord and Master of us all, confessing sin and asking for forgiveness and reconciliation with Him, and finding His peace gives us the best, and only, hope of finding it with our neighbors. 

So for me: 
Worship is my protest. 
Worship is my refuge.
Worship is my reset.  
Worship is my longing. 
Worship is my refreshment. 
Worship is my obligation. 
Worship is my right. 
Worship is my longing. 
Worship is my instructor. 
Worship is my rebuke. 

Acknowledging the presence of the holy God, and hearing His word—which is “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12)—can be the hardest and rawest part of my week. It is also often the best. 

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1).

“Best Available Information”   6/3/20

We continually hear different, even conflicting information about every aspect of the COVID-19 virus and disease—and I’m not talking about people duped by conspiracies or those acting in bad faith. Just about every aspect of this disease from its origin, treatment, likelihood of contagion, severity of risk, models of spread, long term prospects for the recovered, etc. seems up for some debate. 

Everything presented with good intentions seems to need the caveat, “according to the best information available.” And based on the variations in what we are advised, different folks have very different judgments as to what is best. 

We really shouldn’t be surprised by this, as this virus is new to us— “novel” they keep calling it. Eventually, we’ll find some kind of consensus opinion about its true danger and best treatment, but until then we’ll all have to use our own best judgment and on operate “to the best of my knowledge.”

To some, that’s scary, but isn’t “use your own best judgment,” “to the best of your knowledge” the way we have to negotiate our way through life every day? This is not to say that we have to figure everything out for ourselves without help and guidance (See Jer. 10:23 and Prov. 3:5), but it does mean that we have to use the best-informed judgment we can. Like the scriptures say about fathers, “They disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them” (Heb. 12:10). Fathers are to use God’s wisdom and instruction, but they have to apply it “according to the best information available” since there is always so much in life we don’t know. (Which is, of course, a very good reason to walk by faith directed by the One who does know.)

Prepare To Meet Your God 6/2/20

Amos 4 starts with a vivid, shocking, and many would find insulting message: 
   “Hear this word, you cows of Bashan 
   who are on the mountain of Samaria, 
   Who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, 
   Who say to your husbands, "Bring now, that we may drink!" — Amos 4:1

This wasn’t just an insult. It was a message “The Lord GOD has sworn by His holiness” and these selfish and oppressive ladies will be “taken away with meat hooks.”

In their rebellion against God, their worship and religious devotions didn’t make things better. They made things worse because their worship was not true worship of the true God in Jerusalem at His temple, but worship of Him mixed with idolatry. So:
   “Enter Bethel and transgress; 
   In Gilgal multiply transgression! 
   Bring your sacrifices every morning, 
   Your tithes every three days.
   Offer a thank offering also from that which is leavened, 
   And proclaim freewill offerings, make them known. 
   For so you love to do, you sons of Israel," 
   Declares the Lord GOD.”  — Amos 4:4,5
They loved worship, but it wasn’t true worship of the true God. 

Amos detailed how God had withheld His blessings from them—given them famine and drought, mildew and plague, and defeat in battle. Yet they would not repent. Nothing would get them to change, no matter how precarious their situation was. 
   “’I overthrew you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, 
   And you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze; 
  Yet you have not returned to Me,’ declares the LORD.
  ‘Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; 
   Because I will do this to you, 
   Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.’” — Amos 4:11,12

There was nothing left to do, except the scariest thing imaginable: meeting God in a sinful state. Israel did not prepare for this meeting. It went so poorly for them that we often speak of them as “the ten lost tribes.” Let all who read deeply feel Amos’ warnings and consider how to apply his teachings today. 

Specially Blessed, Especially Guilty  6/1/20

Amos chapter 3 tells of the guilt of the whole of Israel. “Hear this word which the LORD has spoken against you, sons of Israel, against the entire family which He brought up from the land of Egypt” (3:1). The Lord spoke against the whole family, all the nations, every bit of the society and culture. 

God has specially chosen and blessed them. With their knowledge of Him and instruction by Him, they had special responsibility. Since “You only have I chosen among all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (3:2). They were alone among all nations in their knowledge of God by Moses and the prophets. “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing Unless He reveals His secret counsel To His servants the prophets” (3:7). 

Other nations could claim ignorance since they did not know the Lord. “They do not know how to do what is right,’ declares the LORD, "these who hoard up violence and devastation in their citadels” (3:10). But the Lord could not say this about Israel and Judah. They knew because He’d directly and repeatedly told them. 

Israel’s sin and judgment truly show the principle taught by Jesus: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more” (Luke 12:48). 

Now today we have to think seriously about our own situation: as people knowledgeable about God and blessed by Him (for so we regard ourselves, don’t we?), how do we plead when our sins are exposed by God’s word? Do we try to deny them? Do we plead ignorance? Or do we acknowledge, repent, and plead for mercy?

When And Why Judgment Comes 5/31/20

After Amos told of God’s judgment on surrounding nations, he gave God’s indictment of sins against Israel to explain why they would be judged too. 

They oppressed the poor. “Because they sell the righteous for money And the needy for a pair of sandals” (2:6).

They were grossly sexually immoral. “And a man and his father resort to the same girl In order to profane My holy name” (2:7).

They took their corrupt leisure at the at the poor’s expense. “On garments taken as pledges they stretch out beside every altar” (2:8).

God raised up and sent prophets. They corrupted and oppressed them too. “But you made the Nazirites drink wine, And you commanded the prophets saying, 'You shall not prophesy!’” (2:12).

God had had enough. “Behold, I am weighted down beneath you As a wagon is weighted down when filled with sheaves” (2:13).

Judgment was coming and God would make the heart of the strongest melt. “‘Even the bravest among the warriors will flee naked in that day,’ declares the LORD” (2:16).

The first part of this chapter seems all too familiar. Let us pray that repentance and change come before we get acquainted with the second part as well. 

Thinking Of Amos 5/28/20

It’s not every day that we think of the prophet Amos, but he does come up from time to time in American discourse. Religious folk are reminded of his warning to not idly wish for the “day of the Lord” because it will “darkness and not light” (5:18), when we think too lightly and self-righteously of our own sin and think the Lord’s judgment and setting things right will punish others and vindicate and exalt us. 

And we think of Amos when we have racial strife since Matin Luther King famously quoted him in his “I Have A Dream” speech. Amos 5:28 has a prominent place in one of the most famous and influential speeches in our history. “Let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” 

So we think of the inspired words delivered by the ancient sheepherder from Tekoa, a village just south of Bethlehem. His message from the Lord is as ripe as it ever was. He pronounced that judgment was coming on the nations around Israel and Judah and then on God’s people too for multiple sins. “For three…and for four…,” he would often say. 

Amos is stark. Amos is humbling. Amos should be called to mind even more in troubled and unsettled days. “If a calamity occurs in a city has not the LORD done it?” (3:6)

Restrictions Lifted 5/27/20

Many chafed under the emergency health restrictions of the last two months. Then as suddenly as they appeared, they vanished in a bit of partisan huff as the governor’s emergency authority expired and she would not sign the new set of reduced powers offered by the legislature. The governor left it to the counties, and most have only offered recommendations, not requirements. 

