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From the Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers:
Our Father, Enlarge our hearts, warm our affections, open our lips, supply words that proclaim “love shines at Calvary” There grace removes our burdens and heaps them upon your son, made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for us; There the sword of your justice smote the man, your fellow; There your infinite attributes were magnified, and infinite atonement was made; There infinite punishment was due and infinite punishment was endured. Christ was all anguish that we might be all joy, cast off that we might be brought in, trodden down as an enemy that we might be welcomed as friends surrendered to hell’s worst that we might attain heaven’s best stripped that we might be clothed wounded that we might be healed thirsty that we might drink tormented that we might be comforted made a shame that we might inherit eternal glory entered darkness that we might have eternal light My Savior wept that all tears might be wiped from our eyes groaned that we might have endless song endured all pain that we might have unfading health bore a thorned crown that we might have a diadem of glory bowed his head that we might lift ours up experienced hatred that we might receive welcome closed his eyes in death that we might gaze upon unclouded brightness died that we might forever live O Father, who spared not his only son that you might spare us All this transfer your love designed and accomplished Help us to adore you by lips and by life O that our every breath might be ecstatic praise Our every step buoyant with delight as we see Our enemies crushed Satan baffled, defeated, destroyed Sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood Hell’s gates closed, heaven’s portal opened Go forth, O conquering God, and show us the cross mighty to subdue, comfort, and save
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 He has told, O Man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you. But to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God - Micah 6:8 From Timani Reynolds:
We were talking about this verse today, and how it should be our family motto in this situation of isolation and togetherness. We have definitely had more opportunities to sin against each other! More opportunities to begin sentences with "I want," or exasperation, or resentment. We chatted together about how our hearts desire to respond to each other when we're disappointed or anxious. How would it look if we responded to our discontent and boredom with humility? Acting justly when we have the opportunity to take more? Showing kindness when our patience is worn thin? Yes, we definitely have more opportunities to sin against each other in this time! But thankfully, that means we also have more opportunities to reconcile, forgive, and love one another. Considering Micah 6:8, we all agreed that doing justice seemed the easiest of the three. Justice is always easy when tempers flare. But humility? Kindness (or mercy, as some translations state)? Those are much more difficult. How can I turn my thoughts from "I want" or, "I feel like doing x," to humbly seeking to serve? How can I choose mercy, when this person has just kicked over my block tower on purpose! And they deserve a kick of their own - in the face!! How can I respond with kindness when this child, full of boredom and anxiety, repeats nonsense words incessantly - and I keep getting stuck on the third item of my grocery list? We need the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts - softening them to be willing to repent and seek to love and disciple each other. We need to build each other up - ask Him to prompt us to whisper, "love mercy" to each other, and also to ask the Lord to make our ears willing to hear it and repent. I need to minister to my husband and children. They need to minister to me. I need to humbly receive their love and admonishment, turn from myself and love and minister back. And none of us can do this without God's saving transformation of our hearts. This isolation gives us an opportunity to make discipleship a very authentic kind of practice. We don't have the luxury of compartmentalizing ourselves, and revealing our need little by little. Gone are those times where I get to sip coffee with friends, and share just the tip of the iceberg of my great need for Christ. The truth of who I am and who (or what) I'm trusting in moment by moment is laid bare for everyone in this house to see. Loving and discipling each other costs more than what it usually does in the "normal" times - but that cost is a great sanctifying gift from a Loving Father. I read this recently: "All of these cancellations are making some of us miserable, but only because we haven't let THE MOTHER OF ALL CANCELLATIONS lighten our hearts and the hearts of those under our roof. God canceled the record of debt that stood against us. He set it aside, nailing it to the cross (Col 2:13-14)." How often is my heart being influenced by the loss of routine, of comfort and responsibility, the distraction of activity. And in that loss, I easily sin - complaining or punishing my family with a bad attitude. I reveal in that moment that my hope is in whatever was canceled - not in Jesus, who canceled my great debt. But I want to live in light of the truth! I want the mother of all cancellations [the Cross!] to rule over the relationships in my home - canceling out all the things I hold against my family, the people hoarding in the news, and my neighbors. I want the work of Jesus to transform my heart daily, hourly, minute by minute and second by second to walk humbly, justly, and kindly. Just imagine how joyful our hearts would be if we would live by that Great Cancellation! How deeply we would love and disciple one another in light of the mother of all cancellations! Please pray for our family, as we invite the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts through Micah 6:8 - that I, and the people I love so dearly, would embrace this sanctifying work that is good and necessary for our growth. Pray that we would disciple and love each other well. And I will pray for you too. And together, may we rejoice in the mother of all cancellations, letting it invade our relationships in this time, and even pave the way for new ways to relate when things become normal again.  From Gary Paulsen:
