Shelter In Place And Shelter In Him

April 1, 2020 Gracie

facing fear

Are you afraid of COVID-19?

It’s okay to admit it.

We’re human.

The isolation from our loved ones and friends is very difficult.

Every day we face rapidly changing news about the shocking spread of this cruel virus.

It’s understandable for anyone to be apprehensive at times.

The shelter-in-place mandate now covers the entire month of April.

People are still hoarding baby wipes, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.

The fear of the unknown looms above us like a black swirling tornado.

Why does it take so long to get a vaccine, and what is going to be in the ingredient list?

Why are some politicians and celebrities, and even a national news magazine laying blame at a time like this?

“That sure is helping!” said no one ever.

The seemingly nonstop news coverage, the lecturing, the virtual signaling, the branding of “the new normal” – all of it is frustrating.

I say turn it off and take a break from it during the day.

It’s okay to be tempted to fear, but please don’t stay in that gloomy mindset.

Complete Trust

Do you remember that encouraging Bible verse that goes like this,

“Trust in everything but the Lord with all your heart, and lean not . . .”

Whoaa stop! That’s fake and absolutely not how it goes.

Here’s the real verse, affirming God’s mercy and grace towards a sinful world.

Shelter In Place And Shelter In Him

Shelter in Place and Shelter in Him

Trust in the Lord!

God is absolutely ahead of Covid-19

He is still on His throne

He hears our prayers

If you find yourself on that dusty road to Emmaus today, and the circumstances in your life have left you confused and depressed, I have a word of counsel for you. Never assume God’s silence or apparent inactivity is evidence of His disinterest. Let me say it again. Feelings about His inaccessibility mean nothing! Absolutely nothing! His Word is infinitely more reliable than our spooky emotions. Rev. Reubin[sic] Welch, minister and author, once said, “With God, even when nothing is happening—something is happening.” It is true. The Lord is at work in His own unique way even when our prayers seem to echo back from an empty universe. – Dr. James Dobson.²

Remember the sparrow?

⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. ⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. – Luke 12:6-7, (NASB).³

you are more valuable than many sparrows

There’s a beautiful and beloved hymn written back in the 1800’s that I think applies perfectly here. The Christian vocal group, Selah, did an outstanding version of it.

I hope it blesses you as well during these uncertain times.

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² Dr. James Dobson quotation, courtesy of Dr. Dobson’s blog. “God Makes Sense Even When He Doesn’t Make Sense.” n.d., para. 15. Web. Accessed 25 March, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.drjamesdobson.org/blogs/dr-dobson-blog/dr-dobson-blog/2018/03/09/god-makes-sense-even-when-he-doesn’t-make-sense-part-1?sc=ALP

Our Exceptional God

Fear Not, Trust In God

March 25, 2020 Gracie

Fear Not, Trust In God

World on pause

Remember, dear friends, you are not alone.

“This too shall pass.”

Our entire world is on pause, waiting for concrete answers.

How do we stop this diabolical Coronavirus – which seems to prey, the majority of the time, on the weaker among us?

Yes, it is bad.

But, as Christians, we are to fear not, trust in God, and model these truths for those around us who have no hope.

We can pray for Holy Spirit guidance to reach out to those who are now open to hearing the gospel.

It’s easy to get consumed with talk about the latest updates and news about the Coronavirus. Much of that talk is good, and dissemination of information is healthy. But, in the midst of this pandemic, we lean on the fact that we have power through our words and through the Word of God to bring light in a challenging situation.¹ – Pastor Jerry Lawrence, courtesy Medi-Share blog.

Which Separation Is Worse?

The required six feet of separation from our neighbors and friends is bad enough.

It’s awkward and inconvenient, but from what the experts are telling us, it’s a necessary step to help flatten the curve.

We could be facing six feet of separation for the next couple of weeks or longer.

Hopefully not, but can you even imagine?

But, as startling as the spread of this virus is, what is even more sad are the numbers of people around us who have no hope and no trust.

Sadly, some of these people with weakened immune systems could die with no promise of eternal life.

Nothing compares to “eternal separation” from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Don’t Forget His Promises

Our trust is not in man.

We need to lean on God.

He is a Promise Keeper.

There will eventually be an end to all of this.

Last Sunday, my pastor quoted these words in his sermon:

Fear Not, Trust In God

Those words really stuck with me.

Actions Affect Outcomes

We must pray, and on that glorious day when this virus is stopped in its tracks, we must continue to pray and be grateful.

Remember after 9-11 when churches across America were packed?

It’s not that way now.