So crisis over, right? Well if you thought government restrictions were our primary crisis, then yes. But I don’t think the virus cares either way. It will virus on as viruses do, and we are left to our own good judgment and care in facing it. Let each be fully convinced in their own mind to be so bold or as timid as they think best.

Let us use the lifting of restrictions in the same spirit Paul spoke of our call to freedom in Christ. 

13  For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14  For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15  But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. — Galatians 5:13-15

Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord 5/26/20

David wrote most, but not all the Psalms. His son Solomon wrote a few, and finished one of them this way:
17 May his name endure forever;
May his name increase as long as the sun shines;
And let men bless themselves by him;
Let all nations call him blessed.
18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel,
Who alone works wonders.
19 And blessed be His glorious name forever;
And may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen, and Amen. — Ps. 72:17-19

The wisest, most glorious, and richest king ever knew where true glory lies—in Jehovah, the Lord God of Israel. Let us join the chorus of praise led by Solomon, saying with all our heart, “Blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.”

Let us pray to that end. Let us act to that end. Amen and Amen.

The Greater Progress Of The Gospel 5/24/20

The circumstances under which the apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians weren't the best—it’s among those we call the prison epistles. Paul's Roman custody had conditions as varied as being shackled to Roman soldiers, being in a storm in an unsafe transport ship, and being under house arrest it in rented quarters. 

But my, what the aposle did in that time of restraint, confinement and partial isolation. Paul used those circumstances to proclaim the gospel all the more and the Lord used his efforts to build faith and encourage the hearts of the brethren.

12  Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 
13  so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 
14  and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.’ — Philippians 1:12-14

Many have bemoaned our restrictions—and we can certainly debate their actual good and effectiveness—but imagine what the apostle Paul would have done with the freedom and opportunities that we still have. Do we strive to use every circumstance for the greater progress of the gospel? 

An Epistle Of Joy 5/23/20

Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians from Rome while in Imperial custody. So it is remarkable that the letter to the Philippians reads more like a person seated by the throne of God rather than one under in confinement and partial isolation. 

“always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all” — Philippians 1:4
“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.” — Philippians 2:17,18
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4

In all there are seven “joys” and seven “rejoicings” in this letter. So let’s ask ourselves, are we writing an “epistle of joy” with our lives? What would we have to change so that others could see our joy in the Lord and His people, our brethren? 

I Do Not Want Paper And Ink (Or Zoom) 5/21/20

We’ve had another week of Bible classes by video conference. It probably beats sending the studies out via newsletter, but it’s still not the same as face to face.

The apostle John said virtually the same thing in his second epistle when all he had was a letter. “Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made full.” (2 John 12). John actually wrote about not liking writing. So I don’t feel too bad about doing Zoom and not liking it.

But, now so much later, we are glad that John did write since we can read his words, even though there was no way we could have been a part of that conversation. So we do video meetings since that's what we can do, and also record them since not everyone could be there.

But still, we “hope to come” together, “and speak face to face, so that joy may be made full.”

Milestones 5/20/20

Today was the last day of school for most local students. It’s been a weird year, and it ended in a weird quiet way. It was definitely a “whimper” end, not a “bang.” I thought of some school’s end from past years—kids parties and graduations, my own last of school days with friends, and even one with some slightly illegal activity (names and details withheld to protect the guilty). But none of them with individual drop-offs of school books to staff in a mostly closed building with the polite, but firm, indications to please leave quickly and don’t gather together. 

Those other final days have left firm impressions in my mind. Will these weirdly marked milestones live on as vividly in their minds? What lessons and remembrances will they take from these days? 

What the kids take from these strange days is partly up to them, but they will also learn from us how to view and frame these events. And we need to make sure they learn to view events from a Biblical perspective and strive to see it all through the eye of faith — our faith, that we instruct them in until they can develop a strong faith of their own.  

Faith development needs to be a milestone met as surely as the end of any grade. 

4  Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!
5  You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
6  These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.
7  You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. — Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Church Isn’t A Place, It’s A “We” 5/19/20

One of the spiritual truths that the current crisis should have driven home to us is that church isn’t a place we go, it’s a “we” relationship that we’re a part of. Yes, the church “assembles” and is even called the “assembly,” but even that emphasizes the people called out to come together more than the place where it happens. 

We have been fortunate that most of us have been able to assemble most of the time, even if only on the parking lot on several of those occasions. 

I was reminded of this again when I saw a new story of a congregation in another state. Their name, affiliations, and convictions weren’t stated, but it was reported the nearly half of the congregants now how the virus. Sadly, most of the common activities of the church are what we are now asked to refrain from, and why we must take safety precautions when we do. 

We are connected by a common faith in Christ to form a family in Christ, as brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers to each other, which is why social distancing is so hard and can even seem like an attack on our faith, even if it’s for our mutual protection. 

29 Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake,
30  but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.” — Mark 10:29,30

I Was Glad When They Said... 5/17/20

Last night I saw a livestream of the Grand Ole Opry show that had no audience. Today I watched a NASCAR race run at Darlington with no crowd and I saw livestreams of church services in empty buildings. None of these things are what the organizers want, and none of them seem right at all. 

At least at my own congregation, we were able to meet face to face, and most, but certainly not all of the brethren, were able to attend. 

A few years back, George Strait sang these words:
And opry music on a Saturday night
Brings a smile to your face and a tear to your eye
Sing a song about the Heartland
The only place I feel at home...
Sing a song about the Heartland
Sing a song about my life

Sappy nostalgia and pure Americana, but I don’t care, I like it. But opry music echoing in an empty hall ain’t the same. And the roar of the engines that isn’t met with the roar of the crowds rings hollow too. And so with the gospel preached to a camera, not a face. I’m so glad we didn’t have to endure it any longer than we did. And pray for those who are still going through it. 

I can appreciate now, more than ever, the celebratory words of the psalmist: 
I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
...To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord⁠—
An ordinance for Israel⁠—
To give thanks to the name of the Lord. — Psalm 122:1-4

Cleansed And Forgiven To Serve 5/16/20

Before the throne of God in Isaiah 6, Isaiah saw the glory of God, recognized his sinfulness, and was cleansed by the Lord. “Your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven” (6:7). 

After he was cleansed and forgiven, the Isaiah was emboldened to volunteer to serve when the “Lord said, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (6:8).

How many times are we hesitant to do what we should? How many times are does the Lord ask something of us and we feel unworthy of doing it? But like Isaiah, if we’ve been cleansed and forgiven (faith, Acts 15:9; repentance and baptism, Acts 2:38; prayer of repentance, Acts 8:22), we’ve been made ready to serve. Sin always holds us back from service. Cleansing and forgiveness always refreshes us to serve (Ps. 51:11-13). 

7  He touched my mouth with it and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven."
8  Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" — Isaiah 6:7,8

Unclean Lips 5/15/20

The book of Isaiah is full of mysteries, grand things, high concepts, and honestly, more chapters that I don’t understand than any other book of the Bible. (Maybe that’s all on me.) But the sixth chapter is clear, vivid, and understandable. 