As I read through Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it struck me that the great apostle was struggling through some of the issues we find ourselves in today. He understood what it meant to be isolated. He understood being insulated away from family and friends. He knew what it was to be sequestered for he was a prisoner, a man in ultimate quarantine (see Phil 1:7, 13, 17). Beyond his isolation, there was the real possibility that his imprisonment could ultimately end in death (Phil. 1:20-21). Many of us currently are in circumstances similar to Paul’s. This virus has isolated us, restricted us to our homes. We find ourselves absent from dear friends, family, and vital contacts. What’s more, as we read and hear the dark reports of those poor souls who have succumbed to this plague, we recognize that contact with the virus could lead to the real possibility of death. So how does the isolate, sequestered, and perhaps even doomed Apostle Paul advise God’s people in Philippi? Instead of looking at the awful situation Paul charges them to do what he does: Rejoice! "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4-5) Paul commands the Philippians and us to “rejoice.” It is imperative that we understand that this command to rejoice is not based on circumstance. We know that for four reasons. First, the command to “rejoice” is presented in a verb tense that calls for habitual action. The believer in Jesus Christ is to be continually, habitually rejoicing. No matter the situation, no matter the circumstance it is the directive of the inspired Apostle Paul that those who are followers of the Lord Jesus are to continually rejoice. Secondly, we know that this command is to be met, not based on any situation we may find ourselves in, for Paul adds that we are to “Rejoice in the Lord.” The believers, you and I, are charged to continually rejoice “in the Lord.” That is, we are to rejoice continually in consideration of all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us, his people. We are to rejoice as we consider such benefits as his great salvation (Rom. 5:8). We are to contemplate Christ’s righteousness imputed to sinners like us (2 Cor. 5:17). The believer is to rejoice that he has been redeemed from all his sin (Eph. 1:7). We are to rejoice considering the Lord’s guarantee of Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” The believer is to recall the magnificent promises of assurance found in Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. That is what it means to “Rejoice in the Lord.” Circumstances, conditions can be awful and frightening yet gazing upon Christ and all that he has accomplished for us gives us reason to rejoice no matter the state of affairs and in spite of the troubling times. There is a third reason that we know that Paul’s charge to “rejoice” cannot be based on circumstance, is simply that he adds the word “always.” In the case that we somehow missed the command that we are to continually “rejoice in the Lord,” the apostle attaches the word “always.” It is apparent, that if we are command to “rejoice in the Lord always,” then there can be absolutely no circumstance that could arise that excludes rejoicing in the Lord. And lastly, if we perhaps say to ourselves, “Oh no, this command to rejoice in the Lord continually cannot apply to my circumstance,” Paul commands us a second time to rejoice, Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.” Here Paul’s second command is in the future tense. Why? He is looking ahead and teaching us that whatever future circumstance that we are confronted with, we are nevertheless to continually, constantly, habitually rejoice in the Lord. Paul is stating that whatever comes our way the believer can rejoice in the Lord, always. We can obey the apostle’s charge to rejoice because, “We know, that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Believer, this virus has not surprised our God and though we may not see his hand working in all of this, it most certainly is. Our sovereign Lord is actively engaged in glorifying his name through this great difficulty. During this past week there have been reports that there is a revival taking place in Tennessee. It is claimed that people are turning to Christ, the result of people being confronted with death and questioning their eternal destinies. According to The Voice of the Martyrs, in Iran currently, there are many willing to listen to the claims of the gospel and many have come to Christ as they witness both the evils of Islam, and the devastating effects of the coronavirus epidemic. The Christian workers on the streets of Iran are calling for more workers because the demand is so great and the inquiries so many. There have been countless posts on social media showing doctors, nurses, and hospital workers kneeling in prayer, petitioning for help and mercy. Those are just a few incidents, and I’m sure there are countless other examples of our Lord’s work in the midst of apparent upheaval and tragedy. And finally, God is using these current events for each and every believer’s good and his magnificent glory. So, my Christian friends, be of good courage! Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!  Photo by Ethan Sykes From Ben Renich:
As this time is stressful for all of us, we tend to think quite a bit about what we want and need to be doing for ourselves and those close around us. Although we are limited in what we can physically do right now with the Stay at Home order, there are plenty of other things we can do for those immediately around us and even those farther away. We have so many ways of connecting with others at this moment in time. Technology has enabled us to reach many we normally couldn't. And during these days of stress and commotion, there are so many things that want to grab our time and attention. But there is Jesus, He should have our attention. And He has asked us to do some very specific things. In Matthew 25:35-40, He states this: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' (Matt. 25:35-40 ESV) Although we can't do many of these things with our physical presence right now, these commands still underlay how we ought to be relating to those around us. If there is someone who can't go out for food right now, how can we be helpful to them? If they need other supplies, how we can make sure that they receive them? Let's commit ourselves to do whatever it takes to help one another, to reach out. It can be with our physical presence, if possible. Or maybe we can use the technology available to bring a good word of encouragement. May our Savior show you in what way He would like you to bring that cup of water... From Richard Roberts