What happened?

life gets in the way

Life got in the way again, like it always does.

Life got in the way of our Heavenly Father.

People have put their faith second place to other distractions such as politics, their jobs, you name it . . .

When are we going to learn?

Atheist groups succeeded in removing His Most Holy Name from almost every aspect of our lives.

The majority of Christians during those actions stayed silent.

Did we think He wouldn’t notice?

We must humble ourselves as a nation before Almighty God.

God didn’t cause this evil, but He has allowed it.

Without Jesus, We Are A Lost People

So here we are, facing this evil virus with an N95 respiratory mask.

As a nation, here’s what we need on a bigger scale.

Jesus Christ.

Will this crisis spark a permanent revival in America?

I can only hope so.

Father, we pray for America with this Coronavirus, that has the potential to spread.

Lord, You’re bigger than this virus.

We’re praying that these numbers will start going down, not up.

We’re praying that anyone that has it would be healed.

And we’re praying that Lord we would not live in fear, but rather we would live in faith.

Give wisdom to Vice-President Pence and his team as they deal with this, help them to know what to do, when to do it, the steps to take, the practical.

But Lord, we don’t rely only on that.

We are prayerful, looking to You and knowing that You are God and that You love us. So hear our prayer Lord, answer our prayer.

We pray this together in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.² – Greg Laurie, Pastor, Bible teacher, and author.

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¹Pastor Jerry Lawrence quotation, courtesy of Medi-Share blog. “Finding Faith During Times Of Fear.” March 18, 2020. para.12. Web. Accessed 19 March, 2020.

²Pastor Greg Laurie prayer, “Thoughts on the Coronavirus Outbreak.” Online video clip. March 7, 2020. Web. Accessed 9 March, 2020.

Our Exceptional God

A March To Remember

March 16, 2020 Gracie

A March To Remember

Well, this certainly is a March to remember.

It’s in times of crisis like this when we see the best in people and sometimes, sadly, the worst.

The distractions, dire news reports, and frightening predictions are exactly what the devil wants.

Don’t let this coronavirus take your mind off of things above.

Nothing, and I mean nothing that happens on earth or anywhere in the entire universe, is a surprise to God.

a march to remember

God Has Not Forgotten Us!

God blesses us in so many ways. Look back over your life and remember those times of unbridled joy that you’ve had.

Be thankful.

We know that as Christians we will face trials of many kinds, but we aren’t alone.

Don't Panic, Pray

We’re all in this together, no matter how long it takes.

You are loved.

God has not forgotten us!

A Blessing For You Today

A few days ago, I read this daily blessing by Christian author, Susie Larson. I contacted her and she graciously allowed me to share it with you.

It’s called, “Don’t Panic, Pray.”

Please don’t lose heart.

Daily Blessing

May you be highly discerning in the days ahead! May you know when to shore up your faith and stand firm, and, when to hide under the shadow of God’s wing. It’s the world’s way to react in fear and self-preservation.
God calls us to something much higher, more powerful, and divinely insightful. While people are running scared, you walk in faith. People will notice and take their cues from you. While the fearful think only of themselves, you think of others and show the world real love and clarity. While the news media adds to the chaos, you add to the calm. Be a reflection of God’s peace and faithful presence on the earth. The world needs your influence, especially in such a day. Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.
Esther 4:14 ~ For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” – Christian author, Susie Larson.¹

Our Sovereign Lord

We love you, Lord

and bow to Your Sovereignty

over all things, even when we don’t understand.

If you think this post may encourage someone else, please feel free to share.

God bless.

# # #

¹Daily Blessing, courtesy of Susie Larson, “Don’t Panic, Pray.” 3-09-20. Web. Accessed 11 March, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.susielarson.com/

Our Exceptional God

Wonderfully Made

March 11, 2020 Gracie

What comes to mind when you think of a worm?

Yuck, right?

A creepy-crawly, I-don’t-want-to-step-on-one, icky creature.

Did you know that some people even eat worms?

I know, crazy right?

Take the silkworm, for instance.

If you live in South Korea (and a few other places), you can order your silkworms boiled or steamed.

I won’t show a picture because . . . gross.

But, before you go thinking that every species of worm is ugly, have you ever seen a picture of a Christmas Tree worm?

In my opinion, these beauties defy all worm definitions.

They’re like the “Cinderellas” of worm species.

Photo courtesy of Nick Hobgood¹

Christmas Tree Worms come in a variety of colors too . . . just like the human race.

Photo courtesy of Nick Hobgood²

If you ask me, God’s creation paints a wondrous picture of the magnitude of His love for us. Everything He created is perfect, and beautiful in its own way.