It starts with a clear date, “the year of King Uzziah's death” (Isa. 6:1). A time of uncertainty and transition after a long and (mostly) prosperous rule. Historians place this event in 740 B.C., or very close to it. 

Isaiah saw the Lord on a throne in the temple. He was so glorious and mighty that just “the train of His robe filled the temple” (6:1). The seraphim covered their eyes and feet out of respect and continually called out, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory" (6:3). The “foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice…while the temple was filling with smoke” (6:4).

Isaiah’s reaction was quite right, natural, and reverent. He said “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” (6:5). In the presence of holy God, his sin and the sins of the people were brought to mind. We’d be undone too. We can feel an overwhelming sense of our own sin just from encounters with God’s words and reminders of His truth, much less in His real presence.

But Isaiah was not left in His sinful and unclean state. He had his “iniquity taken away and sin is forgiven" (6:7). God did this by having a coal from the alter touched to his lips. The man whose first words in the chapter are about his own sin was then sent out to be the messenger of God. 

Isaiah’s visit to the throne of God reminds us of God’s holiness, the sinfulness of men. It also tells of God’s willingness to forgive and cleanse, and then put those purified people to His work.  

1 In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.
2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
3 And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.”
4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.
5  Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts."
6  Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs.
7  He touched my mouth with it and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven."
8  Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" — Isaiah 6:1-8

Before The Throne Of God 5/14/20

There are three “throne scenes” in the Bible where God is presented on His glorious throne in judgment. Isaiah 6 the prophet is brought before God and realizes that he is “a man of unclean lips” (Isa. 6:5) is maybe the most famous. The beginning of the apocalypse in Revelation, where God on His throne joined by Jesus the “lamb who was slain” (Rev. 5:12), who is “worthy to open the books” (Rev. 5:9) is familiar to many also. 

In the third “throne scene” is in Daniel 7. God, like as a visiting monarch on a portable throne with wheels, came to judge and cast down an arrogant one who has overstepped his authority and oppressed the saints. 

9  “I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire.
10 A river of fire was flowing And coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; The court sat, And the books were opened.
11  Then I kept looking because of the sound of the boastful words which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire.” — Daniel 7:9-11

Every scriptural depiction of the throne of God should fill us with awe, remind us what a blessing it is to be before Him due to our unworthiness and serve as a grave warning against pride. Let us also be reminded to “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14). 

Did You Remember To Wash Your Hands?  5/12/20

No, I’m not really concerned about whether you have recently washed your hands. I was reminded about hand-washing when I saw it in an article about various approaches to dealing with the current virus. It dawned on me that in the past two months we had a solid month where everyone only seemed to be talking about hand washing, and now for the past month, everyone is talking about wearing masks (or not).

Not that long ago it was wall-to-wall handwashing, lessons about proper technique, gadgets and apps to help you do it long enough (20 seconds, I think), social media posts about it, references to the CDC instruction page (there is one—I kid you not), and on and on it goes—I mean, on and on it went. But where is it now?

It was a bit of mental shock to see handwashing mentioned and recall its past prominence and current absence. It’s not like we’ve rejected handwashing, I think we now just assume it and have moved on.

It's not handwashing I want us to consider, but our tendency to forget and need reminders. How many spiritually significant points have been forgotten, assumed, and absent from our minds just as hand washing has?

Peter brought up the matter of reminding twice in his second letter. “This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember” (2 Pet. 3:1,2). “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them—I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind” (2 Pet. 1:12-15).

The job of preaching is very much a job of reminding since we so seldom have new information to impart and we have no new text to work with. But there is a lot in the revealed text that we know but are prone to forget—even when if it was all we seemed to hear about not very long ago.

So I Went Some Places  5/10/20

This weekend I went to three places where people gathered. That was a new “high” for me under the pandemic restrictions. 

I went to a six-person scout meeting, with people I didn’t know, to help a young man become an Eagle Scout. I had some say in how the meeting was organized, so we met outside, and kept at a distance. 

I also made an unplanned trip to a big box store to get a replacement part for a piece of a broken piece of yard equipment. I forgot my mask since I didn’t think to take one mowing with me when things broke. I still went in, shopped quickly and left. I had heard that it looked like Black Friday sales day there but hadn’t seen it yet with my own eyes, but reports were correct. 

The third gathering was our local congregation’s worship. Since this was a planned meeting, I planned and followed sanitary precautions much more thoroughly, and provided accommodations for the vulnerable. Church is vital and worth the limited risk — because there is a risk, it is worth limiting it. 

Church is neither a solo nor a spectator sport. It cannot be adequately replaced online (Supplemented—yes! And I both consume and produce online spiritual content). Those who tell us that it is too risky to meet for worship likely don’t object to a safe meeting for awarding an Eagle Scout, or trips into the big box store for equipment parts. To them, those are worth the limited risk, while church is not. 

Many consider church “non-essential”—but most of the people making that judgment didn’t seem to consider church very essential anyways. They understand the big box and the grocery store is essential. But they don’t understand the true sustenance of life. As Moses explained about Israel’s time in the wilderness, “He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.” (Deut. 8:3) This is the verse that Jesus quoted to the devil in the wilderness (Matt. 4:4). Let us all learn it and use it as our Lord did. 

Encourage Day After Day 5/9/20

The Hebrew writer told us to consider each other and help each other every day, saying, “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13).

Social distancing and “safer at home” and the isolation inherent to it makes this harder for other than it was. Isolation from others can let our imaginations run riot. Isolation from exhortations to faithfulness and encouragement to do right can cause us to be lethargic and discouraged. But know that sin is not taking this season off. So keep up the encouragement and the brotherly love and contact, even if it’s from a bit more physical distance. 

The Rock Higher Than I  5/8/20

The imagery of Ps. 61 is familiar to us from the hymn, “The Rock That is Higher Than I.” The psalm is a cry of David for help based on the assurance that God will hear, even from “the ends of the earth.” Our hearts might be “faint,” God is a “rock,” “a tower of strength” and a “refuge” and “shelter.” David’s prayer is, and ours should be, to “dwell In His tent forever.”

I don’t know if we’ve been driven to the far end of the earth yet, but even if we are, we have a hope for God to “hear” and “give heed” and receive us to Him.  
Hear my cry, O God; 
Give heed to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; 
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For You have been a refuge for me, 
A tower of strength against the enemy.
Let me dwell in Your tent forever; 
Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.  — Ps. 61:1-4

Distresses Can Make Us Appreciative  5/7/20

When David was in the wilderness, having fled from Saul, he sought God even more than usual. 
O God, You are my God; 
I shall seek You earnestly; 
My soul thirsts for You, 
my flesh yearns for You, 
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.  (63:1)

This was not a fruitless search. David found God and saw His power and glory. 
Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, 
To see Your power and Your glory.  (63:2)

This was not literally seeing God in the temple. The temple hadn’t been built, and David couldn’t go if it had been. This is David seeing God through the eye of faith, just as we do. (Rf. 2 Cor. 5:7)

So while we are cut off from some of the things we desire, even if not fully exiled in the wilderness, let us seek God and find Him. As we examine the rest of Ps. 63, we find David blessing God, worshiping, finding satisfaction and remembrance, and clinging to God.   