Here is an update from our fellow co-worker in Christ, Bora Chheang, who is laboring at translating Christian resources for our brothers and sisters in Cambodia. He is one of the lead translators of the team who published the Jesus Storybook Bible in Khmer. We are still on schedule to produce a 2nd printing of 5,000 copies because the previous 6,000 books have already been distributed!! Praise the Lord! Bora's team is also working on producing some downloadable coloring pages to go with the JSB, so that children can color along with the lessons. Thank you, Bora! Bora and his wife, Bunry, live in Phnom Penh and minister to their neighborhood. The following is their prayer letter: "We are doing well. And we want to thank you for your prayers and support. We’ve never felt the urgency of getting the gospel out like we are feeling right now, although it should be like this everyday, Bora has had many sleepless nights as of late. With COVID-19 outbreak, many Cambodians are turning to social media for resources. We have seen a steady stream of self-proclaimed and yet false prophets and false teachings flowing into our country and thus in response we have also translated and written against them in hope that the LORD will use it to protect the state of the church here. Please continue to pray. Here are a few prayer requests from us:
All to His Glory, The Chheangs" From Tim Hunt: I do not know the tune to this hymn, written by John Newton, for I have never heard it sung. But I find great hope in the truth therin and upon which my faith is hung. I asked the Lord that I might grow in faith and love and every grace Might more of his salvation know and seek more earnestly his face. Twas he who taught me thus to pray And he I trust has answered prayer But it has been in such a way as almost drove me to despair. I hoped that in some favored hour at once he’d answer my request And by his loves constraining power subdue my sins and give me rest. Instead of this he made me feel the hidden evils of my heart, And let the angry powers of hell assault my soul in every part. Yea more, with his own hand he seemed intent to aggravate my woe, Crossed all my fair designs I scheme, blasted my gourds and laid me low. Lord why is this I trembling cried, wilt thou pursue thy worm to death Tis in this way the lord replied I answer prayer for grace and faith. These inward trials I employ from self and pride to set thee free, And break thy schemes of earthly joy that thou mayest find thy all in me. Video added by Richard Roberts, music written by Laura Taylor for Indelible Grace Music When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by -- Let us (said he) pour on him all we can; Let the world’s riches which dispersed lie, Contract into a span. So strength first made a way; Then beauty flow’d, then wisdom, honour, pleasure: When almost all was out, God made a stay, Perceiving that, alone, of all His treasure, Rest in the bottom lay For if I should (said He) Bestow this jewel also on My creature, He would adore My gifts instead of Me, And rest in nature, not the God of Nature: So both should losers be. Yet let him keep the rest, But keep them with repining restlessness; Let him be rich and weary, that at least If goodness lead him not, yet weariness May toss him to My breast.  Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am writing to ask you to join us in a food drive on April 5th and 6th to benefit families in need. During this unprecedented time of shut down in our country there are people all around us that are out of work and are getting stretched thin to provide for themselves and their loved ones. This is a very practical way to show the love of Christ—that those who have can provide…”out of their plenty to supply those who have need…” (II Cor. 8:14)
On Sunday, April 5th and Monday, April 6th from 12:00 to 6:00 PM we will receive drive-up food donations at the front entrance of EBF. In order to eliminate direct exposure between people we ask that you have your food donations in bags or boxes in your trunk so that the person receiving the food can retrieve them out of your trunk. All containers of food will then be stored until the following week (after Easter) to minimize possible cross contamination. The food will then be divided into portions for those that will receive them. Bulk quantities (i.e. 20 lb bag of beans) will be divided under careful conditions into family size portions. Please note that we will accept cash or checks (made out to EBF) to purchase additional food (especially fresh food.) Or, you can designate your check for the church benevolent fund to help meet other needs. Emerald Bible Fellowship, 1855 Cal Young Rd, Eugene, 97401. Notes on food: Staples, box juices (vitamin C), and protein foods are always good. Any perishable or non-perishable food items that will keep for longer than two weeks will be accepted, and any foods needing refrigeration will be cared for appropriately. We do not have much freezer space, so no frozen food, please. Safeway and Albertsons have seniors only shopping hours on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 7 to 9 AM. These stores in the Coburg Rd. area receive food trucks on Sunday and Friday nights—shopping early Saturday or Monday mornings will be your best chance for foods with limited availability. Cash and Carry located on N. Gateway in Springfield has larger quantity bags and boxes that we would be happy to portion using appropriate safety procedures. Thank you! Rich Carroll Here is a video of the sermon for today. Follow this up with Neil's worship video below. Grace to you all. By William Romaine, The Walk of Faith, 1871
“God is my God and Father. He is perfectly reconciled to me, and my conscience is at peace with him, through faith in his beloved Son. He loves me in him. Father, Son, and Spirit have covenanted to make me an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ. I do not expect any new title to these inestimable graces. My claim is good and valid under Christ. I would not disparage it by supposing that my close walk with God was to make any atonement for my sins or to be the least part of my justifying righteousness. I have these already, and perfectly, too, in Jesus. The enjoyment of them is the thing I want. I am seeking for more of that peace with, and love to, the Father, to which I am entitled in his Son. His fullness, the fullness of him that fills all in all, is mine. On the fullness of Jesus I live this day. Out of it I hope to be receiving every grace which I shall want for my safe and happy walk with his Father, and my Father.”  Photo by Eric Ward From Stan Davis
In these, what could be unsettling times, we as God's children have the opportunity to be a great light to the world. We have an opportunity to see through a different set of eyes. I see a lot of emotions happening around us daily: anger, resentment, fear, blame, mistrust, denial, isolation, and many other fearful reactions. We have the opportunity to see God's glory in all things that happen in our life. I love how Philippians 4:4-7 instructs us in this very happening we are experiencing today. Let me paraphrase the text. In verse 4 we are told first to “rejoice in the Lord always”. Paul emphasizes this point saying this again, “rejoice in the lord always”. If anyone had the right to anger, resentment, fear, mistrust, denial, isolation, or any other reaction rather than rejoicing Paul certainly did. In verse 5 he gives us another instruction, “let your gentle spirit be known to all men”. This a quality by which the gospel message can be spread, the message of the cross, with its reminder for us that the Lord is always near. He is our strength and our understanding, in whom we can rely on all things for present and future. In verse 6 he addresses our very nature saying, “be anxious for nothing”. This will reveal in whom our trust rests. If our reliance is solely in God to supply our needs in all ways, our anxiety will slowly disappear. If we are trusting in ourselves our anxiety will exponentially increase. Next, Paul teaches that we as believers are to make our requests known to God and he adds to this, "with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”. What a beautiful statement for the believer! He doesn’t just say requests, but requests with thanksgiving. I love the way Casting Crowns put it, in their song “Great are You Lord”, with the phrase “It's your breath in our lungs so we pour out our praise to you only”. Our very breath, life itself, is sustained by a God that cares deeply for His children. God gives us a promise in verse 7 after instructing us to rejoice in all things; be gentle to all people, be anxious for nothing, and lift up your praises with thanksgiving, your needs and requests to your Father who is always near. He says that God's peace that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and mind in Christ Jesus. I can personally attest to His peace in turmoil. Your Brother in Christ, Stan Davis  Photo by Ben White By Rick Siel
It seems like in this time and circumstance that we are all facing, to talk about laughter and humor might seem out of place. But, healthy laughter is a wonderful and amazing gift from God. It helps you cope with sadness and the griefs of everyday life. Have you ever felt angry, frightened, sad, or depressed and then someone said something to make you laugh? Even though you were upset the laughter made your heart feel better. Of course, laughter can be good or bad. There’s a time to laugh and there’s a time not to laugh. It’s always great to have a cheerful heart and laugh with family and friends, but crude jokes that make light of godliness, or make fun of others, or minimizes someone's pain. So, what does the Bible teach us about laughter? Laughter can be used as a coping mechanism: “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief” (Proverbs 14:13). Laughter can be a response to a miracle: “Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me’” (Genesis 21:6). Laughter can be medicine for a broken heart: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). Consider, many doctors will attest to the incredible discrepancy between patients with a sense of humor compared with those weighed down by fear. Both patients may experience the same pain, the same inconveniences, and the same diagnosis—yet the one whose heart is lightened by joy can experience a greater degree of recovery. God heals ailments in many different ways including the medicine of joy, cheerfulness, and laughter. Laughter can evidence the fruit of joy: “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy” (Job 8:21). To every believer there is given the fruit of the Spirit, which includes an inexplicable joy from God. This joy isn’t only expressed in times of happiness and accomplishments, but also in deep disappointments and hurt from others. Even in the midst of persecution there can be joy expressed in the form of laughter. Not because of the pain, but because of the promises, expressions, and encouragement fed to the spirit of man through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Life is hard and many times it is compounded by the sadness within us and all around us. While we should not deny our pain and frustration, we have within us the Holy Spirit of God who assures us of God’s gracious presence with us. Our humor is not to be forced as much as it is a spiritual response to the pain around us in the light of God's redemptive plan in Christ Jesus. We grieve with hope. We resist the temptation to let trials and troubles consume our hearts because of the hope we have in Christ Jesus. Proverbs 17:22 - A merry heart does good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Psalms 126:2 - Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. Ecclesiastes 3:4 - A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Proverbs 15:13 - A merry heart makes for a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Psalms 32:11 - Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, you righteous ones: and shout for joy, all upright in heart. Psalms 16:11 - You will show me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 4:7 - You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the time their grain and their wine increased. Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say, Rejoice! Healthy laughter is a wonderful gift from God. He grants us the ability to laugh out loud at ourselves in the safety of family and friends. His graciousness is demonstrated through us by the peace and presence of the Holy Spirit. Next time you laugh out loud, let it resound with gratitude to our Father in heaven for this blessing.  Photo by Zoltan Tasi By Rich Carroll
"What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey Him." Matthew 8:27 When the disciples got into that boat with Jesus little did they realize what was to come. A sudden storm comes down on the lake, overwhelms them and threatens to capsize their boat. As this occurs Jesus is sleeping peacefully. The disciples recognize the threat and allow the situation to dictate their response. They are in panic mode. After Jesus awakens to their call but before He calms the storm He asks them, "Why are you afraid?" He gets right to the heart of their reaction before rebuking the wind and the waves. When we find ourselves worried and anxious with situations that whether small or big, and seemingly out of our control, where do we go and what/who do we look to to bring comfort and relief to our souls? Here's 3 truths to remember: 1. God has power over every storm. If the storm doesn't bother Him it shouldn't frighten or cause panic in us. His power is greater than any force on earth. Reflect on His power. "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:16-17 2. Fixing our eyes on Jesus leads to peace. The size of the storm can easily become overwhelming. It can take us by surprise and ignite our fears. Are you looking into the One who can bring calm and true wisdom into every circumstance? "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2 3. Jesus is always in our boat. He is always with us and will not leave our side. He has our future and best in mind as He leads us through the wind and waves of life. He promises to be sufficient in whatever need we truly have. His grace is enough for you and me! We have a daily choice before each of us: we can either focus and stare at our circumstances and let them lead us to react and respond or we can fix our eyes on Jesus, the Creator of the universe and keeper of our souls. "Trust in Him at all times , O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8 From Richard Roberts (from 2014)
