Our Security During COVID-19

March 28, 2020

Within the past few weeks, our lives have changed dramatically. The coronavirus or COVID-19 has impacted society at every level. It’s brought anxiety, confusion, illness, death and financial distress throughout our nation and the world.

How do we resist becoming isolated, fearful, discouraged, and frustrated during these times?

Isolation:

Television and radio entertain and keep us up to date with helpful news (as well as the junk we don’t need). Fortunately, we have access to a variety of technological means to keep us in touch with one another. Beyond telephones, texting, and emails, there is a myriad of social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, etc. to help keep up to date with each other. Other tools such as Face Time, Zoom, Marco Polo, etc. provide visual and audible means of connecting professionally and personally.

Fear:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:1

“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.

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.”

Psalms 91:2,4-6

“fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

2 Timothy 1:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1Peter 5:7

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God;”

Psalm 46:10

Discouragement, and Frustration:

Roy Lessin has generously allowed me to share from his devotional Meet Me in the Meadow.

From August 3.

“God has not made the earth and abandoned it. He has not retreated somewhere in the universe and gone into hiding. He is today where He has always been, on His throne. God sees all things, knows all things, and is all-powerful. God is all in all. He is above all. Nothing is above Him or equal to Him. There is no king or ruler that has more authority than God; there is no political figure that has more influence than God; there is no nation that has more control than God. No one can out-think Him, or out-smart Him. He is God Almighty. He has all authority in heaven and earth. His enemies are under His feet. He reigns and rules. He is the majesty on High.”

Meanwhile, we can

Pray:

For all medical providers, first responders, and all service industries serving on the front lines.

For our families, friends, and neighbors.

For our nation and the world.

For our government and spiritual leaders

For revival in our land

“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves

and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

Give:

If possible, be generous with others in service and or provision.

Encourage others who are even more isolated.

If able, donate blood since there’s a shortage.

Clothe ourselves spiritually:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:11-18

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August 4, 2016

Our Security Comes From God

I find myself shaking my head a lot lately. With everything that is going on in our nation, whether it is a society bent on violence, this strange political season, the loss of long-held beliefs, values, and even our basic freedoms, it is easy to become discouraged, fearful, and cynical. But that is not how God has called us to respond. He wants us to pray for our nation and to look beyond the circumstances and trust Him.

I’ve shared before that I enjoy reading several devotionals along with the Bible. One of those devotionals is Meet Me in the Meadow by Roy Lessin. And he has generously allowed me to share some of his work.

From August 3^rd

“God has not made the earth and abandoned it. He has not retreated somewhere in the universe and gone into hiding. He is today where He has always been, on His throne. God sees all things, knows all things, and is all-powerful. God is all in all. He is above all. Nothing is above Him or equal to Him. There is no king or ruler that has more authority than God; there is no political figure that has more influence than God; there is no nation that has more control than God. No one can out-think Him, or out-smart Him. He is God Almighty. He has all authority in heaven and earth. His enemies are under His feet. He reigns and rules. He is the majesty on High.”

“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; the scepter of Thy kingdom is a right scepter.”

-Psalm 45:6 KJV-

“God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of His holiness.”

Psalm 47:8 KJV

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So I’ll work harder at keeping my focus on the Lord and not be anxious about the craziness that is going on in our country and the world.

“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 KJV

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

Proverbs 29:25 ESV

“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.”

John 14:27 ESV

“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 NIV

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1Peter 5:7

And I will continue to pray for our nation.

March 7, 2014

Is Your Dream Part of God’s Plan?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13

We all have dreams; some even go back as far as our childhood. If you think back, perhaps yours were to be a fireman, doctor, nurse, lawyer, astronaut, entertainer, musician, teacher, or something else. Those dreams often change as we mature, and are often influenced by others, or our own circumstances and can include marriage, children, and other life choices.

Our culture can color our values and our dreams, causing us place too much importance on affluence, fame, influence, power, or popularity, and that can leave us feeling very dissatisfied.

Some dreams are fulfilled, others not, and occasionally they take a long time to be realized. After many years of not always aligning my hopes to God’s plans, I discovered that when my dreams and God’s plans were in agreement, the results were blessings.