A Slight Return Towards Normal 5/4/20

Today our state began the first phase of lifting the “safer-at-home” orders. I saw expressions of joy at the return of rather trivial things. We’re all glad to get things back more towards normal. But if we just completely return to normal without a deeper appreciation for the things that God provides, a deeper appreciation for the family and brethren that we’ve had to be “socially distant” from, and without a deeper appreciation for our dependence on God in all things, we have really missed the most elementary spiritual lessons. 

So let’s make the “new normal” more kind, more thankful, more faithful, more appreciative, and more loving. 

“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” — Colossians 3:2

Our Only Glory 5/3/20

This virus has taken away many things that we treasure. Some have lost jobs or health. Social distancing has suspended many of the activities that we do together and stopped us from engaging in many of our favorite pastimes.

The one thing this should not have cost us and may have given us more time to consider is that which should be most important of all—our knowledge and confidence in the Lord. He is the surest place for our confidence and the safest place in which to boast.

23 “Thus says the LORD, ‘Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;
24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.” — Jer. 9:23,24

In ourselves there is so very much not to boast in, so much we’d like others to not even mention, but the Lord delights in our confidence in Him.

“The Knowledge Of The Glory Of The LORD” 5/2/20

There are many ways to find out about the glory and power of God. We can look at the stars, they declare it (Ps. 19:1). Or we can look at any part of the creation that He has made. Or we can recall glorious things like Jesus on the mount of transfiguration (Matt. 17), or gloriously merciful offer of the gift of eternal life given in Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:15,16; 6:23).

God continues to make His glory known, and through the gospel offer of reconciliation and adoptions, offers to share His glory with us.

There is another way that He makes His glory known—in judgments on nations. Through the judgment promised long ago against the Assyrians, God by the prophet Habakkuk said,   

    “For the earth will be filled
    With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, 
    As the waters cover the sea.” — Has. 2:14

As sure as the ocean is wet, God’s glory will be made known to the world.

In a similar way, we can recall what happened when He freed His people from Egyptian tyranny by His “mighty hand,” seemingly striking directly at a different Egyptian “god” with each plague. 

God can show His glory in all sorts of ways. Let us learn from the pleasant ones, like the beauty of the night sky or the treasures of grace in the gospel, so that we don’t have to learn by judgment and plague. 

Always With Thanks  5/1/20

Paul taught that Christians were to lead a new, renewed life in Christ, “renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him” (Col. 3:10). The conclusion of the instructions regarding this was a three-fold instruction to be faithful. 

We are to “be thankful” (3:16), sing “with thankfulness in our hearts to God” (3:17), and to “do all in the name of of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (3:17).

Thankful. Thankful. Thankful. 

Does this describe your, and my, Christian life? Why not? 

16  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
17  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
18  Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. — Col. 3:16-18

Future Plans 4/30/20

Today our Governor announced plans to phase out the lock-downs and return our state to normal. Even as they were being announced, the timing and implementation of lifting the restrictions are subject to change.

These edicts show the limits of any plans of men and illustrate the great differences between the plans of men and the plans of God.

God’s plans are always fully known to Him and He has the power to fully accomplish them. Consider what He told sinful Israel when they were despondent in captivity: “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope’”(Jer. 29:11).

They had trouble believing it, but it would turn out well for them. Likewise, we'd probably not believe what God is doing in the world and where we and our family will end up if it were told us. We've trouble enough believing and trusting in the things He’s clearly said in His word.

But for some reason, we often believe in our own plans, even though they so often end up like Job, who said, “My days are past, my plans are torn apart, Even the wishes of my heart” (Job 17:11).

Let us make all our plans based on trust in God and following in the way He directs. “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9).

Fear The Living God 4/29/20

King Darius recognized that God should be feared when Daniel was delivered from the lion’s den. “For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever” (Dan. 6:26).
This was true before the miraculous deliverance from the lions; would have been true no matter how the night in lion’s den turned out; and is still true today no matter how we think any particular situation should or should not turn out.

When we look at the sum of God’s gracious dealings with us, and the marvelous provision He has made for us, we should conclude as the ancient king did: that all should fear God.

25 Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: "May your peace abound!
26 I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever.
27 He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." — Dan. 6:25-27

Reviewing Our Spiritual Response  4/28/20

Locally we're in about the 6th week of our brave new corona world. (Has it really been six weeks? Has it really only been six weeks?) It might be helpful to review what our response should be. We should Trust / Pray / Serve / Invite. 

Trust in Almighty God, our Creator, Sustainer, and Provider upon whom we all depend.

Pray for help and mercy for the sick, the medical folks, our leaders, our congregations, and our families. 

Serve, help, and support those who need it. Find helpful and loving ways to safely care for others. 

Invite family, friends, neighbors, co-workers to join in online Bible studies or drive-in services. Those who might have found it difficult to walk into a church, or who are didn’t realize they needed spiritual help, might be reconsidering their situation now. 

Verses for above: 
Trust  “But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, ‘You are my God.’” (Ps. 31:14).
Pray  “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart” (Luke 18:1).
Serve (Help)  “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13).
Invite  “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost” (Rev. 22:17).

Prayers For The President (And Other Officials) 4/27/20

The apostle Paul’s urgent admonition is plain. Prayers are to be made for all, especially people in authority (1 Tim. 2:1-4). 

So we should pray for our president. Present Trump and Vice President Pence. 
And our nation’s congressional leaders. Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi.
And our state’s leader. Gov. Kelly. (If you’re not in Kansas, insert your own.)
And our county commissioners. Nobody knows their names. (I kid—slightly.) 
And our mayor. Our neighbor, Mayor Steadman. 

Pray for these people. They have God’s authority (Rom. 13:1) to enforce laws (13:4), collect taxes (13:7), and, as we have been recently reminded, a great deal of control over our lives. 

So pray for them. Full stop.

And not in some snarky way, or giving God a bunch of suggestions as to what they should do. The apostle said the object was “that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” Pray for that. Or as Jesus taught, that God’s will “be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10).

And finally, when the list of names above changes and people from the other party or with differing positions occupy those places of authority, pray for them too. 

1 Tim. 2:1-4 “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2  for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
3  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

The Lord Has Made All Kinds Of Days 4/26/20

Most people are familiar with this from the psalms: “This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24). This is true every day, as Jeremiah recognized even in the saddest book in the Bible, Lamentations. “The LORD'S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (3:22,23)

In both good days and bad days alike, we know they are all from the Lord. “In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider—God has made the one as well as the other” (Eccl. 7:14).

Governor Nebuchadnezzar  4/25/20

On April 13, following the first good news in a while about the virus situation in New York, their governor said, “The number is down because we brought the number down. God did not do that. Faith did not do that. Destiny did not do that. A lot of pain and suffering did that.”

The governor does not know, or refuses to acknowledge, how many earnest prayers by family and patients were said and answered in the good news that he said, “we brought.” Nor does he consider that the dedication and skill of so many medical professionals is the fruit of religious education, personal faith, and private prayer. How many prayers and hours of earnest care by godly parents and grandparents stand behind those who dedicate themselves to the service of others in medicine and other caring professions? And while could ask endless questions like this, we’ll ask but one more: how many of the hospitals in New York are, or began as, religious institutions? (Hint: the largest hospitals in NYC are named “Presbyterian” and “Mt. Sinai.”) 

