“Bless your soul” is a frequent tag at the end of my posts. Who or what at am I blessing?
Psalm 23:3 (ESV)
He restores my soul.
“Soul” (in Hebrew nephesh) means a living, breathing person–our inner being.
The whole point of Souls Under Construction is restoration–God restoring our relationship with Him and transforming us into the living, breathing persons he designed us to be.
Work from home, stay away, don’t touch.
Keep in touch with God, stay close to Him. Pray.
Lord, we pray:
For those who welcome this break from their crazy schedules
and for those who are crushed by the isolation.
For leaders in front of microphones wearing suits and ties
and for folks who stay in their PJ’s all day.
For those happily settled into the comforts of home
and for anyone whose home is not a safe space.
For parents enjoying extra time with their children
and for parents who are frustrated, screaming and sobbing.
For teachers working fervently to transform lesson plans
and for parents completely bewildered by their new roles.
For students dutifully doing their school lessons at home
and for children exposed to the unthinkable at home.
For those who embrace the best and latest technology
and for those who long for written handbooks.
For healthcare workers who work, sleep and go back to work
and for people hoarding needed supplies.
For patients who are desperately ill
and for those worried they might get sick.
For those who are working harder than ever
and for those who have lost their jobs.
For those expediting vaccines, medications and supply chains
and for those complaining it’s not enough.
For those who are extravagantly generous
and for those who desperately need help.
In all this, Lord Jesus, be our strength and our shelter. Amen.
We’re upending our lives in an effort to contain the coronavirus. Why can’t we put the same energy into containing the evil work of our enemy?
2 Corinthians 2:11 (MSG)
After all, we don’t want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief—we’re not oblivious to his sly ways!
In short, be alert (to more than COVID-19).
It’s spring! Announced by the calendar and affirmed by the yellow blush of forsythia. A fresh season, unmussed and unmuddled. Yippee!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV)
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to self-isolate and a time to embrace others,
a time to give up old habits and a time for fresh commitments.
This season of isolation will pass away like winter. Embrace your routine with fresh enthusiasm.
For Lent, I’m studying the book of Exodus. Funny how the complaints of the Israelites sound a lot like complaints I hear about the coronavirus.
“The leaders are clueless.”
“How can we be expected to make do?”
“We’re gonna die!”
I’m intrigued by this description of the complainers, in the poetic part of the Old Testament:
Psalm 78: 57 (NIV)
Like their ancestors they were disloyal
and faithless, as unreliable as a faulty bow.
I don’t want to be a faulty bow.
Dear Lord, shut down my faithless complaints.
I want to be on-target, faithful and loyal to You,
in Jesus’ name.
We interrupt our COVID-19 worries to celebrate St. Patrick.
A bit of fifth-century history: As a youth, Patrick was taken from his Christian home in Britain by Irish raiders. He spent six years as a slave in Ireland before escaping. Back in Britain, he heard God’s call to return to Ireland and share the gospel.
Where did he find the courage? In his own words:
“Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.”
Let’s apply Patrick’s wisdom to our coronavirus isolation.
Minds wiser than mine have canceled events, closed schools and restricted travel–all in an effort to slow down a virus. Will it work?
Even if these actions succeed, there will be unforeseen consequences. Weighing all the consequences in advance requires more than human wisdom. It takes the mind of Christ. We should, first and foremost, seek His direction.
Events canceled. Schools closed. Personal contact restricted. Scary stuff.
Fear not. You can reach out to God, anytime, anywhere. Cry in His arms, shout in His face, whisper in His ear, grab His hand. No need to keep your distance; you’re safe with Him.
President Trump has declared Sunday, March 15, a day of prayer for our nation. Let’s make it a day of prayer for every nation.
The following excerpt is from the National Day of Prayer website. You’ll find the entire prayer here.
“Heavenly Father, we turn to You in prayer not panic in response to this pandemic. We praise You as our Almighty Creator and Sustainer. You are the author of our days, our refuge and strength.
“Lord, we humbly ask that You push back and remove this virus from us; glorify Yourself in this national and global emergency.”
Let us pray!
“Time spent in prayer is never wasted.”
François Fenelon (1651-1715)
Spare time on your hands? Put it to good use.
Time is short.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)
Indeed, the “right time” is now.
Today is the day of salvation.
It’s simple. Don’t put it off. Now is the right time to give your life to Christ.
