We've Got Comeback Power

Don’t look or listen now because another catastrophe, another day of record coronavirus reports, another lost life, another angry mob, another negative report is coming from the news-media world. It’s true. What a year this has been and we’re not even halfway through it yet!

I was amused when I looked at some of my New Year’s 2020 blogs – all hopeful with great expectation, God-is-in-Control, “It’s-gonna-be-the-best-year-EVER!” I must say, this one has surprised us all – in so many ways! You know the details so I won’t remind you.

But, I’m still as optimistic with the great expectations as I was at the front side of this year, because what I said then, is still true now. God IS still in control and we can still believe this can be the best year of our lives. Maybe we've had a setback -- but that's when God orchestrates a set-up for the greatest comeback ever. It's like the trajectory of an arrow that can only be shot by pulling it backwards. And maybe difficulties during this season feel just like that. But we remember -- when life drags us back, we're just getting on the launch pad toward something even greater. The greater the setback -- the greater the comeback. I mean, seriously, think about Jesus' death on the cross. It was a setback, unlike anything the disciples could have imagined. It was over for them and they hid in fear. But joy came in the morning when the greatest comeback ever took place. Jesus rose from the dead and we were the winners right along with Him. He lives to give us His comeback power!

Romans 6:10-11. "The Spirit of God, Who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you."

Listen to Danny Gokey's new song, "Comeback". I love this rendition and the photos that accompany it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfWDDlh-8pw

"This is your time, your moment
The fire, the fight, you're golden
You've come so far, keep going
Oh here comes the comeback.

Now, get ready for your rocket to fire on all cylinders. Your greatest comeback might just be at the coundown now:
5-4-3-2-1 COMEBACK!

Humility Sure Looks Good on You

It's time for a self-examination of conscience and attitude during these times. I say that based on the scripture that seems to come up daily in someone’s blog or post: “If MY people who are called by MY name, would HUMBLE themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways….” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Many of us get on the bandwagon and put in our two cents worth about how we should be handling “Black lives matter” and other national topics of debate. If we’d do this or if we’d do that or if we’d stop doing that, peace would reign supreme again. But, 2 cents worth and beyond -- came directly from God in that scripture.

I live in a safe and comfortable community, so it’s easy to be in an overly confident mode. I’d like to think that someone said to me: “Humility sure looks good on you!” But, Lord knows, I have had moments of being over-confident and self-assured. But, then, God reins me in if that turns to conceit or arrogance. I have been brought down several notches when I have come across less-than-humble. I have eaten many slices of Humble Pie. It’s not all that tasty, but it's always good for me.

This blog was prompted when I read this email from an online ministry: “Only a fool would become complacent in the midst of danger. Stay alert and be watchful. Refuse to allow yourself to be overly confident or self-assured. Humility is a good look for you. The enemy is seeking whom he may devour, so "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

I have been thanking God for such good health during these C-virus times. Maybe, even a little bit prideful about it. Then, on Thursday, after a shingles shot the day before and, unlike the first one I received, this one had a very negative reaction to it. First, my arm hurt so much that I couldn’t lift it. Then I started having flu-like symptoms, achy all over, felt like I had fever, and started thinking “Is this from the shot or do I have the C-virus?" Seriously! Oh, how the enemy attacks our minds! I self-prayed for me, took two pain reliever tablets and thanks be to God, the next morning, I was walking on sunshine, in sunshine and taking pictures of sunshine again. Oh, happy day!

To be humble is to gratefully recognize our dependence on the Lord -- to understand that we have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that our health, our abilities, our blessings are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies. We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous. Jesus is our greatest example of humility. While on this earth, He repeated that His strength came because of His dependence on His Father. He said: “I can of mine own self do nothing. I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father Who has sent me” John 5:30.

We're being reminded to keep a watch out for those times when pride sneaks up on us and we get full of ourselves. God is awesome in the ways He brings us back to taste some Humble Pie. Okay, I've confessed and I’ve asked God to please let me know BEFORE He has to pull out the "Humble Pie". I think I'll do my best to avoid that dessert and keep my eyes and heart open, in case God needs to offer me another slice!

The Church has been Deployed

I like some of the memes because they give me food for thought for my blogs. For those who aren’t 100% sure what a “meme” is, Merriam-Webster says a meme is “an amusing or interesting item (such as a captioned picture or video) or genre of items that is spread widely online, especially through social media.”

One came along during quarantine that struck a chord: “The church has left the building”. We have found that we ARE the church as we and our families are conducting church in our homes! And this one, I loved: “Yes, the Church is empty. But, so is the tomb!" And, “The Church isn’t empty. The Church has been deployed.”

The Church really has been deployed. Here we are on another Sunday and most churches are closed, but pastors and priests will be leading church services again via technological resources that have provided the opportunity to sit in our homes and watch online services given by a skeleton crew – a few people to lead in singing and speaking – all social distanced and looking into monitors to make sure their live feed is streaming to their audiences at home.

