COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prayer for Provision

About two months ago governments world-wide declared mandatory stay-at-home and work stoppage to try and halt COVID-19 virus infections and deaths. The strategy may be working but, for many people, not going to work means not getting a paycheck and not having the basic needs for living. Food is running out and bills are overdue, and some even worry they may not have a job when things stabilize.

GOD’s people shouldn’t worry, but we can and do. With the numerous unknowns you’re facing all at once, you may be severely tested in this area, unless you slam on the anxiety breaks, and make a hard turn-around.

So, take a minute, quiet the noise in your head and listen to your heart instead. Your Heavenly Father is speaking to you: Be still and know that I’m (still) GOD!! Instead of worrying come talk to me. Not because I need to be told what I already know, but so that you could be remind yourself that I do know and that I am able to act on your behalf; that you could be at ease within yourself.

So, let’s pray! Tell GOD what you need in His own WORDS! (Genesis 22:14, Psalm 23:1-2, Psalm 34:8-10, Psalm 118:17, Jeremiah 29:11, Luke 6:38, Philippians 4:6-7, Philippians 4:19)

My Father and my GOD, you are Jehovah Jireh, my Provider! In faith I am standing upon Your Name and its promise to supply all of my needs according to Your plenteous riches. You are the Good Shepherd and you take care of all your sheep so we lack nothing. Your WORD says that I do not have to worry about anything but I should pray and ask for whatever I need. Father, I need food, shelter and all resources and means to sustain my family today and for our future. Give me also a restful spirit and peace so I can focus on being the body of Christ and reach out to others who also have needs of resources, encouragement and comfort. Father, your desire is that I give out of my own need, and when I do you will ensure that my gift will be returned to me in abundance. I am reminded that you saved me in CHRIST JESUS to fulfill your plan for my life which I can only do because your provision enables me to – spiritually and physically. LORD, I have tasted your goodness and I stand in awe of all that you have already done in my life. Thank you! Forgive me for forgetting that you are always a safe place and a refuge – I will not die but I will live to testify of all that you have done. All glory, dominion, power and glory belong to you, now and forevermore!  Amen!

Resurrection Sunday: JESUS Is Alive and So Are We!

The resurrection of the crucified CHRIST is unique to Christianity.

Although, Resurrection Sunday has become synonymous with the Easter Spring solstice celebration, there is no Biblical connection. The rituals and symbols associated with Easter – bunnies, decorated eggs and egg hunts, etc., have no bearing on the Resurrection whatsoever.

CHRIST raised from the dead is the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy recorded in Scripture, as far back as Genesis 3:15. It’s GOD’s promise of salvation, new life and an eternal home in Heaven for those who believe by faith. (John 3:16-17, Romans 10:9-10)

JESUS, came to earth as GOD incarnate (John 1:1,14), to atone for the sins of mankind. You may have it said that LOVE held JESUS on the cross, not the stakes that Roman executioners drove into his hands and feet. This unique and perfect LOVE restores our broken relationship with the Father and gives you and me a new life that’s different from the rest of the world.

Rejoice! Celebrate your new life purchased for you by CHRIST’s perfect love – His blood that was shed for you, His dying on the cross instead of you, and His glorious resurrection that only He could accomplish for you!

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy GOD, Father and LORD, we lift our hearts in awe, adoration and praise! Thank YOU that YOU for a great LOVE that gave your ONE and only SON so we may have new life as your children for all eternity. Father, help us to live each day in the joy of YOUR righteousness and the grace through which we received it. May our hearts always be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for YOUR inexpressible love and sacrifice so we live godly lives daily and never grieve YOUR Holy Spirit. Help us to use every opportunity we get to share the good news of JESUS CHRIST and never be ashamed. Father, YOU have done great things for us and we are filled with JOY!!  To YOU belong all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the matchless Name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

COVID-19 Pandemic: Praise GOD Anyhow

Genesis 2:7 tells us that GOD breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.

In Acts 17:24-25, the apostle Paul evangelizes a crowd of idolaters telling them to worship only GOD their Creator who gives them breath and everything to live.

The Creator’s breath in your lungs is why you exist (Acts 17:28.) But GOD went a step further and gave you the gift of eternal life through Christ JESUS and He did it so you could praise and glorify Him (Ephesians 1:14)

Most Psalms are songs of praise to GOD. Psalmists who wrote songs of lament ended them with words of praise, and the last Psalm recorded compels GOD’s people to praise Him: Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!” (Ps. 150:6)

Whatever your life situation, good, bad, or indifferent, use the breath GOD gifted to you to praise Him! Put aside fear, sorrow, doubt, anger and other negative emotions that the COVID-19 pandemic raises in all of us and glorify your Creator. You will remember again who GOD truly is, that He is still and forever in control, and you will know sweet peace.

