SPEAKING GOD'S WORD INTO A NEEDY WORLD

3/9/2020

As we look around the world today and see the momentous challenge facing country after country as the Corona Virus moves in an almost unstoppable manner will there ever be a clearer picture of a time to share the love and hope that faith in Jesus Christ brings ? We live in a time and culture where information is almost instantaneous. Information that can truly be a blessing and yet almost a curse when it shows an ever evolving danger that ebbs and flows by the moment. It is even worse when we face a challenge that has no truly defined parameters that seem logical in our mind’s eye. Ten different experts have ten different opinions. We anxiously wait for the latest updates, numbers, assessments, and forecasts. In my men’s group today, we hashed a lot of it out, and came to the realization that life on earth has always been like this in some way or another. Everyone at some point in their life faces challenges and circumstances that truly overwhelm them. From wars, to plagues, to natural disasters; mankind has always faced something that was difficult. We came to the true crux of the matter as we asked each other two very important questions. Where do we put our trust ? Where do we place our hope and faith ? The answer for us was pretty simple. Once you have made the decision to give your life to Jesus and have been reborn in Him, the promise and purpose of your life is sealed. Our trust is in Jesus, and our hope and faith live in the promise of eternal life and relationship with God…..Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The book of Isaiah is a great starting place in times of challenge.

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 Isaiah 41:10

THOUGH THE MOUNTAINS BE SHAKEN AND THE HILLS BE REMOVED , YET MY UNFAILING LOVE FOR YOU WILL NOT BE SHAKEN NOR MY COVENANT OF PEACE BE REMOVED, SAYS THE LORD, WHO HAS COMPASSION ON YOU. Isaiah 54:10

The other amazing thing about God is how He has given us a template on how to live, how to care for ourselves, and most importantly how to look at life when we are His. His commandments not only give us practical knowledge of specific issues, they also give us spiritual direction in where to place our trust. The jewish people of old knew that disease would require quarantine and careful handling of infectious items just as we do today. Understanding the ways of God start in the Torah of the Old Testament and are very specific in the Book of Leviticus. God gave us these wonderful instructions to help us live and thrive, not to put us into the chains of “do this or else.” I think it comes down to a point where you realize that all your actions and all your efforts aren’t going to overcome the storm that is coming at you. I am by nature someone who is always prepared, and I have sliced and diced every possibility that I might have to face in any given situation. I am wired that way. Shame on those who bury their heads in the sand and aren’t ready, right ? That’s when God opened my eyes and heart to the bigger picture. In difficult times we are supposed to be generous, caring and share our blessings of being prepared. We share that physically, emotionally and most of all spiritually ! We are the light unto the world. We are the one’s chosen to share hope, create peace, and sow the seeds of love. We don’t accomplish what God desires by being an island unto ourselves, or being the deepest studier of scripture on the planet. Our most important task is to share the Gospel, and to bring the joy God gives into everyone’s life that all may be born anew into the Truth and Freedom of Christ ! We have to get out there into the world and speak God’s Word to all we encounter, especially in times like these.

GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. Matthew 28:19

I HAVE SET THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE ME: BECAUSE HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, I SHALL NOT BE MOVED, Psalm 16:8-11

Once you give someone the Word of God that He has put in your heart for moments such as these, they too will see the rock solid foundation that only He can offer. Read Isaiah 41:10 one more time. God loves you, and He will always be with you. Seek Him, Love Him, and Share His Word ! Shalom/Peace/JAA