Has a sleeping giant been awakened? It seems a larger family of faith has arisen out of the chaos. I’m hearing reports of more people coming into the Family of God through the saving power of Jesus during these times. And, isn’t it something that this time is paralleling with what happened after Jesus was resurrected? In Acts we read about how the Church was deployed and when the “new and improved” Peter, after Pentecost, spoke about our risen Lord, over 3,000 people came to Christ in one day. I heard Pastor Craig Groeschel of Life.Church say that since quarantine, over 240,000 people made a declaration of faith in Christ via their livestream.

I seriously believe that God is doing something in a quick matter-of-time far beyond what man can do in a lifetime. Our buildings may still sit empty, but the Body of Crhist is more active than ever. Just look at us! We are still the Church triumphant and we’re alive and well – no matter whether we’re together at the same time or apart. The Good News of Jesus is still being proclaimed! Aw! Yes! That’s what Jesus meant when He said: "Truly, I tell all of you, the one who believes in me will also do what I’m doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I’m going to the Father.” (John 14:12) Today the good news of Jesus is going around the world – even though church buildings might be closed.

It seems that the coronavirus really did awaken a sleeping giant. It may have kept us from meeting together, but it has brought the broader family of faith together and has engaged the army of God’s people in a way that has not been seen in my lifetime. Indeed THE CHURCH has been deployed!

The Sky is Falling!!! Oh, No, it’s Not!

Remember the story of Chicken Little? Chicken Little was having a great day when an acorn fell from a tree, hitting the top of her head and she cries out: "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!"

Proverbs 4:23 says "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life." Isn't that so true? From just an acorn, Chicken Little thought the world was coming to an end. We have encountered something far greater than an acorn. The COVID-19 has consumed our thoughts and actions and our "normal" is no longer normal.

I’ve heard many talks about this being the “end-times”, so in a sense we could be thinking “the sky is falling” or rather, the end is near. But, rest assured, only God knows "the end", but I do believe that "what the enemy meant for evil" (Genesis 50:20), God in His "Master Plan" mode is causing us to have an “upward” perspective towards Him. COVID-19 is nothing compared to our God. If we continue to immerse ourselves in daily binge-watching the news and dwelling on the 33,000 people who have died from the C-virus versus the 150,000 who have recovered out of the 778,000 confirmed cases (statistics from WHO), we’ll get as worked up as Chicken Little.

We must get a grip. Are we going to live by news reports or recognize the enemy who wants to keep us in fear, worry and doubt? We can turn those thoughts inside out and into thoughts like "We will overcome. I am strong. I am protected by the blood of Jesus. I have an assignment to fulfill. I walk in divine health. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. God is for me and who can be against me? God holds my todays and tomorrows, so why should I worry or fret?" I know this about God:: “Fear is reality minus God. Faith is reality plus God.”

The sky is NOT falling! So, there is no need to buy paper goods and antibacterial soap till the shelves are empty every day. Unfortunately, some people get the virus and recover and sadly some die. (Last year 18,000 to 20,000 died in the U.S. from the flu). Let’s keep everything in proper perspective. Let’s do what the medical professionals and our government officials are telling us to do – social distancing, washing our hands, etc. – and spread positivity while the scientists around the world are working on the solution to kill the virus.

The most important is to PRAY – big time. Many faith groups are setting up the Sign-Up Genius app for around-the-clock prayers for our health professionals, laborers who are on the front lines and for those who are relegated to stay at home and especially for those who are struggling with their finances and for anyone who has contracted the virus. Lord, have mercy!

There are NO negatives in the Kingdom of God. Every obstacle in our life has a promise and a provision attached to it. The Father is not up in Heaven losing sleep over the COVID-19 virus. He is not filled with fear for His children and He does not feel like He is losing control. Let’s be like Him and apply His Word (like these) to our daily routines:

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬). God gives us His wisdom, so ask His advice before we leave our home or do something that we think could possibly put us at risk.‬‬‬

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6-7‬). God wants us to come to Him with thanksgiving -- thankful that He directs our steps, gives us His wisdom, fills us with hope, and casts out all our fear.‬‬‬

“No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” (‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭10-11‬). This promise wasn’t only for the Israelites. In Jesus name, and by the healing power of His blood, we are protected from this plague!‬‬‬

Heavenly Father, Your faithful love endures forever! Nothing surprises You. You delight in steering us clear of fear, anxiety, panic, sickness, and any other negative in our life. We ask for divine revelation to come to scientists and medical teams for a cure and it is administered quickly. Help us to be a light to those that are filled with panic. I pray that our peace would draw them to You. You are a good, good Father, and we love You! In the healing name of Jesus, amen, and so be it. 🙏🙏🙏

Just Breathe!

I’m a doer. I like to be busy. Just sitting around is not my ideal. My project today is getting my master closet cleared out of unused clothes and organizing for spring and summer. But, this day, I break up my project to breathe. I leave my bunker to socially-reconnect with the great outdoors and my girls. How sweet it is! They take me along for their kayaking adventure on Lake Lewisville. It is a beautiful day to be outdoors. I take a long walk while they have their kayaking fun. Staci put her busy-day, full-of-projects, aside also because Alexia wants us to “breathe” with her. Thank you, Alexia, for the reminder to just breathe.