So why the reluctance by the governor, who is at nominally a Catholic, to give even perfunctory recognition to God? I don’t know, but I’ve read something like this before. The King of Babylon, looking over the grand view that his palace roof afforded, said, “Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30).

Later, after learning a hard lesson in humility, the king said, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride” (Daniel 4:37). Let us learn to say this before the humbling day. “For God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Prov. 3:34; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5).

What Kind Of Song?  4/24/20

This past week, a clip of “The Song Of Angry Men” from the Broadway musical “Les Mis” was shared to support those protesting the current restrictions as impingements on their freedoms and because of the economic hardships they cause. While the song is rousing (one of my songs from a musical) and these hardships are real, I’m not sure that it’s time to call people to the barricades for violent struggle. 

I also don’t want to sing “the song of angry men.” I do want to sing, and I love to do so (and wish dearly I were better at it), but I have a better song to sing. “‘Sing for joy and be glad, O daughter of Zion; for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,’ declares the Lord” (Zech. 2:10).

The world has many songs to sing: songs of resentment (a common theme in both country and rap music), songs of protest (rap again, and 60s pop), songs of sensuality and frivolity (yeah, pretty much every popular style). 

Let us fill our hearts and minds with songs of hope (Acts 16:25) and praise (Rom. 15:8-11, quoting Ps. 18:49; 117:1 and Duet. 32:43), edification (1 Cor. 14:15-17,26), and of thanks (Heb. 13:15,16). Yes, “Sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things” (Ps. 98:1). 

Him In Whom We Trust  4/23/20

In the 86th Psalm, David speaks for all those trying to live faithfully before God in this world of sorrow. We don’t know what was troubling David at this time, but it made him take his sorrows to God knowing He was “ready to forgive.”

Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me; 
For I am afflicted and needy.
Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man; 
O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, 
For to You I cry all day long.
Make glad the soul of Your servant, 
For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, 
And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. — Ps. 86:1-5

Man—As We Are: Afflicted, Needy, Crying.
Man—As We Should Be: Godly, Servant, Trusting, Lifting Our Soul To God. 
God: Listens, Answers, Preserving, Saving, Making Glad, Good, Ready To Forgive, Abundant In Loving Kindness. 

Knowing our condition and God’s care, we, like David, look to the Lord to “lift up our soul” since He is “abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon Him.”

You Have Need Of Endurance  4/22/20

The Hebrew writer warned his audience that they were wearing out and so starting slip back into bad pre-Christian habits and practices. They need “endurance” in their Christian devotion. 

As I think about living under these restrictions that the pandemic has placed on us, I know that I need endurance to keep doing it. I realize the benefit that these restrictions are trying to accomplish, and I hope that they do, but it is still an “endurance” issue for me, not a joy. 

Fortunately, most of my Christian duties seem far more joyful and that makes living by faith easier than living under quarantine. But for now, in both my spiritual life and in our quarantine, and I shall strive to live by faith and not come up short. 

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.” — Hebrews 10:36-38

Persist In Prayer   4/ 21/20

Jesus told the parable of the importune widow in Luke 18. She prevailed before an unrighteous judge simply because she continued relentlessly in her petitions. 

Jesus said about it, “will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?” (Luke 18:7) Luke explained that the parable was “to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart” (Luke 18:1).

Do we persist in prayer? If Jesus came, will “He find faith on the earth” among us? 

Short Summary  4/20/20

Holy God is sovereign. The world is sinful. Jesus is the savior. We need to show this faith in love. 

We Worshiped Together  4/19/20

While corporate assembly is not the only way to worship—the New Testament has more to say about worship outside the assembly than in it—it is a vital part of what we do. 

So today we worshiped “Drive-In” style. Safely ensconced in our cars, all facing the building’s covered entryway, me leading worship and preaching on the porch into a microphone for broadcast over FM to all. My bad joke about being the “Gospel DJ” aside, we sang, we prayed, we communed together in the Lord’s Supper, and studied the word together. 

Together. This is the blessing the Lord has given us—brethren. The visiting through car windows when the service was over was longer than the service. With all the things the pandemic has taken from us, “Let brotherly love continue” is not yet one of them. May it never be.

Loving God And Neighbor  4/17/20

Christians meet to worship the Lord. Christians also follow the instructions of civil authorities—especially when they're designed to saved lives and spare others from harm. We are part of a community, neighbors to so many others, and our love for them as ourselves is to be second only to our love of the Lord. 

If we can’t assemble together to worship, then we can’t. But if by some thoughtfulness, resourcefulness, and self-sacrificing, we can, all the better. So we’ll meet in the open air, at a distance, without a hug or a handshake, some separated by the glass of a car window. But we'll commune and fellowship as best we can while we have to. 

You shall love the Lord your God 
with all your heart,
and all your soul,
and with all you strength,
and with all your mind;
and your neighbor as yourself. — Luke 10:27

God Knows What’s In The Darkness 4/15/20

In Daniel 2, Daniel and all the wise men in Babylon were asked to tell and interpret their king’s dream. None of them could even tell what it was, much less interpret it until Daniel was given revelation in a “night vision” (Dan. 2:19).

When he realized what God had given Him, He praised HIm. 
19b “Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
20 Daniel said, "Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, 
      For wisdom and power belong to Him.
21  It is He who changes the times and the epochs;  
      He removes kings and establishes kings; 
      He gives wisdom to wise men 
      And knowledge to men of understanding.
22 It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; 
      He knows what is in the darkness, 
      And the light dwells with Him.” — Daniel 2:19-22

What Daniel acknowledged and praised God for so long ago is just as true today and should be a comfort to us in these uncertain times. God is in charge and nothing is going on that He doesn’t know about. 

Truth In Bywords  4/14/20

Sometimes we can reveal the truth without even realizing it. When we’re asked unanswerable questions we often quickly reply, “God knows,” or “Only God knows.” We're usually just trying to express our lack of knowledge. But we end up revealing the truth that God knows. He really knows. 

We call God's perfect and infinite knowledge “omniscience.” The psalmist said, “Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite” (Ps. 147:5). His knowledge can be greatly and rightly humbling because it means He fully knows us. “In whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things” (1 Jn. 3:20). Yes, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me” (Ps. 139:6).  

Thankful God uses His great knowledge for His children, not against us. So in the current situation, God knew it would start, and He knows when and how it will end. Let us be thankful and trusting of God through Jesus Christ in all things—until things are not just as we want them, but that they are as He wants them. 

Endless Life, Tree Of Life  4/13/20

Our current state is based on the desire to prevent disease and preserve life. The scriptures regularly acknowledge both the sadness and the commonality of death. Death is universal (“it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” Heb. 9:27) does not make it less meaningful (“Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His godly ones” Ps. 116:15).

We know that death was not God’s original plan for us. He gave our first parents the tree of life in Eden (Gen. 2:9; 3:17). He restores it the redeemed in the heavenly city (Rev. 22:2,14). So endless life was available before sin was in the world and now, through Christ, endless life is offered to sinners. God wants us to have it so earnestly that His Son offered His earthly life for us to get it.

Are We Done Yet? 4/12/20

No. We are not. To hear some officials and experts tell it, we are just getting started. I like to say, “I’m done.” But I’m sure I’m not. And it’s about to start making me testy. (Don’t ask my family/quarantine partners if it already has.) I’m about to start complaining. I know I need to read the scriptures again. Here’s a bit from the book of James.

 7  Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.
8  You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
9  Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
10  As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11  We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. — James 5:7-11

Be patient. 

Strengthen your hearts. 

Don’t complain. 

Consider the prophets who patiently suffered. 

We count those blessed who endured. 

Let Job be your example. (Yes, it’s OK, to compare ourselves in some small ways to Job.)

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy in the end. 

Say that last part again: The outcome is that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. 

Perfect Peace For Those Who Trust  4/11/20

We all need some peace of mind. Fear of disease, constantly changing laws and requirements to deal with, restrictions on activities and for some of us, our jobs—frightening, maddening, disorienting, upsetting. Tomorrow repeat.

In times like these, we do well to remember this marvelous promise found in the book of Isaiah: “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3). Those who trust will have the “perfect peace” of God.

Rather than read this one verse, great though it is, read the context. It is a song of victory in the Lord that those in Judah will sing. 

In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
     "We have a strong city;
     He sets up walls and ramparts for security.
     Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter,
     The one that remains faithful.
     The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
     Because he trusts in You.
     Trust in the LORD forever,
     For in GOD the LORD,
     we have an everlasting Rock.” — Isaiah 26:1-4

One Day… 4/10/20

One day there will be no separations. There will be no more death nor any of its precursors. No disease, sickness, weakness, pain, tears, mourning, yearning or longing. All will be made new when “the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev. 21:3,4). 

This will be when Satan and sin have been vanquished and all who practiced sin will have been removed or redeemed. Let us seek Christ and His redeeming blood for all the hope and blessings are there. 

“Love Your Neighbor As Yourself” 4/9/20

Jesus—and Leviticus and Paul and James—tell us “love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18,34; Matt. 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:14; Jas. 2:8). This is second only to full-hearted devotion to God. 

What does “love your neighbor as yourself” look like in the time of a global pandemic? 

Following safe distancing precautions, legal requirements, and health recommendations to be sure. AND while doing these, making yourself of service, giving help, being an encouragement, and showing love and concern. We must think seriously about both the things we can’t do and the things we can—and must—do. 

Love others “as yourself” across the yard, from a distance, through a window, via a screen, on the phone. Most of those currently working have jobs of service to do this at. And many of the rest now find ourselves with extra time for it.  

Asa Did Not Seek The Lord 4/8/20

I am troubled when I think about King Asa. In his early years, he called upon Jehovah as God (2 Chron. 14:11). But a prophet ominously told him, “the LORD is with you when you are with Him” (15:2). 

As foreshadowed he later turned his heart from God. When threatened, he turned to foreign alliances, not God, for protection (16:1,2). He persecuted the prophet who reproved him and even began to oppress his people (16:10). Then “Asa became diseased in his feet. His disease was severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians” (2 Chron. 16:2).

Is the course of our lives, or our nation’s, like the 3rd great-grandson of David? Did we prosper early while depending on God? But have we turned from Him and do we refuse correction? And at the end, are we too stubborn and far-gone to even seek the Lord, but seek alliances and doctors for our protection and healing? 

Trust And Prudence 4/6/20

As the virus spread, I trust in God. I also don't go out much at all.

But when I do, I also wear seatbelt. It's both wise and the law—not a lack of trust in God's protection. I also take all my prescribed medicines. It's both wise and what they doctor says—not a lack of trust in God's provision.

God is my trust. "In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid" — Psalm 56:4

But I also thinks He expects me to be prudent.

Abundant Living In Constrained Times 4/5/20

Jesus said He “came that we may have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). His abundant spiritual life is available to all: rich or pauper, athlete or quadriplegic, robust or the medically fragile, prisoners and guards. Constrained circumstances are no barrier to the life of faith. It is available to us in our home-bound semi-quarantine. 

By being the lamb that was slain for our sins, He has become the good shepherd of our souls to lead us to a life of security, purpose, hope, and praise to God.

Rejoice And Be Glad 4/4/20

As we approach another Lord’s Day, let us all remember that yesterday, today, tomorrow, and every day the Lord has given us. 
”This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it” — Ps. 118:24
Days of restriction and days ill at ease—and even days of disease—are days to give Him praise and glory.

God’s World Goes On 4/2/20

The virus has caused all activities of men to be stopped or greatly curtailed. Only those deemed “essential” continue. Yet the things that God has made keep going as always. 

Since it’s Spring in Kansas, today was a day of mowing yards, while this evening we put warm clothes back on and wait for a cold front and rain. And of course, it was windy—from one way in the morning, another in the evening. 

Nature keeps going because God is its building and sustainer. As the Psalmist reminds us: 
Yours is the day, Yours also is the night; 
You have prepared the light and the sun.
You have established all the boundaries of the earth; 
You have made summer and winter (Psalm 74:16,17).

God's things work and show His glory even we do not or cannot. Let us find God through His natural world and His word. A humble approach through Jesus Christ works best. 

Viral Thoughts (4/1/20) Sovereign God

God is sovereign. Yet this basic truth is often forgotten. 

Let us learn what the great king did: "I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride" (Daniel 4:37).

Comfort 3/31/20

All of us have our comfort items: foods, soft and warm clothes (my snowflake fleece pajamas), books, etc. Those of faith find the truest comfort in God’s good word. The Psalmist said: 
      I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, 
      And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
      O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, 
      According to Your word to Your servant.
      May Your compassion come to me that I may live, 
      For Your law is my delight.  (Ps. 119:75-77)

God is both the One who afflicts (calling us to repentance) and the One who comforts (those who seek Him). This is deeply uncomfortable for us at first but so satisfying for our soul in the end. 

But wanting to avoid serious, soul-searching consideration, we turn elsewhere. The world's easy comforts "treat the brokenness of my dear people superficially, claiming, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” (Jer. 8:11). Dubious comforts such as video streaming (Netflix has had to turn down their bandwidth because so many are watching), alcohol (sales have increased) and porn (sites seeing heavier traffic). In these, there is no peace there. 

Instead, “May Your compassion come to me that I may live” (Ps. 119:77), as we delight in Your word. 

Hindsight & Foresight 3/30/20

Today I saw this thought shared on social media: that everywhere there’s a virus outbreak people wish they’d acted sooner, and everywhere without an outbreak is carrying on closer to normal since it’s not a problem there yet. 

Oh that our foresight were as clear as our hindsight.

Not only of physical things—“Why did/didn’t I….”— but all the more of spiritual.  

Jesus tells the ultimate story of hindsight in the story of the rich man and Lazarus. There Abraham said tenderly, but resolutely, “Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony” (Luke 16:25). 

In this life, hindsight and late realized spiritual discernment can be of great use, for “all the living there is hope” (Eccl. 9:4). But even for these, time is limited. “Behold, now is ‘THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,’ behold, now is ‘THE DAY OF SALVATION’” (2 Cor. 6:2). Have the foresight and trust to live by faith in Jesus. 