‘Be true to yourself’ the moral queens say There’s no other Higher or Better foray No duty to harken or summon to call But interest of Self and seared conscience withal Yet what wisdom flows from this stagnant infirm This frame that succumbs to miniscule germ With skin that is pierced by the simplest straw And falters at winds or the water’s full draw? Can this soul break the sun and its withering heat Or wrangle the cold and submit it to beat Back the ice that breach trickling channels of blood Or heap up the seas into bundles of flood? I am but a frailty of lightless disgrace Emboldening violence with wanton embrace No command to halt all of Nature’s desires Arrogance, stubborn and quickening, tires Be true to myself with no power at all The one who can’t seize any honor or call Which would bring any good to this cosmos or sphere But the tribute of futile and foolhardy fear? This darkness of truth sets such a glowering stage Erupting in radiant luminous grace Enlightened against all the blackness and dross Shines love condescending to height of a cross Your glory, O Soul, is not of your own He sets His heart on the dead who respond as a stone To make them alive by His sovereign grace And call them, "Beloved", with warming embrace From Timani Reynolds
Here is a beautiful hymn to learn and worship the Lord with, while we wait. And from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, 1:24-29: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.  Photo by Mika Brandt on Unsplash By Rolland "Blue" Withrow
“This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself--nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.” The above words are from the first paragraph of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s first Inaugural Address on March 4, 1933. He was speaking to a nation full of distrust in its government, disillusioned in the face of extremely high unemployment and on the precipice of despair confronted by the two-headed Cerberus of Depression and Dust standing guard in front of the gates, not of Hades, but of Prosperity. President Roosevelt’s words made no bones about naming the common enemy, Fear. Eighty-seven years later our nation and our planet finds itself pushed once again almost, it seems, inexorably toward another precipice by that old enemy, Fear. When I awoke this morning, I felt that instinctual urge to fight or to flee. Combat with the Enemy began before I could even turn back the sheets or open my eyes. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me that perfect love casts out fear.[1] When next I opened my eyes, several thoughts came quickly together to form the outline of what you will be reading next. Those thoughts began with several questions, followed by several examples of the answers to those questions and pointed toward what I believe is the heart of the matter. When God speaks to me before I’ve had my coffee, I know that my routine is going to be interrupted. And so it has been. The first three questions were these:
Whose love? What does the children’s hymn say? “Jesus loves me, this I know…”[2] That Bible that tells me so says this, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”[3] Whose fear? Ours What fear? Death. “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”[4] The next three questions I contemplated were these:
Looking up at my ceiling with dawn’s early light barely illuminating the room through the mini-blinds there were no bombs bursting in air and no broad stripes and bright stars. Just smooth white texturing and a handful of examples that were brought to mind. Taking them in Bible order seems to make both chronological and stylistic sense, so let’s go back to the Israelites who were taking it on the lam out of Egypt.[5] The scene is this. In front of them is a body of water that must have staggered their collective imaginations. Today the Red Sea is about 169,000 square miles in area and just a whisker under 10,000’ deep at its deepest point. Behind them is the entire Egyptian land army, complete with chariots and cavalry. That’s what they saw. That’s what Moses saw. The Israelites kept on looking at what they saw. Moses looked into his heart at the promises God had given to him and listened to what God told him in response to the Israelites faithless bellyaching. “Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea…” After getting his instructions, Moses (and all the rest of the Israelites) saw the pillar of cloud and the angel of God moving from point to rear guard. Then what did Moses do? “Moses stretched out his hand over the sea…” And the rest, as they say, is history. Dry Israelites and dead Egyptians. Next, we come to a young, ruddy-faced Spirit-filled shepherd boy who had already been anointed as the next King of Israel. Oh yeah, he was the lead guitarist and primary vocalist in a one-man band that played mostly to a crowd of sheep. King Saul calls him in for an audition, likes his style and gives him a permanent gig as an armor bearer/court minstrel. Enter those pesky Philistines and their own Man Mountain, a guy from Gath named Goliath who was over 9’ tall.[6] That’s what everybody, including David, saw. The rest of the Israelites could not take their eyes off of nor divert their attention away from this intimidating, fear-inducing specimen of combative manhood. David, on the other hand, asked a question. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” italics mine. If any question about where he was looking exists after that challenge, all doubt must surely fade when David later tells Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of King Jesus (my translation of LORD) Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied…All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that King Jesus saves; for the battle is King Jesus’ and he will give all of you into our hands.” Without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. That’s we he did. The third and fourth examples are a kind of 2-for-1 deal found in the Book of Daniel. You know all the parties involved. Four Israelites named Belteshazzar nee Daniel, Shadrach nee Hananiah, Meshach nee Mishael and Abednego nee Azariah and a King I hope to have a visit with in King Jesus’ kingdom someday, Nebuchadnezzar. These four young men from Israel’s royal and noble families were the crème de la crème of captive café society in Babylon. They were described as being “without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.”