Then I go to their home where Staci leads her EMnation group for a teleconference on Zoom. It makes my day to see those beautiful faces and hearing Staci's message about our attitudes during these times, as well as hearing the blessings these people are experiencing right in the midst of this C-virus crisis. And, to encourage each other.

On Monday, my ACTS retreat team sisters connected via Zoom also. Our retreat was canceled, but, hopefully, we’ll be back on in the Fall. In the meantime, we’re staying connected though apart. It’s a great way to encourage and support each other. Thank you, Lord, for technology that affords us this kind of opportunity to join together from our separate spaces. If our world is going to be turned upside-down – what a great age for it to happen – when we have so much technology to keep us apprised of what’s going on. We’re even enjoying “going-to-church” from the comfort of our homes.

But, sometimes – even better – when we disconnect ourselves from technology and just BREATHE in God’s goodness. I started this blog with the word “breathe”! Typically, just breathing is taken for granted – amidst our daily challenges. Yes, we're remedied by calculated thinking and purposeful elimination of unnecessary stress. But, it is different with this uncalculated and abrupt change to our “normal”. We’ve never had to face these challenges that we’re facing right now. Homeschooling, business from home, church on-line, disconnected from friends and loved ones, depression from isolation or a loss of income. AND, not being able to go to our loved ones in a nursing home or hospital or traveling by air to be with one who is critically ill.

Maybe you’re one that is facing these challenges today. Maybe you are overwhelmed by this tumultuous storm and nothing anyone says to lift you up makes you feel better. Breathe, sweet friends, breathe. Inhale Jesus and His peace. Exhale the fears and worries and concerns. Erma Bombeck said, “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but you get nowhere!” There’s always hope and peace found in the midst of our storms because of He Who is our peace-maker, the storms eradicator and the comfort provider.

There’s an old song that goes “Mama said there’d be days like this”, and Jesus agreed with Mama when He said in John 16:33 “In the world, you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” He knew we’d face hard times, storms that dump buckets of troubles on us. But He also knew that’s why He came to this earth in the first place. He came to give us an abundant life, went back to heaven and He is ever-interceding for us to the Father.(Hebrews 7:25) And, even better, He is right here with us to help us survive the winds and waves!

So, breathe, sweet friends, breathe! Go outside for a walk in nature. Listen to the birds chirping. It really does seem that they’re chirping louder. Or, is it I’m listening more? Breathe, dear friends, breathe today and let God be God for you.

Thanks for the Memories, Kenny!

So what’s a girl to do on a day when she hears that a dear friend has passed away – especially when she’s in quarantine because of the C-virus? And, when she gets many text messages from friends and family who offer her condolences. She remembers. And, she recalls the love she shared with her lover listening to this man's love songs. SHE recommends that you lovers out there listen to those songs while you're in quarantine!

Last Friday, Kenny Rogers passed away. As a devoted fan of his for so many years, I couldn’t help but shed some big old crocodile tears as I let my mind go back to his many concerts that my husband and I attended. We felt like we knew him personally because his songs were so much a part of our lives. Any time he was within a couple of hours distance from us, we’d make sure we were at his concert.

I’m strong, resilient, determined and I live life to its fullest. I don’t often spend time just reminiscing the past. Looking in the rearview mirror and dwelling there gets us no place. But there are times when it’s okay to remember. I did that on Sunday after I had watched, via livestream, two church services and two masses – all four giving me so much gratitude and deeper love for my Lord. I took notes and journaled what I heard.

Then I called five friends to check on them and to spread some love and encouragement. But once I cozied down in my chair, I listened to some of our Kenny Rogers’ favorites: “She Believes in Me”, “Lady”, “You Decorated My Life” and our absolute favorite in our later years: “Through the Years”. I had me some big old melt down as I remembered my sweetheart’s arms around me and holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes as we heard those songs.

I remembered, when living in Canada, us following Kenny’s entourage to Morden, Manitoba. A white limousine led the way for several white Cadillacs. We had a white Cadillac, so we felt welcomed to follow right in line with them and into the private parking area as the guard waved us through. Kenny and his entourage walked in through the stage doors. We owned it and made our way in with them and into the best seats in the house. Kenny always said from the stage: “Lady, why do you have binoculars when you’re sitting on the front row?” That wasn’t me, because it wasn’t the man we admired as much as we did his songs and his beautiful vibrato voice.

True love didn’t quit through life’s ups and downs.“Through the Years” spoke volumes about two determined people willing to never give up. That song described us perfectly!

To love and be loved is life's sweetest treasure. But even more than the earthly love we enjoy, the most beloved relationship we could ever hope to have, is our relationship with God. What a beautiful romance I have had with Him through the years. He yearns to share a life of beauty, intimacy, and adventure with us. He says:“I have loved you with an everlasting love”. (Jeremiah 31:3) This world was made for romance -- the rivers, the meadows, the mountains and the beaches. Flowers, music, a kiss, a sunrise, a sunset, a touch.

