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Unfortunately, the church, with a capital C, in America and certainly throughout the world, has been sorely affected by COVID. And you can bet that Satan and his minions are not going to let up. And don't think they won't. Once they have you down, their next move is to step on your neck. So what's our plan; what's our counter punch. We're going to be doing a deep dive in 1 Corinthians s13 for the next few weeks. No, this isn't a wedding; an often used scripture on those festive occasions. As we're going to see, Paul wrote that chapter in the midst of some difficult, or at minimum, delicate circumstances in Corinth. Let' listen as Nancy begins our discussion.
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Let's clarify. Of course He wants you to have joy in your life, and happiness too for that matter. But I think we've all heard the expression, typically when someone wants to do whatever it is they want to do, regardless of the circumstances. So what is it that God does want? Let's listen to the events of Mark, chapter 6.
Covid sure has turned the world upside down for many. Life is good when everything seems pretty secure and predictable. But, we live in a different age now, and maybe the future doesn't seem quite as predictable anymore. Maybe you didn't experience as much trauma as others these past few months, but should another shoe drop and it does touch your life, and in a big way, what then?
...Off the bus, out of the car...you're no longer in the driver's seat. It's time for Wisdom to take over, and that is only accomplished through the engine of the Spirit. Circumstances of life can, will, and do drive us to that point... if we will let it.
We pick up from last week in our reflection of our situation, both nationally and individually during this difficult time in our history.
Right now both our nation and the world are experiencing and witnessing a trial that none of us ever anticipated. We usually think of sermon applications as something strictly personal but not much more than that. Maybe we need to think outside that box, maybe regionally... nationally... globally this time. Time for some introspection.
I think because it's been 2000 years since Jesus' resurrection that many people do not believe it to be true, and therefore they don't really considering that He is God and that what He has told us is the absolute truth. There's much to say about that: Why 2000 years? Is He coming back, and if so, when? We'll get into that some day soon, but what about right now? Today, with all the fear and insanity, particularly with a worldwide pandemic? Take a moment, a breath, and listen. God bless, and happy Easter and Passover Week.
With the very real concern everyone has regarding the Corona virus, the reaction, e.g. the incredible run on toilet rolls leaving empty shelves, is indicative of mass reactions which can oftentimes lead to very unpleasant results. And what should our response be. Certainly to be responsible in our courtesy and care for others, but also not to be overtaken by fear and undue concern. The world doesn't get it, but our Living God has absolute control over what occurs in and on His planet. And nothing is going to go any further than He Who wills it. Period.
We need to get a grip on that reality and to understand our need to turn our attention to Him, and in prayer, and in every and all circumstances. Listen up to our message regarding the next beatitude, peacemakers. Sometimes even the leadership of a church finds itself in difficult circumstances. In this case it's cancer, and also in this case, it's Nancy. I must say, I was in shock, really not knowing how to react; rather numb. But we are adjusting, and I know it sounds trite that our comfort is in running as fast as we can to the Lord, but it's true. That's not some self imposed salve. It's real. He's real. We thank Jesus, Yeshua, the Lord of the universe, that He has control. And also that His history has been written and preserved for us to glean and find both comfort and direction in these times of stress. Let's listen.
Although none of us ever want to be in that place in life, some of us have sometimes been there. Never give in. Never give up. The blind man that called out to Jesus as He passed by, pressed by the crowd; that's who we want to be when in those difficult times.
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