[7] I daresay they knew on which side of the plates to put the forks. Jealousy often leads to worse evils and so it was in the case of these four young foreign stars of courtly life in Babylon. I’m not sure why old Nebby wanted to go and build an image of gold that was 90 feet high and nine feet wide and then have everyone in the world bow down and worship the thing, but that’s what he did. Now, I think even a blind miner would be able to see something like that. And, in case anyone might have any second thoughts about the bowing and worshiping part, there was this alternative that he threw in: get tossed into a blazing furnace![8] Everyone did as told. They looked, they bowed and they worshipped. But, as Lee Corso is often quick to say, “Not so fast, my friend!” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were holdouts. And some jealous nitpickers spotted them and ratted them out to King Nebby. This news did not sit well with King Nebby and he blew a gasket. But, he must have liked his 3 provincial administrators from Jerusalem because he explained the rules again and gave them a second chance. I don’t imagine there were many mulligans like that in Babylon. They in their turn politely declined the king’s offer, apparently operating under the principle that when you are already worshipping and serving the Most High God it’s bad form to share the love with an idol, even if it is 90’ tall. So, Nebby got more steamed up than he already was, had the furnace heated up seven times hotter than normal and had some of the strongest (and, as it turned out, most unfortunate) soldiers in his army tie up the lads and toss em in the furnace wearing all of their courtly party regalia. I don’t know what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were looking at before they got tossed into the fire, but I’m pretty sure where their unsinged eyelashes were pointing once they hit the flames. Right straight at that fourth man who looked like a son of the gods. Hmmm…I wonder who it was. King Nebuchadnezzar sums it all up pretty well for us when he says, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God…for no other God can save in this way.”[9] Now, let’s move on a king or two, and down the road quite a few years to the time when Daniel was an old man probably in his 80s. There was a new sheriff in town then. And he wasn’t even a Babylonian. Darius the Mede was appointed King of Babylon by Cyrus The Great, King of Persia. There is almost certainly great value in reviewing the career of Daniel in the courts of Kings Nebuchadnezzar and his unobservant and proud son, Belshazzar. I encourage you to do so now by reading Chapters 1-2 and 4-5. Consider that, in Chapter 1, Daniel was probably only a teenager. By the time we read about him in Chapter 6 he is a very old man. A very respected old man, for Darius appoints him to be one of three men who were responsible for overseeing the doings of the 120 satraps (like governors or mayors) throughout the kingdom. Now pay attention, please, to verse 3. “Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” I don’t know about you, but this scene seems very much like what the next guy we’ll be meeting here in a bit ran into when he seemed to be in line for a big promotion. Chapter 6 is, to me, one of those diamond verses in the Scripture. I like to think that Jesus felt close to it also. This is power politics fueled by jealousy and envy at its very pinnacle of disgustingness. Faced with another directive to worship a non-god, Daniel continues his routine of praying with windows open toward Jerusalem three times a day. When the perpetrating satraps and governors point out Daniel’s disobedience to the decree they duped Darius into issuing, check out Darius’ response to the situation in verse 14 and see if that doesn’t remind you of someone stuck in a similar kind of predicament a few centuries later. In spite of his own sentiment in the matter, the King relents and Daniel is thrown into a den of lions. On his way down he could hear Darius’ good wishes. Then a stone was brought to seal the opening to the den. Whatever Daniel saw before that stone was brought to cover the opening, everything probably went black the moment it was slid into place. But, I bet he could hear the deep, low rumble of those hungry lions. Darius didn’t have a very peaceful night at all and when he got up he hurried to the lion’s den and…now, think about this. He called out to Daniel in an anguished voice! And look what he asks Daniel.[10] I think we are seeing a man teetering on the brink of a conversion. The bad guys get their just desserts, and Daniel gets an opportunity to witness to God’s amazing grace and power. And to the presence of that ‘fourth man’ here called God’s angel. By the time we get to verse 25, I’m pretty sure we find a convinced man issuing a second and much better decree to the world. Daniel saw the lions, looked to his God, and waited. And look at the result. A rescued prophet and a convinced and praise-filled King. Now we come to that fifth example in that original handful. I’ll give you three guesses at who it is and the first two don’t count. And, I’m not going to point to any one instance. Rather, I’ll ask you to draw upon the Holy Spirit’s guidance in considering what our Lord Jesus saw, where our Lord Jesus looked and what our Lord Jesus did. Throughout his life’s ministry and all the way to the cross. When you’ve taken some time to do that, you can turn the page and come to the very heart of the matter to which I made reference early on. “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”[11] Our rest is in His work.[12] Our peace is in His life and death.[13] Our hope is in His resurrection.[14] Finally, brothers and sisters, our flesh cannot win the battle against its own fear of death. But, our faith into Jesus Christ brings us, by God’s loving grace, into oneness with Jesus and thereby sharing with him in His death (and all its implications for us) and in His resurrection and in that resurrection’s victory over the last enemy, death.[15] His life and perfect love for us triumphs over our fear. In Him is our victory, nowhere else. Reckon it so. Taste and see that the Lord is good. So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.[16] [1] 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But, perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. [2] Jesus Loves Me - lyrics by Susan Warner, sister to Anna Bartlett Warner who wrote the music to the hymn. [3] John 3:16 [4] Hebrews 2:14-15 [5] Exodus 14:10-31; paying particular attention to verses 13-14, 16, 21 and 26-27 [6] 1 Samuel 17:1-50; paying particular attention to verses 37 and 45-47. [7] Daniel 1:4 [8] Daniel 3:1-6 [9] Daniel 3:28-29 [10] Daniel 6:20 [11] 1 Corinthians 15 NIV and used with permission hoped for [12] Hebrews 3:1-6, 14-16; Hebrews 10:8-25 [13] Romans 5:1-5; Ephesians 2:11-18; Colossians 1:15-23 [14] Acts 23:6, 26:4-8; John 11:25-26; Romans 3-5; 1 Peter 1:3-5 [15] 1 Corinthians 15:26, 56-57; 1 John 5:4 [16] Isaiah 41:10  From Eric Rossman