GOD exalts His WORD and His promises as much as He does His Holy Name, and above everything else (Psalm 138:2). So, give back to Him in praise what belongs to Him.

Praise GOD! (Isaiah 25:1, Psalm 103, Psalm 118:28-29)

Heavenly Father, you are my God and I exalt you, with all my soul I worship You. Abba Father, you are perfect in your faithfulness and I stand in awe of all the wonderful things you do. May I never forget your goodness, to me and loved ones. You forgive our sins in JESUS, you keep us healthy and strong and provide all of our needs so we lack nothing; Father, forgive me my discontent. Thank you, LORD, for lifting me up whenever I stumble and fail and for tenderly leading me back to the path of righteousness; for being long-suffering and patient when you have a right to be angry and desert me. GOD, I praise you! Thank you for grace, you are better to me than I deserve, I praise You for Your loving kindness and your mercy that follows me all the days of my life. Great is your love, great is your faithfulness, great is your compassion, great is your mercy, great is the grace and righteousness you bestowed upon me and mine! Great are You GOD and greatly to be praised! With all that is in me, I praise Your Holy Name! With my last breath, LORD, I will praise you! Always you bend down to hear when I cry for help, I praise you! You are my GOD and I will praise You. You are my God, and I will exalt you! All glory, dominion, power and glory belong to you, now and forever!  Amen!

COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prayer for GOD's Peace

Even the most stoic among us have been rattled by the events of this past month; feels like we’re on a roller-coaster ride that’s out-of-control and we can’t get off. The fear is palpable and paralyzing. We are at war with an invisible enemy and we don’t have the wherewithal on our own to fight it.

But if you know the omnipotent and omniscient, the all-mighty and all-knowing LORD of Heavens Armies, you can win this war! Your GOD and Father can and will fight with you, alongside you and for you. Tune out the noise, still your thoughts and begin to pray. Petition GOD for what you need to get through this. Not sure what to say? Use GOD’s own words. Whatever you ask that’s in agreement with His wishes and promises will not just get you through the day, but cause you to thrive in the midst of the chaos.

The apostle Paul reminds us that our GOD will supply all our needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19.) All your needs mean exactly that and include the natural and the spiritual.

More than anything we all want the peace of GOD during hard times. Without it our circumstances will overwhelm us and cause us to make unhealthy and ungodly decisions.

Today we pray for GOD’s lasting peace! Isaiah 26:3-4, John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7

Our GOD and Father, thank You for making me Your child and for caring about everything that happens in my life. Today I exchange the burdens I’ve been carrying these past weeks because of this pandemic for your perfect peace. Your peace, Father, may be beyond my ability to understand but it is able to sustain me every day and quiet my heart and my mind; Your peace that causes me to live and thrive in the joy I have in Christ Jesus. My doubts and anxieties I release to You and I fix my mind on You alone. Lord, I do not worry about the future, instead I remember all the wonderful things You have done for me and I am so grateful. Thank You, Father, for always being my GOD and an eternal Rock that I can lean on. I will rest in the Prince of Peace in whose name I pray! Amen.

Don’t Give Up, There’s Good News – Conclusion

GOD loves you and that never changes. Neither the wrong you do, nor the wrong done to you, will diminish GOD’s love for you. (Romans 8:35.) GOD loves the world (John 3:16,) but GOD loves His children (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-2) with a “perfect, saving, eternal love." (Pastor/Teacher John MacArthur) If you are a child of GOD, He uses whatever happens in your life to move you along the path of that perfect, saving, eternal love and into glory. (Romans 8:28) For you this is good news –

GOD uses your suffering for His divine purpose and your eternal joy.

Trials and sorrows GOD allow into your life are part of His working together of all things for your good (Romans 8:28. Trials are not punishment from GOD; even if yours are consequences for which you’re responsible. Punishment is what JESUS suffered for your sin by His atoning work at the cross. That has been dealt with – “It is finished.” GOD gives correction and discipline, when appropriate, to bring you in line with His will – His “perfect, saving, eternal love" for you.

We all must believe, even in the midst of these painful and despairing times, that GOD has a divine purpose. Don’t be dismayed if you don’t see or understand “the good” in any of it. Don’t lose your joy. Be patient, hold tight and keep on praying (Romans 12:12.) GOD is using any suffering you experience at this time as a pathway to your victory and joy, and He is right beside you. "I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” Psalm 16:8 NLT

Keep reading and meditating on GOD’s WORD, it has everything that you need as you need it. All of Scripture is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the (children) of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 1 Peter 3:16-17. To know the WORD is to know the Father’s love and purpose for you. 