A Lord’s Day Without Our Brethren 3/29/20

Today we had prayers and a sermon—but we did it apart, bereft of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We live-streamed it. And I got to see some live-streams from other places, but it was nothing like a real presence there. Hearing the word and sharing prayers from afar is better than doing it memory and spirit only, but only just. 

Like Paul in Acts 9:26, “When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple,” we’re wanting to associate, but can’t. He couldn’t because they thought he was a physical threat to them. We can’t because who knows who might be a threat to another’s health — and maybe I’m the unknowing threat. 

So we must take precautions, stand at a distance and be on guard against one another. It’s the kind of posture disciples of Christ have been warned against and taught not to have for the whole of their discipleship. 

But here we are: wanting to associate with the disciples and yet unable to do. How that must have hurt Paul’s heart as he had such a longing for other disciples and (later) they for him (Rom. 15:23; 2 Tim 1:4; Rf. Phil. 2:26; 2 Cor. 7:7). 

So we had a Lord’s day without each other, even as “…you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you…” (1 Thess. 3:6).

The Ox Is In The Ditch 3/28/20

“THE OX IS IN THE DITCH. I REPEAT, THE OX IS IN THE DITCH. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” 

In Luke 14, Jesus was being chastised (again) for doing work on the Sabbath because He was healing people. The unmerciful attitude of His opposition was far worse than whatever good or credit they sought to gain by their strict adherence to Sabbath traditions. 

In a crisis, the crisis must be dealt with in mercifully and helpfully. Most people intuitively recognize this and act accordingly when they are the ones in crisis. “He said to them, ‘Which one of you will have a son or an ox fall into a well [“ditch” - KJV], and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?’” (Luke 14:5) But sometimes we don’t, thinking of duties and traditions even before mercies if it isn’t our ox or son in the ditch. 

We are presently in an “ox in the ditch,” “boy in the well” situation. Hopefully, our first actions and instincts are towards merciful help and understanding. Let us be to all our we wish our Heavenly Father to be to us. 

Rahab’s “Stay-At-Home” Order 3/26/20

Today the Sumner County side of our community (and our church building) was put under “stay-at-home” orders—just as the Sedgwick County side (my house) was just a few days ago. This was expected, but it was upsetting was to read that the order was for a month. 

Most of us have some experience with “shelter-in-place” orders. Short term ones, like the hour or half-hour of a tornado warning, the hours-long ones related to chemical spills or industrial accidents (I used to live along the upper Texas Gulf Coast), or days-long ones related to floods and hurricanes. 

But weeks long? No assembly for worship? Only necessary work and supply runs for a month? Shocking. Upsetting.

I can only hope that these things are worth it. Staying at home might save a life. Maybe mine. Maybe someone in my family. 

I think of a Bible case where a “stay-at-home” order saved a whole family. Rahab helped the Lord’s spies in Jericho in Canaan. She asked them to spare her family when they invaded the land (Josh. 2:10-13). She was promised the safety of everyone that was in her house. 

“When we come into the land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and gather to yourself into the house your father and your mother and your brothers and all your father's household. It shall come about that anyone who goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head” (Josh. 2:18,19). 

After Israel crossed the Jordon they marched around Jericho seven days before the walls fell. After a week to ten days inside they were saved. Rahab then found an inheritance in Israel (Matt. 1:5) and is listed among the examples of faithfulness (Heb. 11:31; Jas. 2:25). 

Our wait at home might be longer than hers, but at least we aren’t doing it waiting for an invasion. So like Rahab, wait at home, but also call others to salvation while you do so. 

Will Your Anchor Hold? 3/25/20

When I was young, our congregation often sang the hymn, “Will Your Anchor Hold?” It was a favorite of mine, combining a stirring tune with vivid nautical imagery. There were “storms of life,” “straining cables,” “near reefs,” “rising tides,” ”angry waves,” and “wild winds.”

The song also has a vivid picture of our final passing: "The floods of death” while “cold water...chills our latest breath.” Yet there was still the “sure harbor” of the “golden city” where we can “anchor fast...forevermore.”

This hymn is drawn directly from Hebrews 6:19. God’s immutable oath is given to us for a “refuge,” and “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast.”

A great storm has come upon us. Will your anchor (trust in God's promises through Jesus Christ) hold?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love! (Priscilla Owens)

The Essentials 3/24/20

As more places are subjected to more restrictions, they are excepting some activities and businesses as “essential.” These lists reveal a lot about their interests and priorities. Things related to food, medicine, and basic services are obvious exceptions. 

Things get interesting where the “essentials” list varies. For some, it’s economic, keeping production going. Many places have deemed liquor stores essential. As are marijuana dispensaries in the Netherlands and California. In several places, Planned Parenthood has lobbied to make sure that abortion will go on unhindered, even as elective surgeries are shut down. 

As life gets more restricted, we’ll find out more about what people think is necessary. Thankfully, for us, God has told us all that is really required:
He has told you, O man, what is good; 
And what does the LORD require of you 
But to do justice, to love kindness, 
And to walk humbly with your God?  — Micah 6:8 

“Honor To Whom Honor” 3/23/19

The apostle Paul’s instructions to Christians to be in subjection to governmental authorities are based on the fact that God gave them their authority for our good. We respect them as a way of respecting Him. Paul concludes: “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:7).

Look at that last part: “Honor to whom honor.” Honor goes to the ruler by the God-ordained office, not by their own honorable behavior, or how wrong you think their current policies and votes are.

Americans have free speech and a history of criticizing rulers. But American Christians also have the gospel instruction (universal to all times, cultures and governments) to be respectful. So without regard for who holds what local, regional, or national office, we need—by gospel instruction—to be measured in our speech concerning those in positions of power.

We can criticize policies and engage in politics, but we cannot yell—or type on our keyboards—insults and vitriol that we would ground our children for using at recess.

Our speech should ALWAYS be as “grace seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6), to properly “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect” (Titus 2:10), and give our enemy no occasion for reproach. With all the hand washing we’ve been encouraged to do lately, some of us might need to wash our mouths out too.

Worship In The Time Of Pandemic 3/22/19

Today, we were able to worship together—well about half of us. The elderly, medically fragile, and anyone with any condition that might be contagious, was asked to refrain from attending. About half the normal number were present, spread throughout the auditorium with every other pew marked off for distancing, no shaking hands, no passing the Lord’s Supper trays, instead, getting the elements from a masked and gloved attendant. 

Weird. Unsettling. But corporate. Joined voices in praise and prayer. A common communion. So encouraging and uplifting, and quite possibly, the last time for a while. We expect more restrictions soon from both counties that our community straddles. So today was a bit bittersweet, but sweeter knowing that more bitter is coming. 

Maranatha. 

“The Original Social Distancing” 3/20/19

The origin of what we now call “social distancing” is found in God’s wisdom about the contagious disease leprosy.

45  As for the leper who has the infection, his clothes shall be torn, and the hair of his head shall be uncovered, and he shall cover his mustache and cry, 'Unclean! Unclean!'
46  He shall remain unclean all the days during which he has the infection; he is unclean. He shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp. (Leviticus 13)

The instructions were to not wear head coverings (so people could see your condition) and cover your mustache (thus your mouth) and let people know so they could keep their distance. Today we might wear a mask and gloves (if we had them) to give a similar signal. 

