Tag: COVID 19

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It’s About Your Heart

With covid-19 I’m told that most people don’t even know they’ve had it, or show signs of infection on the outside. When you become a believer in Christ, He begins to work in and through you automatically. Inside, you are becoming a completely new person.

No one else around you may notice the change, at least not immediately, because people usually only see the outside of a person, and what they can see and hear. Sometimes, you yourself may not even see or feel the change. But the fact that you’ve accepted God and His grace, changes you from the inside out, and He is still changing you because you belong to Him. Don’t let people’s negative judgement of you stick or hurt, only God can see your heart.

Today, don’t be discouraged if others around you don’t seem to notice how hard you’re trying, and the work God is doing in your life. Just remember that a life-changing transformation has started on your inside. God sees the difference, He knows what’s inside you, and He is bringing victory to every area of your life. It’s nobody’s business but yours and God’s! Soon the world will know.

“…The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 

(1 Samuel 16:7, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your life-changing power and strength. Father, give me eyes to see myself and others the way You see them, from the inside out. Teach me not to judge others by what I see. God, help me not to get discouraged by what people say about me, because they really don’t know how hard I’m trying and how much You’re working on my inside, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Created With Gift And Purpose

62 Reasons Why I Love My Mom

Covid-19 or your sin doesn’t take away your gift or purpose. God created and designed you for a specific purpose. God has placed gifts inside of you to equip you to fulfil your purpose. He knew that covid, disease and sin would be here, but He still blessed us with gifts and purpose. Do you know what your gifts are? What are you passionate about? What can you do better than other people? What would you choose to do if there were no obstacles? God wants you to develop and pursue the gift inside of you, because your gift is a part of your destiny.

The gifts God gives aren’t just for us. He gives us gifts to help build up other people. You have a specific role to play in the body of Christ and your community. That doesn’t mean God’s going to send you to a third world country or make you preach. But, there are people all around you that only you can reach. 

Today, are you using your gifts to build up the kingdom? Are you serving in your local church? Even if you are still discovering what your gifts and purpose are, you can simply take a step and volunteer. Everyone has something to give. You can give a smile, a handshake or an encouraging word. When you step out and serve others, that’s how you develop your gift and move forward in the destiny God has for you!

“Do not neglect your gift”¦”

(1 Timothy 4:14, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me with gifts and a purpose to fulfil my destiny. God, thank You for walking with me and guiding me to this point in my life. Thank you that covid-19, disease or sin won’t take away my gifts, purpose or eternal destiny. Lord, please show me ways to develop the gifts You have given me, so that I can be a blessing everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Different From The World’s Peace

As the doctors came in yesterday to share the bad news with the family, all the faces were solemn. After he delivered the bad news gasps, shouts of “no”, swearing and anger filled the room. The spirit prompted me to pray for peace, quoting Matthew 4, I stated “peace be still” in my prayer. No matter what may be going on around you today, you can still live in peace. Scripture encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled. In other words, don’t meditate on all the negative things in this world to the point that it steals your peace. 

Today, if you have fear, worry or anxiety about anything, recognise that those feelings aren’t from God, because He has promised to give you a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. There is tremendous power in peace. When you are at peace internally, you can think more clearly. You can hear the voice of God more easily. You’ll make better decisions. Even your physical body responds to peace.

Remember, the enemy knows this, and his goal is to steal your peace. He tries to set you up to get you upset. But when you choose to receive God’s peace, then no weapon formed against you shall prosper! Hallelujah!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

 (John 14:27, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for Your gift of peace in my life. Father, I choose to receive Your peace in my heart and hold it close to me always. Despite what happens in life, I receive Your Word as truth and life to my heart and soul. God, I ask for Your healing hands upon the Prime Minister, his family and the thousands of others who have been unwell by this virus. God, I claim and receive Your promise of peace in our lives today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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He Is My Refuge”¦

Watching hurricane Maria destroy parts of the West Indies, and earthquakes decimate Mexico, the word was “take refuge where ever you can”. My question to you today is — where do you take refuge when the storms of life come? Where do you go for comfort and safety? Some people find it easy to turn to their friends, their job, alcohol or even a bowl of ice cream. Before you turn to anything turn to God. He wants us to take refuge in Him. He longs to protect us, defend us and give us His strength. We serve a good God, and when we take refuge in Him, He will pour out His abundant blessing in our lives.

Today, taste and see that the Lord is good, and His promises are true. When you turn to God, you will find rest and refuge for your soul in the Bible’s promises. Lean on Him when you’re not strong, no matter what storm you may be facing, come to the Father. He will give you His peace and strength as you take refuge in Him.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” 

(Psalm 34:8, ESV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I open my heart to You, please be my refuge during my storms. Thank You for Your peace and rest, and for showing me Your hand of blessing as I take refuge in You. God, help me today while I’m going through some hard times. I hold on to You with all I have, trusting in Your promises, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Is COVID-19 Seasonal?

Most people are familiar with the idea of a “cold and flu season”, and the current pandemic has people across the globe looking forward anxiously to the end of it for this year. Fresh warm air and bright sunlight are deadly to viruses, so it is hoped that this first day of spring (in the Northern Hemisphere) will start a countdown to the end of this contagion.

But the seasonal nature of the pandemic can also be understood in the context of 2 Timothy 4:2 which tell us to be ready “in season and out” to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. ’ This pandemic can be understood as a fantastic opening for Christians to proclaim the truth, but in order to properly seize this moment we have to be equipped. I hope to assist with that in whatever modest way I can.

But First

Before we get started, let me say that I do not find any evidence in Scripture that this pandemic is God’s doing or His will. I believe that this is either from Satan or simply another consequence of the fall. But regardless of the cause, let’s remember Genesis 5:20 and work with God to use what is intended for evil and accomplish something good.