Shhh! I hear Him singing a love song to me: "The LORD your God among you is powerful -- He will save and He will take joyful delight in you. In His love He will renew you with His love; He will celebrate with singing because of you". Zephaniah 3:17

Perhaps, as a jealous God for our affection, one of the reasons for the incubation and isolation we’re experiencing right now, is because He wants us to turn our attention to Him. We’ve got the time and we’re in just the right place to do that today!

The Year We Came Together

If there’s anything we learned from it all -- it’s we’ll never take a handshake, a hug or a kiss for granted again. (That's why I can't help but kiss and hug you so much!)To my future grandchildren and great grandchildren:
WOW! What a year 2020 was! Before the BIG “C-Virus”, our world was so divided. There were literal wars and political wars beyond belief. So many people were selfish and talked so bad to and about each other. The heroes before the C-virus were the highly paid professional athletes, musicians, recording artists, politicians and movie stars. While in the quarantine of the C-virus, the true heroes became those in the medical field and grocery store shelf stockers and moms and dads teaching their kids at home and those who were near-poverty because their store or business was shut down. Can you even imagine this? Grocery store refrigerators and shelves were empty. We had to stand in line to get toilet paper and paper towels. There were no professional, college or high school sports games played. No March Madness – well, there was madness, but not with basketball. Businesses – big and small were either closed altogether or their employees were working from home. Food establishments stopped indoor dining and only provided drive-thru meals. We quickly ran in and out of grocery stores in a hurry. People even wore gloves and masks. When they got home, they took off the clothes they wore and washed them right away. Our churches were closed. Online worshipping was the norm. “Social distancing” was the main theme. We had to stay away from closeness in public. Online connectedness was the best way to stay close to each other.

But, that C-Virus did something to us and for us. It brought us together as families and friends. Technology helped with that because we couldn’t go to each other’s homes. We were connected by the internet. Thank God for the internet. Thank God for our phones. Thank God for a wise President who led our Country to wholeness again. Now, there’s a vaccine that stops the spread of the virus and a vaccine that we can take to keep us from ever getting it. Once again, we are free to go about our lives and businesses and friendships.

We’ll never take full shelves and refrigerators at the grocery stores for granted. We’ll never take for granted: a crowded theater, going to church, the taste of communion, a routine check-up, the school rush each morning, the stadiums roaring, taking each breath deeply, the reasons for washing our hands many times a day.

And, my precious grandchild and great grandchild, just look at us now. We have so much to be grateful for. Like in the story of Joseph in the Bible -- "What the enemy meant for evil, God meant it for good." Genesis 50:20. That’s how we came out of our C-Virus nightmare. God turned all of the chaos into so much beauty because we became more like the people we wanted to be, called to be, hoped to be and just look at us now. We are so much better because of the worst. God brought neighbors back together again. Our family units were restored. We ate together as a family. We slowed down our lives and appreciated what mattered most. Most of all, we learned that it is God who changed everything for us. We humbled ourselves, we turned from our wicked ways and we surrendered to His will and His ways. We trusted Him more than our money and our material possessions. We prayed. We cried out to Him and He heard our prayers and He healed our lands and our people. I'm so thankful I went through that experience so that I can tell you that living for Jesus, loving Him with all my heart and trusting Him kept me strong enough to tell you about it.
I love you so, so much, my beloved grands!
Nana

Making the Most of this Day

I burst out of my cocoon to fly a little today. It feels so good. I am on a mission. Get toilet paper. I have inside info. Walmart’s truck will be here at 10 am. I am in line for my one-only big package of TP and paper towels. Mission accomplished! Woohoo! Next, I go to my church’s smaller chapel to pray. Oh, the sweet peace that welcomes me. I am all by myself with Jesus. How sweet it is. Soon others join me from a distance. Notice the “social distancing” we are provided – numbered locations on the pews. I listen for God’s voice. I write in my journal what I hear. It’s His still small voice. I am in the temple like Hannah in the Bible was -- crying out to God for a son and a son was born to her. I am in the temple crying out for healing for our world. The same God who answered Hannah’s prayers, is He Who will answer our prayers too.

After prayer time, I head over to the beautiful cemetery behind my church. No problem with social distancing there. Lots of folks “in” there (literally) and no pandemic worries there! A friend told me she goes there often for a walk. And as she said, it makes for some eye-opening and heart-stirring moments for me. Many subtle reminders that this life is just temporary, so we best be making the most of every day. What takes me by surprise are the beautiful engraved stoned edifices of the mausoleums. PEACE is the theme on the four sides of one: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled. Neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” “Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing whom to thank” and “May the love of friends give you comfort. May the love of God give you peace.” How’s that for hearing from God? PEACE – that is what we need most during these times. I breathed in that peace.

Lastly, I make my way to another Walmart to buy groceries for my cousins who are a few years older than me and are staying homebound. What a delight that I can serve them. And, bonus, while I am there, I hear “Our truck has arrived. Get in line at Aisle 31. We will hand-out one toilet paper package and one paper towel package!” SCORE!