“Take delight in the Lord,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4

One example from my own life occurred in the mid 90’s when, after sixteen years of being a stay at home mom, I needed to return to work. My previous career in the banking and mortgage lending arena was not one I wished resume. My new dream, when the time came for me to again seek employment, was to serve in ministry. I had been involved in Community Bible Study (CBS) classes for about ten years. CBS is a national ministry with hundreds of classes throughout the US, and an international ministry with classes in many nations. In 1995, when the time came for me to re-enter the workforce, I was able to get a job at their national/international office ― their only office ― 10 miles from my home. My dream and God’s plans were in agreement, the result brought numerous blessings.

“for it is God who works in you to will and to act

in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Philippians 2:13

I have shared previously my appreciation for the way Roy Lessin expresses timeless truths. Here are some of his gems from his online devotional Meet Me In The Meadow Our Dreams or God’s Desires:

“It is important for all of us, as followers of Jesus Christ, not to confuse human dreams with God’s desires, direction, and will for our lives. Our dreams, compared to God’s desires and purposes, can be very different and we need to understand those differences:

~ Human dreams can be based upon fantasies;

God’s desires for us are based upon reality and truth.

~ Human dreams can be born out of self-interests;

God’s desires for us are based upon His will.

~ Human dreams can focus on what is pleasing to us;

God’s desires for us will focus on what is pleasing to Him.

~ Human dreams can become the most important thing to us;

God’s desires for us make Him and His ways the most important things to us.

~ Human dreams can focus on our self-significance;

God’s desires for us focus on His glory.

~ Human dreams can place us at the center of our thoughts;

God’s desires for us place Him at the center of our hearts.

~ Human dreams can be looked upon as the key to our happiness;

God’s desires for us cause us to look to Him as the source of our joy.

~ Human dreams can bring discontentment when they are not fulfilled;

God’s desires and will for us do not disappoint.

As we delight ourselves in the Lord, His desires will become our desires, and we can trust in Him to fulfill them in His time and in His perfect way.”

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power that is at work within us,”

Ephesians 3:20 NIV

I have some dreams I am still waiting to be fulfilled. What big dream are you waiting for?

Used with Roy Lessin’s permission from:

Meet Me In The Meadow Devotional Online, “Our Dreams or God’s Desires – Part 1 and 2.” http://www.meetmeinthemeadow.com/2013/07/our-dreams-or-gods-desires-part-1-of-2/

http://www.meetmeinthemeadow.com/2013/07/our-dreams-or-gods-desires-part-2-of-2/

August 14, 2013August 22, 2013

What Devotionals Are You Reading?

Do you have a favorite on-line or hard copy devotional?

I have quite a few favorites, but one devotion writer that has lasted the test of time is Roy Lessin. Over the years, he has written a wealth of books, but he may be even more widely known for his association with DaySpring Cards. His cards cover a variety of topics and can be found in most stores that carry a selection of Christian cards.

At Christmastime in particular, I like to peruse the card aisle looking for just the right cards to send friends and family. His messages inevitably bring me to tears. Whether on his cards or in his books, his devotions are thought provoking, insightful, heartfelt and always tied to the Scriptures.

I receive his online devotionals which I often print so I can enjoy them repeatedly. http://www.meetmeinthemeadow.com/

A recent post of Roy’s provides an excellent roadmap for traveling through life when your destination is heaven.

Traveling The Highway to Heaven

One of the ways you can think about your journey from earth to heaven is to imagine it as a road trip you are taking in a car. Here are a few things to remember as you travel along the highway…

1. Obey the signs.

“With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments.” Psalm 119:10

2. Keep the tank full.

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,” Ephesians 5:18

3. Clean the windows.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

4. It’s okay to give someone a lift.

“and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25

5. Take advantage of all the rest stops.

“And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)” Mark 6:31

6. Check the cell phone for updated messages.

“Your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

7. Know how to get a hold of roadside assistance.

“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.” Psalm 91:15

8. Welcome the miles you spend with a passenger. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;” Romans 12:10

9. Don’t be surprised if the road makes an unexpected turn. Acts 10:13-20

10. Always remember the purpose of the trip and your final destination.

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

Used with Roy Lessin’s permission http://www.meetmeinthemeadow.com/2013/07/traveling-the-highway-to-heaven/