For many of us this current struggle is not the most difficult suffering we have gone through. Nevertheless, though to differing degrees for different people, it is all still suffering. Athletes missing out on competitions they trained so hard for is suffering. Kids not able to attend classes and learn curriculum that was planned for them is suffering. Being separated from those we love and relationships we rely on is suffering. People losing their jobs is suffering. Families losing someone they love because of the virus is deep, deep suffering. In some ways a lot of the suffering I’ve faced in this is familiar to me. Because of a debilitating back injury I have multiple times in the last few years, with little warning, been laid out for weeks, stuck at home. Chronic pain constantly has me where I do not want to be, unable to be were I want to be. Many suffer far greater than I do, but this is the suffering that I know. Paul Tripp, in a blog he wrote during his daughters recovery after a horrible car accident, writes a description of suffering that our entire world can understand right now: “We tend to think of life as being secure when we can understand it and when we have it under control. Suffering transports you beyond the boundaries of your reason and your control. It forces you to respond to what you do not understand and to react to what you did not plan. It frustrates our love for comfort and ease. It denies us the order and predictability that we tend to expect. Suffering doesn't submit to our desires and it does not cooperate with our plans. Suffering is a kidnapper that comes into our lives, blindfolds us, and takes us to where we do not want to be.” I have felt the reality of that description many times. In light of that description it is hard to understand the Apostle Paul’s words “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Rom. 5:3-4). How can Paul say that suffering produces hope in us when times of suffering make us feel so hopeless? I believe that suffering does not make us hopeless, rather it reveals that we have placed our hope in something that cannot come through for us. Paul Tripp goes on to write: “But suffering is not just a kidnapper, it is also a teacher. Suffering teaches you that life in this broken world is frought with danger. It warns you that physical things are weak and impermanent. It points you to the fact that there is little that you actually control. It instructs you as to where reliable comfort and sturdy hope can be found. Like a patient teacher with a resisitant student, suffering pries open your hands and asks you to let go of your life. Suffering invites you to find security, rest, hope, and comfort in Another, and in so doing, assaults the irrrationality of personal sovereignty that is the delusion of every human being. In that way, suffering is not just a kidnapper, and not just a teacher, it is also a liberator. Suffering frees us to experience a deeper comfort and hope than we have ever had before. The problem is that we don't always want to be free. Even in difficulty, we fight to retain what suffering shows we didn't have in the first place. Pray that we will not fight, that we will be good students, and that we will celebrate our freedom even in the midst of exhaustion and pain.” I hate back pain and the disability that comes with it, I have never enjoyed it. But I am thankful for and rejoice in the hope it produces in me (though I still struggle). Pain has taught me not to put my hope in my own abilities, that can be lost in a moment. Pain has taught me not to put my hope in my own comfort, that I can neither create nor guarantee. Pain has taught me to hope in Christ. Where we find a love that cannot be changed by anything we do or don’t do. Where we find a purpose that no circumstance can stop. Where we find a future that cannot be lost. Apart from Christ I truly believe suffering would overcome me. It would only be the kidnapper, it would not be the teacher or liberator. Unable to pick up my kids in years, do any work around the house, or play and have fun in even the least demanding of physical activities would be devastating. Without Christ, without a God who redeems this broken world, without a God who is not frustrated or caught off guard by any hardship or disaster, suffering leads to hopelessness. But in Christ I have found that while I am physically struck down, I still can proclaim Him to others, in fact my weakness does not hinder me but actually strengthens me to do so for His power is made perfect in weakness. In Christ I need not worry that my disability and suffering will keep me from giving meaningful experiences or life to my children, for life is only found in him. In Christ I need not worry about being the outgoing, active, fun person I saw myself as before my injury, because my identity is found in Him and his love for me that doesn’t change. And in Christ I hope for and long for that day when I will no longer suffer, that because of his blood purchasing eternal life for me, everything will be made right. In Christ I can hate my suffering as well as rejoice in my suffering, because it produces in me a true lasting hope. I pray that this current suffering will produce hope in us. Athletes hurt over your lost potential accomplishments, but rejoice over the greater things Christ has accomplished for you. Friends hurt because you are unable to be near those you love, but rejoice because Christ is near all who hope in him. While we hurt over things that we lose, let it cause us to put our hope in that which we can’t lose, and rejoice in the great gain that Christ purchased for us on the cross. Romans 5:3-8 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  From Rick Siel