One of the things making our current situation so very difficult is that we don’t know who has this highly infectious disease—so we all have to act to some degree as if it might be me and it might be you. 

“You Do Not Know” 3/19/19

Over the last few weeks, each days’ news keeps reminding us of the truth of scripture. Today James’ admonition about the false certainty that we often have about how life will play out and our plans based on what we think will happen come to mind.

13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit."
14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
15 Instead,you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." (James 4:13-15)

“We do not know what life will be like tomorrow,” has never seemed more true. Today's situation seemed unimaginable even a week ago. And who can even imagine what another week will bring? Well, the Lord can. He, not we, knows all.

So, let us think, plan, and act in the Lord and His will.

Action, Reaction & Precaution (Katrina & Rita) 3/18/19

As the virus spreads, a lot of folks are wondering if all the costly and inconvenient actions we're taking are worth it. I think we’re doing it partly because we saw the horrific consequence of this disease in China and Italy—shocking scenes too recent to forget. 

It all reminds me of when I got caught up in the "Great Evacuation" of 2005. That fiasco started weeks before when we saw the disastrous floods of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. (Yes Mississippi, I remember you too). In hindsight, obvious mistakes were made, basic precautions were not taken, and warnings were not heeded. Many people greatly suffered—and much of that was preventable.

So, 6 weeks later, Hurricane Rita, a cat-5 storm formed and, for a while, was headed directly for Houston. The people in Houston, who'd had a front-row seat to the devastation and suffering in New Orleans, saw this storm coming and said to themselves: "I'm not getting caught in this!" 

So when 1 million people in low-lying areas (including me) were told to evacuate, 2.5-3.7 people evacuated. This completely overwhelmed the roads causing its own suffering and even deaths. The 4-hour drive from Galveston to San Antonio took some people 30+ hours. (The storm ultimately hit the Beaumont, TX area.)

Are we in our Rita moment: doing more than we need due to fear? 
Or are we in our Katrina moment: not preparing as much as we should? 
I don't know, but hindsight will give us much more clarity than foresight, it always does.

“No One Lives To Himself” 3/17/20

The apostle Paul was teaching the brethren at Rome the importance of consideration for each other when he said, “For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself” (Rom. 14:7). The pandemic has shown us just how interconnected we all are. Doctors have spoken of the spread of disease in our families, in our communities, and even internationally. 

I had never even heard of Wuhan before January, yet now it seems that if I play “6-degrees of separation” I can get to them, and they to me, along many paths. Who knew we were all as connected as Kevin Bacon? 

But the apostle went on in his Roman instructions to say, “for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” I might be connected to everyone in the world by only a few steps, but believers are all directly connected to the Lord (and through Him to each other) with a connection that is not severed even by death but made far more real. 

“A Time To Shun Embracing” 3/16/20

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven⁠— 
A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted…
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. (Eccl. 3:1,2,5)

One of the main ways for us to fight the current pandemic is by “social isolation.” Fulfilling Paul’s teaching to “weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15), is often a really strange things to do without a hug, but the virus spreads more easily than we can change lifelong customs. 

So, when it is safe to do so, we'll attempt to make up for the lack of embracing that we are enduring now. But the faithful have the confident assurance that whatever lacks in the full measure of embracing will be made up entirely by comforting arms in the “bosom of Abraham” (Luke 16:22,23). 

A National Day Of Prayer 3/15/20

The President has declared today a “National Day of Prayer.” He wrote: “declare Sunday, March 15th as a National Day of Prayer. We are a Country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these...No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith.”

It’s quite easy to do what the President requests when it’s what we are taught to do, and what we should want to do, and should already be doing. The apostle Paul instructed the prayers be made for all:

1 Tim. 2:1-4 “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2  for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
3  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

We are urged to pray for all, especially for those with authority. So let us pray for all: for our leaders (especially those involved in public health responsibilities), for medical workers, for our communities, and for our neighbors. 

Such prayer is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” Also, the President asked nicely. And finally, my friend who works at the CDC told me he appreciated our prayers on his behalf.

Yet I Will Exalt And Rejoice 3/14/20

Panic, at least panic buying, has set in among some. I don’t know if they fear the disease that might come or the thought of doing without some of life’s conveniences because of it. Many of the things being panic-bought are things that previous generations wouldn’t have even known about. Although some panic buying of food is also taking place.

We don’t know what will come, or how bad it will be. But once in the scriptures, a prophet named Habakkuk was told by the sure and certain inspiration of God that a disaster was coming to his land. His reaction was:

I heard and my inward parts trembled,
    At the sound my lips quivered.
Decay enters my bones,
And in my place I tremble.
Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress,
For the people to arise who will invade us. (Hab. 3:16)

That disaster was sure to come. Our disaster isn’t, but might. Yet I think many feel that same way thinking about it.

What to do? Have the resolve of the prophet.  
Though the fig tree should not blossom 
And there be no fruit on the vines, 
Though the yield of the olive should fail 
And the fields produce no food, 
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold 
And there be no cattle in the stalls, (3:17)

What would that look like for us? 
Though the electricity goes out,
And we can no longer go online,
Though I can’t make my payments, 
And my 401K become worthless,
Though I no longer have a job, 
And I’m even reduced to begging for food…

“Yet,” the prophet said: 
Yet I will exult in the LORD, 
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord GOD is my strength, 
And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, 
And makes me walk on my high places (3:18,19)

Do we “rejoice” and “exalt in the Lord” only because things have gone well for us under His hand? What if it didn’t? Do we trust that God will enable us to walk safely in high places even if our circumstances are greatly reduced?

How Shall We Live? 3/13/20

In the face of global, and likely soon local, pandemic, how should we go about our lives?
In dark days, the Brits said, "Keep Calm And Carry On."
Every day the Boy Scouts say, "Be Prepared.”
Inspiration says, "The Just Shall Live By Faith" (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38)
This preacher says, “Try all three, the inspired one first, and wash your hands (a lot).”
And also pray for good men like my friend, and our Brother R.S., who works for the CDC, and is very busy these days. 

Panic or Prudent, Prayerful Preparation 3/12/20

We're starting to see local effects from the global pandemic here in the heart of flyover country, on the outskirts of the U.S.'s 90th largest metropolitan area. Universities are beginning to close, events are being canceled, and access to facilities that care for the aged is being cut-off. Some panic shopping is taking place, leading to shortages of a few things.

Panic is always misplaced, but some believe all these actions are premature and overdone—needless inconveniences driven by fear. But those canceling things are not just putting themselves at a great deal of inconvenience, but also a great loss of profit. Since they are doing this for public health, we should appreciate their concern for others, especially since it comes at a cost to themselves. The life they save may be yours, or your grandma's.

What can I and my family do? Prudent, prayerful preparation is always in order. Be wise in the things of this world and the next (Prov. 16:16; James 5:4). Always pray (Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17). And prepare using the good sense faithful people should be developing (Prov. 21:31; 22:3).