It’s been a great day because I determined it to be one. Who would have thought I would recommend a cemetery for a nice walk and inspiration? The part of that cemetery that touches me the most are the tombstones of lives once lived: Older Pop-Pop and MiMaw gravesites, young soldiers and oh, the heart tugs I see, the one-year, six-year, and 19-year old sites. God gets my attention today. I’m living with as much gusto as I can – until my body joins them there and my spirit is with God eternally.

Today holds as much mystery as it did yesterday. We don’t know what tomorrow holds no more than we know what this hour will hold. And that’s true whether the C-virus is here or not. But we do know the One Who does know. And He promises that He is right here with us. That He will not leave us or forsake us. And right here, right now, is where we are supposed to be – secure in His everlasting, unfailing love.

As I text my kids this morning and say this to them, I say it to you today: "It’s a perfect time for embracing each other. Maybe God called for this for all of us. To focus on what is most important in our lives.” I love you all so much. You are so important to me. I lift you, your loved ones and all that is important to you today to our loving Father. He sees. He knows. He cares. He has great plans for your lives. Hold on tightly to His unchanging hands. And, maybe go for a stroll in your nearby cemetery. You might find peace and inspiration waiting for you there like I did.

SPECIAL MID-DAY EDITION of MyPeaceZone.Com

Unlike my early (before 6 am) posts each day, I just read this article and felt I MUST post it now. I’ve heard Christians say: “I have faith. No fear here. I don’t need to social distance myself.” I, too, have complete faith in my Lord. I quote scriptures consistently about faith and not having a spirit of fear. But, I also want to obey the laws of my land. Romans 13:1-2 says: "Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow."

Today, I ran across an article from March 16th, 2020 with this title: “Martin Luther actually had some good coronavirus advice back in 1527.” I think we all can draw wisdom from it:

“Back in 1527, a deadly plague hit Martin Luther’s town of Wittenberg and he wrote a letter to a friend explaining how churches should deal with such complicated circumstances. Sure, science has progressed immensely in the last 500 years and we know way more about infectious diseases than we did back then, but the heart of his words still ring true.

“Use medicine; take potions which can help you; fumigate house, yard, and street; shun persons and places wherever your neighbor does not need your presence or has recovered, and act like a man who wants to help put out the burning city,” Luther advised. “What else is the epidemic but a fire which instead of consuming wood and straw devours life and body?”

We have a better understanding of medicine, “potions” and the value of fumigation but Luther’s advice about loving your community by avoiding going out is just as pertinent today.
The scientific consensus is that “social distancing”, staying home and avoiding crowds is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus and help those who are most vulnerable. But Luther knew that as Christians, even these precautions have their limits. “If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely, as stated above,” he wrote. “See, this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”

In other words, be smart. Use discernment. Protect your community by staying in but if someone needs help, remember the Gospel’s call to assist those in need. That may look different for everyone but we can all do something: Call an isolated friend who might be lonely. Check-in on elderly neighbors and family members. Don’t hoard groceries and supplies. Be generous with extra income, remembering that many people will be suffering financially in the coming days. Support medical professionals through prayer and respect of their advice and guidelines.

And most of all, remember that though the war on the coronavirus is one that can be won through wisdom and science, we protect our bodies and the health of our communities through social distancing and self-isolation. We battle not against flesh and blood, but spiritual forces that want to strip us of peace and replace it with fear.

Luther wrote: ”In closing, we admonish and plead with you in Christ’s name to help us with your prayers to God so that we may do battle with word and precept against the real and spiritual pestilence of Satan in his wickedness with which he now poisons and defiles the world.”

May God's wisdom, abiding by the laws of our land with His armor about us, and “loving our neighbors as ourselves” be our mission.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day – Why I Love the Cross

Amidst all our attention to the C-virus, I want to give attention to the cross of our Savior who took on all our sins and diseases. Now, we can profess the Apostle Peter's words and claim them as true for us: "He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24)

I treasure this Celtic cross. It is said that the Celtic cross was introduced by St Patrick, who was attempting to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. Some of the pagans worshiped the sun, so Patrick combined the Christian cross with the circular pattern of the sun as a way to associate light and life with the Christian cross in the minds of his converts.

My husband loved St. Patrick and his heart for evangelization. St. Patrick was his patron saint (a saint who intercedes for you). He wore this Celtic cross most all the time. Today, it’s one of my treasured possessions. I wear it often. I’m wearing it today as a reminder of St. Patrick’s and my husband’s love for Christ. I’m also wearing green and having my own St. Paddy’s Day celebration and having sweet memories -- especially those of St. Patrick whose great faith changed the lives of so many.

St. Patrick was born A.D. 389 in England. At 16, was kidnapped and sold as a slave in Ireland. Six years later he escaped and returned home to Britain, but became burdened for the spiritual condition of the Irish. He returned to their land as a missionary for 30 years where he established more than 200 churches and led more than 100,000 to faith in Christ. He used the 3-leaf shamrock to explain the Trinity. His death on March 17, 461 is remembered each year as St. Patrick’s Day.