The good thing is for people hear how much God loves them and wants them to come into a relationship with Him based solely on that love. In fact, there is nothing better than that. The mindset of those deeply concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to do that in a way that will resonate with both their emotional and their rational sides. Approaches that hit both notes are very effective.

Sympathize

“Sympathy” seems to be a pretty rare commodity when it comes to evangelism these days. Christians are much more likely to preach the consequences of sin than start form a point of common ground. But the pandemic is the perfect chance to begin with sympathizing, because the fear felt by non-Christians is something we ourselves have felt before. It is the practical application of 1 Corinthians 6:11.

Those fearful of COVID-19 have been disappointed by the medical system and their national government. They have put their confidence in these institutions and trusted them to take care of them and protect them. Effective vaccinations and security checkpoints were depended on to be a shield and bulwark. Put together, these two institutions presented what seemed to be an unconquerable Goliath.

The Window

The toppling of that behemoth has left those who trusted it fearful and confused. It’s easy to start a conversation (conducted at the proper social distance, of course) about how these institutions should have seen this coming. Everyone remembers the SARS, MERS, Zika and Ebola outbreaks. From there it is simple to draw the conclusion that institutions created by mankind are inherently unreliable.

“If we can’t trust those what can we trust?” is the fundamental question every Christian longs to answer, and it is the natural conclusion to the conversation. The reasons given to trust God in the current circumstance can branch in a variety of directions. One way is to quote Psalm 91 about how God protects those who abide in His love. This leads directly to a discussion of the perfect example of that love.

More Options

In some conversations it will be possible to answer that fundamental question with a personal testimony of our own disappointment with human institutions — and with ourselves — that led to our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior. This approach may be appropriate for those who are deeply caught in a web of fear. Listen carefully to what you are being told and follow that lead.

With individuals who are more inclined to an intellectual discussion, explaining how suffering originated from man’s disobedience may be the way to go. This authenticates Scripture as the basis for rational decision making. Few people will argue these days against the statement that “It’s a fallen world.” This is also an effective response to the false charge that God is causing this pandemic as punishment.

Conclusion

It is probably not a good idea to preach Christ in the current situation in the context of the coming Tribulation. This approach is fraught because once fears of the pandemic subside the teaching becomes open to ridicule. The other approaches outlined above can continue to resonate long after this current crisis has ended.

The key to seizing this opportunity is not only to remember how we felt when we were without hope, but also to seriously evaluate how much hope we are putting in the Word of God ourselves. 2 Corinthians 3:15 tells us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. That’s a great thing to do before — or even if — we evangelize others, and is advice that never goes out of season.

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COVID 19 or Psalm 91?

The ongoing COVID 19 pandemic has Christians and non-Christians alike worried and on edge. These fears are fed by the reality that the basic facts of this virus (transmission and mortality rates, for example) are still poorly understood and there is no vaccination against the spreading contagion. However, Christians have a defense that is not available to non-believers.

The most direct evidence of this is found in Psalm 91. These 16 verses speak generally about the Lord acting as our defense and specifically mentions protection from infectious disease 3 times. This is in addition to at last 4 references to being protected from danger and evil. A full reading of the text gives a blessed assurance of security. (This is the ESV.)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his pinions,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

You will not fear the terror of the night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only look with your eyes

and see the recompense of the wicked.

Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place–

the Most High, who is my refuge–

no evil shall be allowed to befall you,

no plague come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

On their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the adder;

the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

When he calls to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will rescue him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

Which Testament is this in?

The critical point in this fantastic promise of safety is found in the first line of the last stanza (verse 14) where we are told that God will do this “because he holds fast to me in love.” This is a remarkable statement coming from an Old Testament writer operating under the covenant of the law where “do good to get good” was the normal mode of operation.

Instead of an “if you do this, then” formulation typically found in passages based on law, the blessings of Psalm 91 are unconditional. They come from God because we hold fast to Him in love. Obedience or service is not mentioned as a condition. Instead the entire psalm describes benefits that come from a relationship with God based on love.

Who’s love?

An interesting perspective is gained by considering the possibility that the love referred to is an understanding of God’s love for us, not our love for God. This is in keeping with 1 Peter 5:7 where we told that God cares for us, and so we should cast our concerns on Him. (Which is another good piece of Scriptural advice when dealing with COVID 19).

Of course, 1 John 4:19 identifies God’s love for us as the root of our love for God. Just like any plant cut off from its root dies, so too would our love for God wither if it were cut off from the understanding that God loves us. While we might protest that this is impossible, if it happened to the Ephesians (Revelation 2:4) it can happen to us.

Is this real?

The idea that Christians have nothing to fear from COVID 19 because God will protect us from the virus may strike some as laughable. However, the whole idea of God becoming man and dying for our sins is considered laughable by many. The bigger issue is that this Psalm asks us to do something that makes us very uncomfortable.

C.S. Lewis said it best. “The state of having to depend solely on God is what we all dread the most.” This is the appeal of many Christian religions which add a healthy dose of works to their message of salvation. While it is straightforward to reject that error, it is still a challenge to depend on God’s love to protect against a pandemic.

Conclusion

It is fitting that the numbers 19 and 91 are in reverse order, because God’s wisdom runs in the exact opposite direction from that of mankind. Our “wisdom” looks like absolute foolishness to God according to 1 Corinthians 3:19. The simple reversed order of the numbers also serves as a useful memory tool.

When you see “COVID 19”, remember “Psalm 91”. When you see fear, remember confidence. When you are told that medical systems are unable to cope with this crisis, remember that the purpose of Scripture is to fully equipped us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). Psalm 91 is the perfect example of that truth for today.

 

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