Despair and anxiety have always been an intrinsic part of life on Earth. In times of darkness, as Christians we are to seek the encouraging words of scripture to provide strength, wisdom, and guidance about the love and truth of God. We are reminded of this when we seek counsel and encouragement from the Bible. Despite the misfortunes we may experience, there is always an opportunity to choose love and rise above resentment and fear. The Word of God reminds us of such truth and encourages us to believe in the goodness of life and God. To assist you in finding biblical encouragement, this is a small collection of encouraging Bible verses (NIV) you can reflect upon to grow your faith in Christ. May these inspirational Bible verses help you to rekindle the strength of your spirit and warmth of your heart. Isaiah 41:10 “ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Read Isaiah 41 Psalm 118:14-16 “The Lord is my strength and my defense (or "song); he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: The Lord's right hand has done mighty things! The Lord's right hand is lifted high; the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!" Read Psalm 118 John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Read John 16 John 14:27 “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.” Read John 14 Psalm 46:11 “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Read Psalm 46 Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Read Deuteronomy 31 Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?” Read Psalm 27 Thessalonians 3:13 “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” Read Thessalonians 3 Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Read Joshua 1 Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (or "will direct your paths)." Read Proverbs 3 Psalm 31:24 “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Read Psalm 31 Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Read Philippians 4 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation (the Greek for "temptation" and "tempted" can also mean "testing" and "tested") has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Read 1 Corinthians 10 Psalm 112:7 “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Read Psalm 112 Isaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense (or song); he has become my salvation." Read Isaiah 12  By Tim Hunt:
There is nothing like a worldwide crisis to reveal what is ruling our hearts, where our security is truly found and what our hope is rooted in. When the world goes into melt-down and the normal routines, and expectations of our lives are interrupted or threatened it will always expose our true trusts. We may say that we believe God is sovereign and he is taking care of us but in times like these what is really our hearts deepest loyalty? Sometime in the future (soon I hope) when standing on heavens shore we may see how safe we really were, but how do we navigate through a pandemic that seems to draw our vision downward towards this sin cursed earth we tread on and tempts us to fear by doubting the sovereignty of God and his good purposes. Psalm 46 tell us a lot about who God is and what he provides. This psalm celebrates the complete adequacy of God in facing threats from nature and the nations. The major thrust of chapter 46 is that God provides stability for his people who reside in two very unstable environments. Luther certainly understood this when he used this Psalm for the basis of writing that great hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”. When the mountains quake and slip into the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the earth itself change, we will not fear. Why? Because God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Not only is he near but immediate. It will not take him days to respond to the cry of the contrite. The lord of hosts is with us in such a way that we are eternally united with him in Christ. The God who wrought desolations in the earth, makes wars to cease, breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two and burns the chariots, is with you. When we know who he is, know that He upholds all things by the power of his word, and by whom all things are held together, every leaf, blade of grass, every molecule, every virus, we will cease from striving, cease from fear. There will be peace that passes all understanding because it is rooted in the God who is near. His grace towards us is like a river whose streams make glad the city of God. This river will not be cut off during a time of siege. This is living water that flows from the throne of God. In times of trial all sufficient grace will be given to enable us to endure to the end. We are shielded by the walls of truth and justice that are upheld by omnipotence and adorned by infinite wisdom. We live in the smile of the King. While this new chapter with Corona virus has just begun and we do not know yet if it will go on for some time and get much worse or soon be over and end up as a distant memory in the medical history books, either way let us as Christians who have been redeemed, sealed, protected, freed and empowered by His Spirit not miss this God ordained opportunity to display the love of Christ in service to each other and our neighbors and live out the fearlessness of Death that Christ has won for us. Who knows if God might bring regeneration to the lost and renewal to our hearts?  Ligonier Ministries, started by R.C. Sproul, is offering their entire library of online resources for free right now! Check them out at https://www.ligonier.org/blog/all-teaching-series-now-free-stream/
Posted by Rich Carroll:
"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:31-32 His promise here to 'graciously give us all things' tells me that there is no ultimate loss or irreparable situation that I will experience as a result of trusting God in whatever circumstances that I find myself in. We who believe in the gospel can be persuaded of the adequacy of God to provide for all the needs that His children based on the action of His greatest demonstration of love in 'giving up His Son for us all'. The sacrificial love of this one act, on our behalf, is the foundation of my trusting in His adequacy to provide and to 'cause all things to work together for good for those who love Him' (Romans 8:28) I find myself, at times, harboring secret doubts in questioning whether He'll be enough for me and my family if I step out and do what I think is good and right in any given situation. Will He be enough if I follow Him wholeheartedly in whatever decision I think He may be leading in ( job/vocation, finance, people care, speaking what I believe, etc.) Sometimes it comes down to my own unbelief, pure and simple, that causes me, out of fear, to hide or say no to a clear opportunity to serve in some way. We need to remind ourselves daily that God's promises are based on His great love that gave His one and only Son so that nothing that would increase my eternal happiness will be denied me by such a loving Father. " If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?" (Matthew 7:11) Let's trust Him and His promises together in both good times and in challenging ones! "If God is for us who can be against us?" |
