Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘Coronavirus’
What To Do When The Crisis Has Passed
Perhaps like me you are beginning to get impatient or bored with the current state of things in our nation. A little stir crazy? We must remember that, like everything in this world, “this too shall pass.” Soon the crisis will be over. The great question is not: “Will the crisis every pass?” but, rather, “What will God’s people do when the crisis has passed?” This could be – should be – a new beginning for the work of God in this world. Remember that it was after the breaking up of the early church in Jerusalem that the greatest gospel advance in the history of the church took place! O, Lord, cause that to be the case in our…
Read MoreThe Greatest Gospel Moment In A Generation
My grandpa remembered where he was when Pearl Harbor was attacked. My dad remembers where he was when JFK was shot. I remember where I was when the planes hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. My children will remember the global pandemic of 2020. There are moments in every generation that fix themselves forever in our memory. Over 100,000 people have now died around the world from COVID-19. Many more have been awakened to their mortality and frailty. We all are thinking more about life and eternity. People are asking questions, reading Bibles, watching church services online, and wondering what the future holds. I believe we are living in the greatest gospel moment in a generation. On this Easter…
Read MoreDo What You Can Where You Are
We have become a nation of “shut-ins” in many ways. (This should make us more compassionate and caring of those who truly are shut-in and unable to ever leave their homes!) The current shift in schedule has disrupted a mobile society and the ripple effects are just beginning to be felt. What should Christians do? They should do what they can where they are! The will of God and the work of God always begins with what is right at hand. As we do our part, God will surely do His. If we want to get to the ends of the earth we must begin at our Jerusalem (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8). When we began 2020 I challenged churches to…
Read MoreThank God For The Shepherds!
In crisis hours we are all reminded of what is most important in life, and who truly watches for our souls. We are all living through a season that reminds us of the importance of the local church. This season will pass but the church remains. Christ is building His church even now! He is purifying it. The gates of hell will not prevail against it. You can count on that! In good times and bad believers need one another. We need the church. Sheep need to be led and fed. This is why the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, calls under-shepherds to care for the flock. Though schedules have come to a screeching halt pastors are working harder…
Read MoreHow Is Your Church “Meeting” At This Time?
This week I had the privilege of participating in an extended discussion with a group of pastors. These are unique times for those who are leading churches and feeding God’s people. While each local church and community is unique they all have one thing in common – they are being called on to minister in unprecedented ways. One of the greatest challenges is simply staying connected with the church family in the midst of “social distancing.” As I listened to these good men talk I heard their heart. The shepherd will always find a way! Allow me to share a few of the ways pastors are working to “gather” the sheep… Enabling People To Join A Worship Service Using YouTube,…
Read MoreUpdate On Our Travels
These are unusual and exciting days to be serving the Lord. I believe that revival is on the way and whatever God has to rearrange in all of our lives and ministries is up to Him. It is amazing how quickly things can change! As you read these words I am flying back to West Virginia from a wonderful mission conference in Florida. Like everyone we are having to make some unexpected adjustments to our schedule. The following meetings have now been cancelled due to the Coronavirus restrictions and an abundance of caution for the safety of those attending large gatherings: Iron Works Men’s Conference, Saturday, March 21, Charleston, WV. Florida Men’s Advance, Friday-Saturday, March 27-28, Tampa, FL. Fellowship Youth…
Read MoreLiving In Uncertain Times
The world is shaking…but God is not! These are uncertain days but the people of God have a certain future. He has not failed us, forgotten us, or forsaken us – and He never will! How can you live with confidence in uncertain times? Rest in what you know for sure. When there are questions that cannot be answered always go back to unchanging truth: God is good. Rehearse His goodness in your own conversations. Recognize that the same good God is at work now. None of this has taken Him by surprise and we may be surprised how the Lord uses this for His own glory. Stay hopeful. Do not allow the news media to set your tone. Stay…
Read More5 Things Every Church Member Can Do For Their Church Today
I rarely post on the Lord’s day, but this Sunday is an unusual day for many churches and church members. Social media has been filled this week with updates, instructions, and explanations from pastors and Christian leaders about the current pandemic and the varied responses. These are challenging days for those who have been called to guide God’s people in a church, school, or ministry. They are challenging days for us all! Perhaps your church is not meeting this week as normal – or perhaps it is. Either way there are a few things all of God’s people can do for the work of God where they are… Pray for your pastor. All who lead need divine wisdom. This is…
Read MoreDealing With Fear
What is ahead? As I write these words the news is filled with stories related to the Coronavirus that is sweeping the globe and the downturn of financial markets. Mix in the political climate and uncertainty about the future and you have a recipe for anxiety! Perhaps your fears are more connected to personal issues, but we all deal with fear at times. Remember this: God is not the author of fear and never puts unnecessary anxious care in the hearts of His children. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fears may be rooted in circumstances, others, the devil, or your own…
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