For many of us, we have been enduring the hardships of social distancing and mandatory self-isolation for several weeks now. We are struggling against loneliness, persevering against boredom, and attempting to quell the growing frustration inside. The verses today talk about discipline, suffering, and correction the Lord ordains for the moral and spiritual nurturing of His children, and that it is always designed for their good. So how then can we look at this unique time in our lives in a favorable light not a negative one? It can start by simply asking God, “What do You want to teach me during this time, and how can I most benefit from it?” The other thing to remember is – don’t despise the Lord’s discipline and don’t resent His correction, (Proverbs 3:11-12) and you will come out on the other side of this as a more positive, hopeful, and encouraged person.
Tag: daily inspirational blog
Job 1:21 ” Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
In a matter of minutes Job lost everything…his livelihood, all his future income, and all ten of his children. And you may find yourself in the same place today as you survey your mounting losses. Although Job lost all his material and personal things, there was one thing he never lost, and that was his faith in God. For this verse tells of his acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty, goodness, grace and mercy. And as James 1:17 also reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” Job lost everything…but he never lost what really mattered…his faith.
Psalm 19: 1-4 ” The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
We all have blind spots. Areas of our life we can’t see, or chose not to see. Sometimes it’s intentional, sometimes it’s due to ignorance that we can’t see what’s right in front of our faces. This Psalm of David is quite blunt…you can’t help but see the majesty of God around you. For everywhere you look is displayed His glorious work of creation. And creation doesn’t need words to proclaim God’s glory to the world…we need simply to gaze up into the starry sky, glance at the blooming flowers, and listen to the bird’s singing to understand.
Psalm 48:14 ” For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.”
We’re receiving guidance from many different entities right now…from the CDC, the Federal Government, and the State Government…not to mention all the local Health Departments. And all these parties involved are attempting to manage and direct us during this pandemic to the best of their ability. But as Believers, we need to also look to Godly guidance. God’s direction through His Word can not only guide us, but watch over us, and speak to us. (Proverbs 6:22) His Word leads and directs our course as we listen and obey…for it tell us in Isaiah 58:11, “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden , like a spring whose waters never fail.”
Philippians 2:4 ” Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Unfortunately, one of our least lovely traits have been highlighted by the Corona Virus…it’s called selfishness. We’ve seen it across the United States…people more concerned for their own welfare, with blatant disregard for others. (I still shake my head in amazement for the toilet paper hoarding.) But the Scripture above is very clear – we are to think of others. I Corinthians 10:24 goes on to say, “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” There is no place in a Believers life for selfishness and greed…”for love is not self-seeking.” (I Corinthians 13:5) And I know mandatory isolation doesn’t help becoming self-absorbed…but today, look beyond yourself. Focus your concern outward to others and show them the love that’s talked about in the 13th Chapter of I Corinthians.
Hebrews 12:3 “Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinful man, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Revelation 2:3 reminds us during this difficult and unprecedented time, “You have persevered and have endured hardships for My name, and have not grown weary.” But let’s just admit it, we are all becoming physically and mentally drained from the barrage of news about the corona virus. We are weary psychologically from sheltering in place…alone and isolated from family and friends. We are becoming exhausted and irritable from having everyone in the household cooped up together. Paul encouraged the people of Galatia when he wrote, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) This is not the time of discouragement for the Believer…for the world is desperately looking for hope…and you have that hope within you to give… it’s called the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
I Samuel 12:24 ” But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.”
The Corona virus has us all weary with battle fatigue and frightened at this invisible enemy that has invaded our land. So today I would encourage you to take a step back, turn off the continuous loop of news shows, and as this verse exhorts, “consider what great things He has done for you.” Reflect on God’s mercy and providence if all your family and friends are healthy and safe. Contemplate His goodness if you have plenty of food in the house and are not in need. Meditate on His hand of protection that is keeping the vast majority of people safe in our Nation. Finally, ponder all the simple things God has done for you personally this week just to say, “I’m with you and I love you.”
Luke 12:22 ” Then Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, or what you will wear.’ “
I dare say that many of us have spent a great deal of time lately worrying. And what I’ve discovered is that worrying is exhausting…both mentally, physically, and spiritually. But what I also must admit – is that worrying is very counter-productive, doesn’t change anything, and only produces apprehension within me. But there’s something else worrying creates and Psalm 37:8 talks about it…”Do not fret – it leads only to evil.” The Greek word for “evil” here means harm and/or unbelief. In other words, when I worry, I’m telling God I don’t trust Him. Ouch! In this verse Jesus was telling His disciples to focus on Him, not the temporal…to concentrate on the eternal, not the material. Oswald Chambers summed this up well when he wrote, “God doesn’t give us overcoming life…He gives us life as we overcome.”
I Kings 4:29 ” God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.”
God gave Solomon a wise and discerning heart…a heart full of prudence and plain old common sense. I love the word prudence! To many it’s rather an old fashion word…but the meaning is very basic – good sense. Years back, a Doctor nicknamed me Prudence for how I conducted myself and worked with patients, and I took it as a compliment! During these difficult times we can all use wisdom, insight, and understanding from the Lord, and the good news is He’s willing to give it to us, for in James 1:5 it tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Acts 7:48 ” However the Most High does not live in houses made by man.”
Just as God cannot be contained (I Kings 8:27)… that even the highest heavens cannot hold Him (II Chronicles 2:6) so the Church is not limited by the building or four walls that surround it. For right now the Church is made up of people that can’t meet together…but the Church still exists and can still make an impact for the Lord. That’s because the Body of Christ, the Church, can still pray and reach out to others with the love of our Lord. For just as the tomb couldn’t hold Jesus…the Church cannot be contained either.
Safetypinlove 