Here we are – still reeling with all the concerns of the coronavirus. Most of us staying confined to our “safe place”. Can you imagine what must have gone through Patrick’s mind when he heard the Lord’s call to return to the land where he was once a slave? Instead of running to his safe place, he followed God’s plan for his life. And, isn’t that exactly what we are called to do?

Listen to how utterly consumed St. Patrick was in his relationship with God in his Breastplate Prayer: ”I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me, God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise. Christ in the heart of everyone one who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. I arise today through His mighty strength.” That prayer tells me St. Patrick wanted to be consumed by God!

And, that’s what I believe would provide 100% protection from any plague or disease. If we became saturated – through and through with Christ, and His precious blood that He shed for you and me, then we would be invincible and impenetrable.

St. Patrick boldly listened to God’s call for his life and achieved so much for God’s glory. His witness, his prayers, and his example should be celebrated today. This blog and the green I wear today honors him and honors the God he served. I’m in good company with him because I also desire to be consumed by Christ. St. Patrick’s prayer is my prayer, too!

Prayer is the Key and Faith Unlocks the Door

Prayer is the Key and Faith Unlocks the Door
I defer my writings to this beautiful prayer today -- the day our President declared it to be a National Day of Prayer. May we pray it with complete faith and trust in our God -- with Whom nothing is impossible:
🙏🙏🙏Prayer for the Coronavirus Epidemic Crisis🙏🙏🙏
LORD JESUS, we ask you to protect us from the coronavirus. You are powerful and merciful; let this be our prayer -

🙏🏻 “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (Ps‬alm ‭57:1‬)

JEHOVAH SHALOM, Lord of Peace, we remember those living in coronavirus hotspots and those currently in isolation. May they know your presence in their isolation, your peace in their turmoil and your patience in their waiting. Prince of Peace, you are powerful and merciful; let this be their prayer.

🙏🏻 “May your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of Your name.” ‭‭(Psalm‬ ‭79:8)

GOD OF ALL COMFORT AND COUNSEL, we pray for those who are grieving because of this virus, reeling from the sudden loss of loved-ones. May they somehow know Your fellowship in their suffering, Your comfort in their loss, and Your hope in their despair. We name before you those known to us who are vulnerable and scared - the frail, the sick and the elderly. [pause] We also remember those doctors, pastors and family-members who are caring for all such people right now. God of all Comfort, You are powerful and merciful; may this be our prayer.

🙏🏻 “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us.” ‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:10‬)

JEHOVAH RAPHA, God who heals, we pray for all medical professionals dealing daily with the intense added pressures of this crisis. Grant them resilience in weariness, discernment in diagnosis, and compassion upon compassion as they care. We thank You for the army of researchers cooperating towards a cure - give them clarity, serendipity and breakthroughs we pray. Rise Sun of righteousness, above this present darkness with healing in Your rays. You are powerful and merciful; may this be our prayer.

🙏🏻 “Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.” (Jeremiah‬ ‭32:17‬)

GOD OF ALL WISDOM, we pray for our leaders - the WHO and national governments, and local leaders too - heads of schools, hospitals and other institutions. Since you have positioned these people in public service for this hour, we ask You to grant them wisdom beyond their own wisdom to contain this virus, faith beyond their own faith to fight this fear, and strength beyond their own strength to sustain vital institutions through this time of turmoil. God of all Wisdom and Counsel, you are powerful and merciful; may this be our prayer.

🙏🏻 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” (Ps‬alm ‭46:1-2‬)

“Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” ‭‭(Ps‬alm ‭91:3-7‬)

🙏🏻 “Answer me when I call to You, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm‬ ‭4:1‬)

May El Shaddai, the Lord God Almighty who loves you protect you. May Jesus Christ, His Son who died for you save you. And may the Holy Spirit who broods over the chaos and fills your life with peace, intercede for you and in you for others at this time.

🙏🏻 “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy‬ ‭4:18‬)
(Thursday, March 12 2020 by Pete Greig/24-7 Prayer)

An Old Story That Can Bring Us Hope

It’s in almost every conversation. We can’t help it. The effects of the coronavirus are certainly beyond any plague or disease pandemic that I have seen or heard of in my life. I mean – a pandemic that is causing businesses to send their people home to work virtually; causing schools to shut down and children being homeschooled; causing families to store up extra food and supplies – just in case. In fact, in my own world, a group of 38 women are having to meet through teleconferencing. At the hospital where I volunteer, they’ve suspended volunteering until this crisis is over. In my morning text to my kids, I apprised them that the news says “the elderly (70 and above) should be checked on regularly to be sure we’re okay”. My reply to that is “Watch me defy the odds”. I have no fear.

This pandemic is nothing to make jokes about. People are alarmed and are filled with anxiety. Again, I look at scripture that shows us how to deal with the fear of impending danger. This is the perfect time for us to refresh our memory on how Scripture navigates perils, plagues and pandemics. My mind rushes back to serving at Vacation Bible School last summer.