GOD tells you how you ought to view your trials versus how the world does:

Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News…We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by GOD. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed…We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day. These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen. 2 Corinthians 4:4, 8-9, 16-18 CEV

One of my favorite Pastor/Teachers, Max Lucado, says it this way, "Choose to trust God’s promises. Choose to believe that God is up to something good even though all you see looks bad. Choose to believe because God is faithful."  

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23 NLT

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 41:2 NLT

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our loving Father, thank YOU for Your perfect, saving and eternal love that heals us and restores us to righteousness for all eternity so that we can have joy in our trials and an abundant life here on earth. Thank You, JESUS, for the gift of peace YOU gave to us so our hearts are not troubled and we are not afraid. We give all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise to the triune GOD, and we pray in JESUS’ Mighty NAME.  Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Don’t Give Up: There's Good News

Life is difficult. We live in a fallen world where suffering can be brutal and hard to bear up under.

The world at large is now living with one such event – the global coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. One would have to be living under the proverbial rock not to have heard of or been personally affected by this. As of this writing, some 665,297 COVID-19 cases are confirmed and 30,901 deaths, worldwide. Public health officials say these numbers will continue to rise but are unable to say when the curve will flatten to signify no new cases. Countries have closed borders and non-essential operations to try and curb the spread, even as overtaxed medical institutions and personnel are caring for record numbers of very sick patients with less than the essential resources needed.

No one, it seems, was prepared for the enormity of the disease spread, nor the danger. It all escalated so fast!!

With lives and livelihoods at risk and no end to the devastation in sight, fear and anxiety are high. People are confused, uncertain, helpless, and angry. Everyone is vulnerable and as always happens in times of unprecedented tragedy, some are asking: Where is God in all this? And the answer to that question hasn’t changed, GOD is very much present.

Believers should not expect non-believers to find comfort in hearing that GOD is present in suffering, as we do. GOD’s presence ought to provide a supernatural calm and peace for you who are in Christ JESUS. (Philippians 4:7) This for you is good news, even as you go through this dark valley.

The good news – GOD is in your trials.

To assume that believers will escape personal tragedy during this pandemic is irresponsible as well as unbiblical. GOD doesn’t promise you a blissful, happily-ever-after, trouble-free life here on earth. On the contrary, His Word says you will have many trials and sorrows. But you also have His assurance of peace in trials (John 16:33) and His presence as you go through them, whatever the outcome. (Psalm 23:4, Isaiah 43:2.)

In the last 120 years other disease pandemics have happened – influenzas and cholera, to name a few. Millions died then but millions also survived to carry on, believers included. GOD provided protection, healing, comfort and restoration then and He is doing so now, all according to His will. GOD is forever the unchanging factor in our world, and He’s doing today what He did before.

Forget that GOD is Sovereign Ruler and it opens the door to fear and chaotic thoughts. You lose focus and you begin to lose hope. Refocus your thoughts on the Almighty GOD and His WORD and you begin to feel secure and comforted, regardless of your actual circumstances.

GOD’s WORD is where you find everything that you need for your time of need.

Know that all scripture is relevant, not just the “feel good” parts. The Bible tells us that Everything in the Scriptures is GOD’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. 2 Timothy 3:16 (CEV.) Everything in the Scriptures is GOD’s Word and is useful in the lives of believers.

GOD understands pain. So, He provides hope, encouragement, comfort and love through His WORD which penetrates to the deepest part of your soul and gives you peace. When spouses, relatives, or best friends are unable to calm your fears and doubts, GOD’s WORD does. For times of sorrow and conflict, none does it better than the Book of Psalms.

King David wrote many of the hymns of praise, lament, and petition you’ll find in this Book. Few biblical characters are better qualified. Personal betrayals, persecutions, death of dear friends and children, threats to his life, banishment, wars, plagues – David experienced it all.

These are some favorites verse references. In some cases, you will want to continue through the entire Psalm (New Living Translation):

• The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:9-10
• Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. Psalm 10:17.
• Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” Psalm 16:1-2
• I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8
• Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4
• The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1
• The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:11
• Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. Psalm 62:5
• Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me. Psalm 66:20
• 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. Psalm 91:6-7
• Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112:6b-7
• It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:8,29
• The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:7-8
• You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Psalm 139:13-14

For all your trials and suffering GOD has a way to joy and victory. He gives you Himself. GOD is not separate from His WORD. As you read, pray, and meditate you get to know Him and His purpose.