We don’t always understand the purpose for some of these created things, but we’re not God.

God knows, and that’s all that really matters.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

So much love, but what does God hate?

All of our sins are ugly, it doesn’t matter what we look like on the outside.

God hates our sin.

“Sin is not just breaking God’s laws; it is breaking His heart.” – Adrian Rogers, pastor/author.³

But, God.

²³For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23, (NASB).⁴

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Through faith in our salvation through Jesus Christ alone, we are transformed into “new creations.”

¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17, (NASB).⁵

As Christians believing in the atoning work of Jesus Christ, we are new creations – how amazing is that?!

We will face many challenges in this rapidly changing world, but God alone will change what’s ugly inside our hearts into something beautiful – a transformed heart.

It happens every day, and all of heaven rejoices.

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¹ Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, 30 July, 2006. “Spirobranchus giganteus Red and White Christmas Tree Worm.” By Nick Hobgood – Own work, [CC BY-SA 3.0, (https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51941881)]

² Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, 2 October, 2005. “Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) from East Timor.” By Nick Hobgood – Own work, [CC BY-SA 3.0, (https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51941881)]

³ Adrian Rogers quotation, as quoted from Christian quotes.info

Our Exceptional God

Turn Your Frown Upside Down

March 4, 2020 Gracie

How To Turn Your Frown Upside Down

Okay, who else besides me is getting tired of political commercials on TV?

I am so tired of them.

Where is that TV remote?

But enough about that.

Let’s talk about us.

I have one easy way right now to turn your frown upside down.

I’m talking about that beautiful curve around your mouth that reaches upwards on your face to become a smile.

Turn your frown upside down The video below made me smile!

Sidewalk Prophets New Song, “Smile”

Have you heard the song, “Smile” by Sidewalk Prophets?

I love this song because it’s about choosing joy. . . choosing joy in a difficult world that desperately needs to turn back to God.

Have a listen.

Encouraging lyrics that affirm the truth that God has a bigger plan for all of us who put our faith in Him.

The fun video to “match” is a bonus.

That was a ping pong pun, by the way and some fancy alliteration 🙂

Here’s how one fan describes Sidewalk Prophets: “These guys are down to earth, friendly, have a passion to serve God with all their heart, soul and mind, and just love interacting with their fans.”

I may not always succeed, depending on the circumstances, but I’d rather choose joy, every day.

Real contentment must come from within. You and I cannot change or control the world around us, but we can change and control the world within us. – Warren Wiersbe, International Bible teacher/author.¹

Sidewalk Prophets

*Photo credit, courtesy Sidewalk Prophets, December 11, 2019 on Facebook

The Sidewalk Prophets, originally from Indiana, have been around for almost twenty years now. From the very beginning, their sound has attracted a growing number of fans earning the band a win at the 2010 Dove Awards for Best New Artist of the Year.

The Band – made up of David Frey (lead vocalist), Daniel Macal (lead guitar), Blake Bratton (keyboard, hammered dulcimer), Cal Johnson (bass), and Justin Nace (drums) – is still going strong.

“Smile” released by Curb|Word Records, has garnered over 500,000 views on their YouTube Channel. Over 11,000 members belong to their Facebook fan page. Large numbers but, even so, they are described in more than one reference as a “great big family.”

Authentically sharing Christ. Creatively inspiring Hope. Joyfully making everyone feel like someone.
– Sidewalk Prophets, contemporary Christian band.²

Sidewalk Prophets Come To The Table

Two years ago, Sidewalk Prophets released the song “Come To The Table.” It’s one of my favorites, and the video is meaningful too.

Beautiful words that speak truth.

“Come join the sinners who have been redeemed,
Take your place beside the Savior” – Song lyrics, Come to The Table.”³

Sidewalk Prophets Tour 2020

There’s good news for Sidewalk Prophets’ fans.

Their 2020 Smile Tour schedule kicked off two days ago in Nevada. The dates reveal a 15-city run, including stops in California, Tennessee, and more.

The Band’s new album, “The Things That Got Us Here,” releases May 20, 2020.

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¹ Warren Wiersbe quotation, as quoted from Christian quotes.info
²Sidewalk Prophets quotation, courtesy of Sidewalk Prophets pages, “Bio.” n.d., para. 15. Web. Accessed 2 March, 2020. Retrieved from https://bible.org/seriespage/psalm-46-our-sufficient-god.
³ Song lyrics courtesy of Metrolyrics.com.

Our Exceptional God

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