The whole theme was around the exodus of God’s people from Egypt. But before the exodus, ten plagues were inflicted on Egypt by God to force wicked Pharaoh to let His people, the Israelites, go and be freed from slavery. I loved watching the VBS children acting out the various plagues. God answered Pharaoh’s taunts by saying “The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” (Exodus 7:5) Eventually, the Israelites were released and started walking towards the Red Sea. If you saw “The Ten Commandments” movie, the scene that stands out the most is Charlton Heston as Moses, lifting his rod over the waters commanding them to open up. And open up, they did, enabling millions of Israelites to cross over on dry land – but closing up over the Egyptians and killing them all. God provided a way of escape. And He has a way of escape in mind for us in this crisis – those who are professed children of God who know Christ as our Lord and Savior.

What we can easily miss are the details of this story. What is it like to pack up everything you own – your children, your possessions, your livestock to go to an unknown land? What’s it like to wonder if you might lose it all? Sounds like a good parallel to this virus that is seeping across the world and has reached our shores, and we don’t know how treacherous it’s going to be. God is calling us to continue marching forward with a diligence of conquering and overcoming while being very health-smart – following all the rules of washing our hands and staying away from crowds as much as possible.

Waiting well in the face of our anxiety about a coming danger means taking seriously the reality of the danger. Our God takes our lives and our sufferings very seriously, and “He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone” because He cares for us and for the things we care for and He shows compassion – so great is His unfailing love (Lamentations 3:32-33).

In the midst of the clamor, may we pour out our anxieties to our Father in Heaven. May we not allow our hearts to panic over school closings, travel plans, economic downturns, or the potentially infected surfaces we’ve touched! When we are afraid, we turn to Him. We cast our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us. In fact, we can allow handwashing or rubbing on hand sanitizer to become a moment we consciously entrust ourselves and the future of everyone we care about into His hands.

So we do wash our hands, and do what is wise about working from home, or calling our doctor. But we don’t let ourselves forget where our true safety lies. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but we do know the One Who parts raging seas and blocks its flow with His blood-soaked cross!

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you;my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.“

(Thank you, CCEF -- Christian Counseling Educational Foundation for some of your excerpts included in this blog.)

We Have Nothing to Fear Except Fear Itself

That was a line from Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Inaugural Address in 1933. But are FDR's words true, especially when we hear about the coronavirus more each day? No question -- if we only thought, read, studied and listened to the news about it, we could seriously get ourselves into a world of fear.

I loved hanging with my #4 grandson (in order of ages), my #3 grandson and #1 granddaughter the last couple of days. #4, Brennan, from Austin, is here as his school is closed because of the coronavirus outbreak, and next week is Spring break for him. Word has it that officials from his school are already talking about home-schooling. He loves that idea!

In the midst of the chaos, we are having intelligent family discussions about the pandemic. Most of the discussions are about “having no fear” because we have been inoculated with God’s Holy Word. Jesus said this in John 14: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; also, trust in Me.”

But how can we trust, if we really don’t know what the Bible says? It’s time to get to the equipping station to power up on God’s Word. Look at what Psalm 91:1-16 says:

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you FROM DEADLY DISEASE. He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the DISEASE that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; NO PLAGUE will come near your home. For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Those are words direct from Heaven Central. God ALWAYS presents reasons for us to TRUST in His sovereignty and power to keep us in peace when everything else in the world screams out for us to FEAR. Reality tells us that so much of what we spend our time worrying about never even happens. Living under the weight of the "what if's" is a hard place to dwell.

I struggled with fear and worry for years -- so much so that I developed acute colitis. My amazing Christian doctor coached me to healing by giving me the prescription of taking God's Word into my heart and meditating on it, when anxiety would come up. And, I did. I learned to call on the Prince of Peace (Jesus) to give me peace. Through time, I began to find that the things that once would have sent me down a spiral of fear, no longer had the same effect. I read words of life and truth like those above. I soaked them in, prayed them out loud, until they became so familiar, they replaced the other things in my mind that I had battled against.

Change happened. Anxious thoughts began to diminish. Worry let go of its constant grip. God's words became "life" words, soothing to my soul, calming my spirit, giving power to my days. It wasn't always easy, and it often came down to a choice. Choosing not to allow fear and anxiety to control my life. Choosing to guard my heart. Choosing to focus my mind on what is truth in the midst of uncertainty.

We are living in times when we can rationalize that it’s okay to be afraid, but not according to God’s Word. When we feel out of control and not able to make sense of it all, we can rest assured that God is IN control and already has a plan for keeping us safe and sound. .If FEAR has you in its grip, I urge you to take the same prescription that Dr. Gregory gave me. Over and over again, as many times a day as you can -- take God's Word in, speak it, pray it, meditate on it and be healed.

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, 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.”

PEACE be with you!

Whatever the Mind can Conceive and Believe, it can Achieve

Napoleon Hill authored that quote. I know it's true. This blog comes from the incessant, but, I know, necessary, talk about the coronavirus. From the negative reports, the fears, concerns for the well-being of lives, there is really no place to hide. I loved these words from a pastor: “Wherever we are on earth, we have no rocket ship to escape this outcry or a home so insulated from peril of any kind, but we CAN put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6). God is our “shield”. The plague will not come to our homes; His blood on the doors of our heart shelters us from harm.” (Psalm 91)

My cousin posted this: "At last night's prayer gathering it was mentioned that the word "corona" in coronavirus means crown. This is a quote from a devotional from National Men's Ministries of The General Council of the Assemblies of God: "Health is the crown on a well man's head that only a sick person can see." Standing on the promise of Jeremiah 33:6: "Look, I will bring health and healing. I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security."

There is pure power in our thoughts. What we think about long enough, will actually come to pass – be it a fear of something or a dream of conquering and winning at something. But why is that? How is that the mere concept of something, held in the forefront of our minds, can be brought to fruition through persistent thinking about it over time? God always has an answer for questions like this.

I remember all the talk about polio and tuberculosis when I was a young child. I didn’t grasp what it was all about, but it sounded scary based on the concern in my mom and dad’s voices when I heard them talking about it and how those awful diseases had attacked some of their friends. I could tell that worry and concern had entered into my little corner of the world.

The fact is illness and disease has always been a part of our world. Blame that on the enemy of our souls who comes to “kill, steal and destroy”. Think about the awful plague of leprosy in the Bible that cruelly destoryed people’s lives and families and excommunicated them from their homes and towns. But, Jesus. All of those diseases then, and now, didn’t and don’t phase God. John 10:10 says “The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy, but I (Jesus) came to give you abundant life.” Doesn’t that bring comfort – especially when we conceive it, believe it, and achieve that abundant life?

If we are living in fear about the flu, the coronavirus, cancer, the common cold, heart failure, a pimple or acne, then we better, sooner than later, start getting our thinking right. Go back to that beginning thought “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” I hear people saying all the time “I think I’m catching a cold.” But, when we talk that talk, we aren’t aligning ourselves with the truth of God's Word. "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.( 2 Timothy 1:7). God says: “Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Me!” (Isaiah 26:3). Proverbs 23:7 “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” There is a remedy for going rogue in our thinking. The Bible makes it clear that our thinking and our hearts are linked together. What we think, affects our heart, soul and body. Likewise, the condition of our heart, soul and body affects our thinking.

The coronavirus is showing us what we should have known all along: we are mortals in desperate need of God. We need God’s protection in the present and His saving grace for eternity. One way God wants to redeem this pandemic is by using it to turn us to Himself. We need to pray for the sick – those around the world and even here in the U.S. This unprecedented threat is an unprecedented opportunity for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s point others to Jesus – the Great Healer Who changes not. “He is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). I am one of those who has been healed by His miracle-working power. I’m proof positive that there is nothing to fear because Jesus is still here!

My User Manual & My Daily Medicine Dose

From TVs to cars, most everything we purchase these days come with user manuals. For most of us, we rarely read the user manual until something breaks down or isn’t working properly. But, then, we don’t even go to the manual first, we google our issue and find the answer there.

Today, I’m talking about my personal User Manual. It’s the Bible. It’s not just another book on the book shelf that we pick up once, read a little of it, and then be done. It’s not like other books we read and maybe read it a second time because it was such a good story. The Bible is our go-to book as a User Manual, as a daily source of inspiration that brings life to us. God’s Spirit inhabits God’s Word. He beckons us to sit in His presence and breathe in what we’re reading. If we would remember that everything in our lives hinges on God and His promises, then we can count on Him working in our lives. His purposes cannot be thwarted. Searching out His promises and setting our hearts on what He says to us, is truly how to "fix" what's wrong and make us right in every area of our lives.

Many people are in great fear about what tomorrow holds. The coronavirus, political voices, the negativity of the news, and all those fears that try to consume us every day. But I have a prescription for you that will cure you of all those ailments. I spoke to my women's group about the importance of taking this prescription daily in this illustration. I give it to you today from this medicine bottle. If I had the cure for stress and worry; for sadness, pain and guaranteed joy and peace and I kept it to myself, what kind of friend would I be? I do have the cure – and it’s found in the prescription of God’s Holy Word. It’s prescribed to "whoever" by Dr. Jesus. The supply is unlimited and the side effects are peace, joy, hope, love, patience, better health, abundant life and so much more.

I can't begin to tell you how many times I've read a scripture and I found the answer to my problem or question. I have daily “epiphanies” – aha moments from reading and soaking in God’s Word. In Luke 24, we read about two disciples who were sad and confused after the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus was walking with them on the Road to Emmaus, but they didn’t recognize Him. They invited Him to come home with them and in Luke 24:30-31 we read that the disciples’ eyes were opened after Jesus took the bread, broke it, and gave it to them to eat.

Jesus is OUR Bread of Life, the Living Word, and we are nourished by Him when we open the Holy Scriptures to feed on his truth. Ultimately, it is Christ who feeds us with spiritual nourishment through His Word, but we must choose to come to the table. It is Jesus who feeds us through His living, powerful, and active Word of truth, but we must choose to open the Bible and search its riches, expecting to hear from Him.

On the evening of Resurrection Sunday, it was the Scriptures—being illuminated to the disciples—that burned in their hearts. That same power exists in God’s eternal Word. Does it burn within your heart today?

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:11 “Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.”