Your world may seem terrifying but know that GOD is able to redeem and restore anything for your good and ultimately His glory. (Romans 8:28)

Feel free to question any of it; GOD can handle our questions. But keep abiding and keep trusting in Him.

Can you understand the mysteries surrounding God All-Powerful? They are higher than the heavens and deeper than the grave. Job 11:7-8 (CEV)

To be continued…

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our Abba Father, YOU are Immanuel, GOD with us, Preserver, Protector and Savior over all. You, LORD, quiet the fear and trembling in our souls and soothe our chaotic thoughts by the power of YOUR living WORD. Impress upon us a faith that is rich and strong so we can live by faith, hope through faith and, in all circumstances, have the joy of faith. We give all glory, all honor, and all praise to YOU and we ask all things in JESUS name.  Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Making the Most of Our (GOD’s) Time

“Goodness! Where did the time go?”

I’m always “losing” time, it seems to slip through my fingers unnoticed, leaving behind a fistful of unfinished business.

Everyone gets the same twenty-four hours in a day. No exceptions! Take one-third to sleep and recharge and there’s still sixteen hours left for work, ministry and recreation. Even so we can come to the end of our day feeling let down by time because we haven’t done everything we had planned to do.

But if we’re being honest, we must admit that time isn’t the problem. We are. We’re not losing time, we’re giving it away, mis-managing it. We’re being poor stewards of the minutes and hours that GOD gives us daily, and this cannot be pleasing to Him.  

Our heavenly Father cares about time.

GOD cares about our stewardship of time. We know this because His WORD tells us so: Pay careful attention, then, to how you live—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 CSB.

The WORD is very specific. It is GOD’s will that we manage our time well. Why? Time is a gift GOD allotted to each of us to do His will here on earth. We who are the body of CHRIST must be diligent about our Father’s business, and pay careful attention, then, to how you live.

Matthew Henry’s Bible commentary on Ephesians 5:15-17 says in part that, Time is a talent given us by God, and it is misspent and lost when not employed according to his design.

Instead of asking where did the time go, we must ask am I spending my time wisely; am I honoring GOD in how I use my time.

Our time is our life.

Time is a gift from God, just as life is a gift. It’s a package deal, we don’t get one without the other. To undervalue our time is to undervalue our lives.

Pastor and author Andrew Murray (1828 – 1917) said, a day is a link in the “chain” that represents our entire lives, “…the single days do indeed make up the whole, and that the value of each single day depends on its influence on the whole. One day lost is a link broken in the chain, which it often takes more than another day to mend. 

Once a day is over, you do not get a recall. If you miss the opportunity to make good use of any day, you’re operating at a deficit. Catching up is hard! Time moves in but one direction, forward.

In our time management, as in all of life, GOD gives us the freedom to choose. A believer ought to choose with a single purpose in mind, to glorify the Father.

We may fall short but we can get back on track. Start each day with prayer and scripture meditation and take as many such breaks as you feel the need to during the day. This is by far the wisest use of our time if it will help us to making GOD-honoring choices and decisions. Prayer and meditation on GOD’s WORD will refocus our passions and GOD will always endorse what honors Him.

Pray for GOD to:

• remove tendencies toward procrastination and idleness. (James 4:17; Prov 10:4)
• reveal His specific will for your life. (Prov 3:5-6)
• give you wisdom to make good decisions. (James 1:5)
• strengthen your eternal perspective so you can put off worldly desires. (2 Cor 4:18)
• give you a divine appreciation for your own unique gifts and talents so you don’t become discouraged by other’s abilities and success. (Eph 2:10)

We are God’s people, and we are to be about his business…Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.  From Max Lucado’s “God Is With You Every Day” devotional.  

Live each day the Ephesians 5:15-17 way:

• Make wise choices
• Make every minute of time count
• Make the will of GOD your focus

We each have a unique place and purpose in our Father’s Kingdom so our days are not going to look the same. However, we each have one task in common for every day, that is to fully embrace and enjoy each new day our Heavenly Father gives to us. (Psalm 118:24)

GOD give us all things to enjoy, time included!!

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Omniscient Father and GOD, thank you for choosing us to enjoy Your precious gift of time and for teaching us its value to the Kingdom. Give us wisdom to know and do Your will and forgive us for self-indulgences that do not benefit Your Holy Church. Thank You for answered prayers and Your WORD that tests our hearts and changes our desires. To you belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. In the name of JESUS CHRIST, our LORD. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile