Month: March 2020

During this coronavirus pandemic, I attempted to encourage you with two posts: Caring and Connecting during Crisis and Pray to Find Peace during Crisis.  But now, I must provide a warning.  No, it is not another message about the need to wash your hands more or why you must practice social distancing to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. This is a warning about giving in to the temptations that can come from being isolated and alone. Distancing; not Isolation and Separation Due to the COVID-19 virus, so many of us are working from home, staying away from family and neighbors, and distancing ourselves to help “flatten the curve”. We’re missing the fellowship of our social gatherings and small groups. We aren’t getting the weekly encouragement in live worship services. We are missing the promises in God’s Word about the forgiveness of our sins and the sharing of Communion.  However,

In my last post Caring and Connecting during Crisis, I wrote about making sure we look after others during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s been amazing to hear the stories (and experience personally!) so many people who were just reaching out to check in on their circle of friends and family. For many, fear and anxiety build during the unknown. I personally find comfort in God’s promise that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) So while there are valid reasons for concern about the spread of COVID-19, there are even greater reasons to remain faithful in prayer to find peace…as hard as that may be right now. When faced with fear during uncertain times, turning those fears over to God is a good place to start. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous

I’m delaying the post I planned as a follow-up to the last series about The Biggest Challenges Men Face for a special post during the growing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. This post includes a reminder to not be anxious or fearful but trust in God’s plans. I also include some examples of how we should care for each other when things are outside of our control. I will return soon with more about what I believe is the toughest of all the challenges for men but thought the current situation deserves a higher priority. First, some encouragement and then examples from this past week. Responding to Fear with Wisdom and Faith This morning, I listened to a very good podcast from FamilyLife Today that contained several Bible verses and quotes about how we can respond given the COVID-19 fears: I thought two specifically contained wisdom that is pertinent today: