Author: Jayne Lawson

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3

It’s okay to be afraid. Lots of things in life are scary, and right now, we are all facing the reality of the coronavirus. It is a terrifying illness. Each day, the statistics regarding this virus worsens. There seems to be no end in sight.

Every time I read or hear something about covid-19, I feel the fear rising within me. I want it to all go away, but that’s not happening. Am I afraid? You bet, I am. But wait, aren’t I a Christian? Yes, I am. Don’t I believe in God? Absolutely! Yet, I still fear? Yes.

Sometimes I get the impression that people believe Christians are supposed to be fearless. Even people of faith often believe this of themselves and their brothers and sisters in Christ. Not only are we supposed to be fearless, but we are not supposed to be sad or angry or anxious, etc. In fact, every negative emotion is not supposed to be part of our lives, or we are perceived as being “weak” in our faith. The implication is that we are not truly placing our trust in God.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

When God created mankind, He created us with a myriad of emotions, including the less desirable ones. How do I know this? The Bible tells me so. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” I am the image of my Creator, and since He has some of these “negative” emotions, it stands to reason that I have them as well. Here are some examples of God’s emotions.

1. God grieves. Genesis 6:6 states, “And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” In Ephesians, Paul also writes that we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:30)
2. God weeps. John 11:33 simply states, “Jesus wept.” God is speaking to Jeremiah when He says in chapter 17, “Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.”
3. God gets angry. John 3:36 records this truth. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
4. God knows sadness. “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3

Fortunately, God also provides the remedy for these feelings that we experience. There are a plethora of verses that address the individual emotions that threaten to overwhelm us. However, one passage in Scripture holds the cure for all of the fear, anger, depression, etc. that invades our lives. Colossians 3:1-2 states, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Focusing on Jesus is the only cure for the fears, anxieties, and troubles that threaten to engulf me on a regular basis. When I remember that God really is in control, and that He loves me and cares for me, these disturbing emotions fade into the background. Turning to the Bible for verses that remind me that I can depend on God in any and all situations gives me peace about the stuff going on in the world. The coronavirus, the chaotic government, the economic crisis, and even the lack of toilet paper… these worrisome things all fade away… until the next time I hear or read something about it. When the fears begin to creep into my head once more, I grab my shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit and swing away (Ephesians 6), hurling verse after verse and lifting my shield high until all those fiery darts are quenched and fizzle out.

Sometimes the battles are over quickly, but sometimes they are long-lasting. Don’t doubt your faith! Just hold on to Jesus, and claim His promises! Keep fighting the good fight! If you feel like you are losing strength, grab your Bible! Find the verses you need to help you stand strong in the power of God! Call someone and pray together! Don’t give up! The battles may continue to rage, but we are assured victory in Jesus! Eventually those disturbing thoughts and frightening feelings will fade (and maybe even disappear completely), and as you continue to focus on specific verses, the peace of God will return, and when it does, His peace, which passes all understanding, will fill your soul!

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

(from “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen Howarth Lemmel)

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

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Don’t be unarmed! Read your Bible and pray often!

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”  2 Thessalonians 2:15

One of the visitation ministries of our church takes place in an assisted living facility. While we are there, we sing songs of the faith, share a devotion, and have a time of prayer. Many of the residents have difficulty remembering who we are even though we’ve been coming there for a very long time, but nevertheless, they are excited when we are there.

As time has passed, many of those who have come faithfully to our visits have become less and less participatory in the devotions. Even simple questions designed to engage the residents go unanswered, but I have noticed two things that have been a tremendous encouragement to me.

First, when we sing songs like “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Standing on the Promises,” or “In the Garden,” most of them sing along. No one uses a hymn book; all the songs are sung by memory. And when we sing the songs from Sunday school, like “Jesus Loves Me,” and “The B-I-B-L-E,” every single one of the residents sing out!

The second thing I have noticed is that when asked to recite verses, such as John 3:16 or Psalm 23:1, the residents all say the words in unison! Seeing the eyes of these men and women light up and smiles appear on their faces as they recite verses from memory is one of the most moving moments during our visits.

It is clear to see the importance of “the traditions which ye have been taught whether by word or our epistle.” I am so grateful that my pastor believes in the importance of Sunday school. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” These wonderful residents with whom we have the privilege of visiting and sharing our faith are living proof of that verse!

Will I have clarity of thought as I grow older? I do not know, but because of what I learned in Sunday school as a child, I pray that my children and grandchildren will be able to see that I still remember Jesus in my golden years even if I forget everything else.

Precious mem’ries, unseen angels,
Sent from somewhere to my soul;
How they linger, ever near me,
And the sacred past unfold.

Precious father, loving mother,
Fly across the lonely years;
And old home scenes of my childhood,
In fond memory appear.

Precious mem’ries, how they linger,
How they ever flood my soul;
In the stillness of the midnight,
Precious, sacred scenes unfold.

(from “Precious Memories” by Lonnie B. Combs and J. B. F. Wright)

“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4

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“A grandmother’s special calling is to pray and to be a fellow worker in the battle in which her children or her grandchildren are engaged.” – Elisabeth Elliott

“And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”  Genesis 28:15

Well, here we are self-isolated. This virus is really making a nuisance of itself, and I can’t help but think that this whole thing plays right into Satan’s hands. We can’t go to church, and we can’t associate with our church family during a time when we are feeling scared and vulnerable. This is a time when we need to be with God’s people for support and encouragement, but we can’t be.

The good news is that while we may be unable to directly fellowship with other Christians, nothing can stop us from communing with God. As individuals, we can choose to make this time of isolation profitable to our Christian lives. It’s time to get back to the basics.

Take time to read the Bible. There are so many encouraging verses, like the one for today. God is with us, and He will keep us safe even if we have to venture out into the wild! Not sure where to start? Go to the book of Psalms. There are so many verses that can lift your spirits! “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)

Take time to pray. Just have a wonderful, unrushed conversation with God. He loves hearing from each of us. “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)

Take time to meditate upon the things of God. Listen to godly music, read godly literature, tune in to godly podcasts. Let His Spirit illuminate your thoughts as you seek Him through different avenues. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)

Take time to teach these things to your children. After all, modeling is one of the best ways to imprint habits upon our children. Family devotions and prayer time, as well as setting time aside to worship God together as a family will reap eternal benefits! “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Finally, take time to dwell on things that are godly and true instead of the rumors and social media posts that are so prevalent during this time. Satan would love to demoralize us with the fluctuating statistics, the unsubstantiated predictions, and the continued unknowns about covid-19. Let’s not allow him to invade and capture our thoughts. Instead, fill your mind with the things that are positive and of God. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Remember, to take every opportunity to share with others the reason for your joy despite the circumstances of self-isolation. God promises to be with us, keep us safe, and deliver us. We have nothing to fear! “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

(from “Blessed Assurance” by Fanny Crosby)

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

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Have a great day with the Lord!

These days, there is a push to be “green,” meaning to be eco-friendly. Perhaps we should strive to be “Biblically green,” that is to be more Bible-friendly! In honor of the day (and the thought), I share these “green” verses with you.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2

• God always meets our needs.

“The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.” Song of Solomon 2:13

• God causes us to flourish in our walk with Him.

“For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8

• God enables us to grow in Him and reach others for Him.

“And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.” Genesis 1:30

• God provides for us.

“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.” Genesis 9:3

• God gives us dominion over all the earth.

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8

• God is merciful to us.

“And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.” Revelation 9:4

• God preserves His own.

How wonderful that we do not have to depend upon luck, but rather we depend upon the Lord!

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

There is a green hill far away,
Without a city wall,
Where the dear Lord was crucified,
Who died to save us all.

Oh, dearly, dearly has he loved!
And we must love him too,
And trust in his redeeming blood,
And try his works to do.

(from “There is a Green Hill Far Away” by Cecil Frances Alexander)

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

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“May the grace of God’s protection and His great love abide
Within your home-within the hearts of all who dwell inside.” – old Irish blessing

“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:15-16

This morning, my pastor, Tim Campbell, shared a devotional via Facebook Live. It was such an encouragement to me that I wanted to share a few thoughts about it with you.

The book of James was written by Jesus’ half-brother. He wrote to help people in the early church overcome their fears. Many of the early Christians were fearful for their lives. James reminded them that they always have the ability to pray to God, and He is faithful to hear and help. He especially wanted them to remember to trust God in times of sickness. He encouraged the people to pray for the sick, to lift one another up in prayer to God, and He reminded them that the prayers of a faithful person were very effective.

Today, many people are fearful of the coronavirus. Precautions are being taken globally to stop the spread of covid-19, and those precautions have generated great fears in the people. We need to help alleviate those fears. How do we do that?

First, we must remind people that they can trust God. The Lord has not turned His back on us, in fact, it is just the opposite. He desires for each of us to be “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) He wants us to come boldly before His throne with whatever is on our hearts.(Hebrews 4:16)

Secondly, we must pray for those who are sick as well as for the families of those who have died from this virus. We need to pray for the health professionals that work with in the urgent care facilities, the hospitals, and the emergency response teams. We need to pray for one another, asking God for protection, for help, for strength, and for good health.

Thirdly, we need to encourage others in this difficult time. As believers, we have a reason to smile even when times are hard and frightening. Why? Because we know God controls it all, and we have 24/7 access to Him! God will take care of us all. He always has; He always will. We must share that with everyone for with God, there is hope!

For the complete devotional, please visit https://www.facebook.com/341062775868/videos/527131797993127/

Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

(from “God Will Take Care of You” by Civilla D. Martin)

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

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When you are in the palm of God’s hand, you have nothing to fear.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:8

When the media first began reporting on the coronavirus, I didn’t really think it would impact my life very much. After all, it was far away in China. I thought it was just a “bad flu” that would eventually run its course, and that would be that.

Now I know that the coronavirus is much more than just a “bad flu.” Classified by the WHO as a pandemic, covid-19 (the virus identifier), is responsible for more than 6,500 deaths worldwide. Our state is taking unprecedented precautions with the temporary closures of schools, libraries, government offices, and other public places. Grocery stores are selling out of goods as people are stockpiling in the event of necessary quarantine. Churches are shifting from actual worship services to virtual services via livestreaming.

Through all of this, social media bombards us with a plethora of posts about the coronavirus. (If you haven’t seen any, you are a rare individual indeed!) There are all sorts of warnings about the virus coming soon to every neighborhood, who is high-risk (and many of us are!), and recommendations of how to keep ourselves safe.

Since covid-19 is “caught” by introducing the virus to the body via direct contact, handwashing is one of the most important ways we can protect ourselves. Handwashing helps remove the germs from our hands and keep us from transferring them to our noses or mouths. Because of this, the CDC recommends the following:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Did you know the Bible talks about handwashing as well? It’s not in regards to the coronavirus, but it is connected to another life-threatening element in our lives – sin. Sin can wreck havoc on each of us by destroying our lives, ruining our families, and separating us from God.

1. Sin enslaves us.
   1. “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” John 8:34
2. Sin corrupts us.
   1. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption...” Galatians 6:8
3. Sin separates us from God.
   1. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2
4. Sin causes death.
   1. “For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23
5. Sin leads to eternal punishment.
   1. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment…” Matthew 25:46

Unlike the coronavirus, there is a cure for sin. Even though we are continually surrounded by sin, the Bible tells us there is a remedy that is available to everyone. It is the blood of Christ that can wash away (forgive) all sin and make us pure and righteous in the sight of God. 1 John 1:7 tells us, “…and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

When we ask Christ to forgive us of our sins, He does so immediately. We are no longer held captive by sin’s power; we are saved from eternal separation from God as the last part of Romans 6:23 states. Our sins, which once infiltrated our lives has been eradicated by the work Jesus did for us on the cross of Calvary. “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31) Once we accept Christ’s forgiveness, we are no longer “infected” by sin. Instead, we have been made spiritually whole.

When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, we no longer need to fear the power of sin over us. We must be vigilant to keep ourselves protected against sin’s enticements. The Bible reminds us to “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22) Additionally, we must “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22) Like a strong virus, it takes time to make changes in your life, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

The Bible states, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) As we isolate ourselves from the coronavirus, so should we isolate ourselves from the sins that threaten our Christianity. We must still be wise in caring for ourselves both physically and spiritually.

As the fears of the coronavirus escalate, people begin to be more proactive (as the empty toilet paper shelves can attest). As they learn more about covid-19, they do everything they can to protect themselves against it. Sin is just as deadly. It will kill your soul. Learn everything you can about it from the Word of God, and then do everything you can to protect yourself from it.

Handwashing is one way to stave off the coronavirus. For sin, Jesus Christ is the way… the only way…and the truth… and the life! (John 14:6)

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

(from “Are You Washed in the Blood?” by E. A. Hoffman)

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

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You may be quarantined from the world, but you are never isolated from God!

“I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:4

I’ve faced lots of “stuff” in my life that have been difficult to get through. If I were to list these “giants”, I’m sure a lot of what I’ve been through would be on the lists of others as well. Sometimes, I had a really good hold of my faith and other times, my faith seemed so small, it was almost nonexistent. But no matter what befell me, God always saw me through it. He was faithful as He said He would be. He was comforting as He said He would be. He held me in His arms as He said He would do. He whispered words of encouragement as He said He would do. He never left me nor forsook me, and He was with me always as He said He would be.

I’ve faced financial problems and career setbacks. I’ve faced medical challenges such as cancer and chronic respiratory disease. I’ve faced the death of loved ones, saved and unsaved. I’ve endured unbearable sorrow and great heartbreak as a child and an adult. Yet, through all of these and more, God has never left my side. He has saved me from all of these “giants” in my life even when I didn’t have the faith to throw one single stone.

Sometimes, He has given me strength from others, sometimes from His presence alone, sometimes through music, and sometimes solely through His Word. Sometimes He has delivered me immediately, but most of the time, He has led me through each trial by the hand.

To say He is worthy of my praise is such an understatement, yet I will continue to praise His name for He truly is worthy. Not because of what He’s done for me, but for who He is. It is incomprehensible to me that He cares so much for me, but I am so glad He does!

I don’t know when the next “giant” in my life will loom its ugly head, but I know it will happen, and when it does, I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I know I will be saved from my enemies!

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

(from “Standing on the Promises” by R. Kelso Carter)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

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God is bigger than any virus!

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

There are so many American men and women that are fighting around the world today for our freedom. Every day, they face unknown dangers, and many of our brave military personnel pay the ultimate price.

God has an army, too. There are two parts to it. One part is the special forces unit. Those in this group fight those battles for us that take place in the heavenly realms. Their battles are not against flesh and blood, but rather “…against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

The second division consists of the troops here on earth. You may have heard of some of God’s soldiers who never wavered from their stand for Christ, even giving their lives for Him. People like William Tyndale, Jim Elliott, John Bunyan, and so many others. There are also many in the Bible who were killed for their faith. (Hebrews 11:36-37)

Paul writes to Timothy that he should “fight the good fight of faith.” No matter what, Timothy should stand up for Christ despite the temptations of the world that seek to destroy the Christian. Timothy is reminded that things like lust, love of money, pride, inerrant teachings must also be fought against to preserve the faith.

I realize that I, too, must fight to preserve my faith. There are factions in this world that seek to destroy everything that my faith in Jesus represents. I cannot be a passive Christian. I have to take my stand just like those who fought so hard to protect it long ago. What can I do? First, I must be sure of what I believe and why. 2 Peter 2:1 warns “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”

Christians should always compare what they are taught against what is actually written in the Word of God. We are to be as the Bereans in Acts 17 because “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Part of my fight to preserve my faith is to be sure I am receiving the true Word of God.

My pastor always has Scripture references throughout the messages he brings to us. This enables us to check what he says against what God has recorded in the Bible. We are reminded that we should have our Bibles with us in church, and we should make it a practice to read it daily. It is part of the armor of God, and like any good soldier, we must be fully equipped for the battles we are sure to face. In Ephesians 6:17, we are told the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. No one goes into a fight unarmed. We must be prepared because we are in the fight of our lives! It is our very practice of faith and worship that is on the line!

While it is true that God will not be defeated, that doesn’t mean we are to be complacent in our Christian life. I know Revelation records that in the end God is the victor, and I know the “battle belongs to the Lord,” but that does not mean we are to be passive in our Christianity. Quite the contrary, in Ephesians 6, we are instructed to be ready for battle!

If we choose to be on the sidelines, we will lose so much. For example, if we do not vote for individuals who uphold godly principles, the result will be a nation that will embrace everything wicked and evil, while criminalizing Christianity. We’ve already seen that happen in other countries around the world.

Maybe you’re thinking, “How can I fight for my faith?” Well, for starters, use the things of the world to your advantage. Use social media to share the gospel, to make known your positions on certain issues. Invite people you know to church; share your testimony of how Jesus changed your life; support causes that promote Biblical godliness. Learn about issues that impact our practice of faith and worship. Be a voice for Christ, but be a voice that is bathed in love. Words of anger and hatred will not further the cause of Christ. Ephesians 4:15 tells us “But speaking the truth in love…” While it may be cliché to use this phrase, I try to ask myself, “What would Jesus say or do in this situation?” Then I try to act accordingly.

Is it easy? Nope. I make lots of mistakes. But like a faithful soldier, I cannot quit. I have to get my act together and continue the fight. I am not called to be a general in the Lord’s army. I am called to be a foot soldier. I must follow my orders and uphold my code of conduct. Both are found in the Bible. I must obey my commanding officer, and that is Jesus. I am to obey and follow Him to the front lines and beyond.

Our ability to practice what we believe is at stake. We must all take a stand and “fight the good fight of faith” or one day there will be nothing left in this country for us to stand up and defend. If that happens, what kind of world will our children and grandchildren face in their lives? One without God? May it never be!

Stand up, stand up for Jesus! ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry, His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.

(from “Stand Up For Jesus” by George Duffield, Jr.)

“And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S…” 1 Samuel 17:47

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God’s army is all volunteer. Will you join?

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3

I’m afraid of a lot of things. At the top of my list is spiders, but the list is long after them. Here are some of the things of which I am fearful.

• late night phone calls that only mean one thing
• fire ants (allergic to these monsters!)
• creaks and groans from my house when I am alone
• medical test results (especially the cancer-related ones)
• hurting someone’s feelings with my words (happens way too often)
• my pride

If I trust God, He will take care of them all. I often forget that, and when I do, that’s when fear creeps in. And when fear replaces trust, it’s… well, it’s pretty scary. The feeling of being alone with overwhelming fears is terrifying!

So what do I do? I go to the Bible. Why? Because it speaks truth to me. In addtion to Psalm 56:3, there are several other verses that I cling to in times of fear. Jesus said, “…I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20) When I remember that God is with me in that very moment, the fear lessens. A sense of peace begins to calm my trembling heart when I trust God and take Him at His word. Isaiah 43:1-2 states, “… Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

Isaiah 41:13 tells me, “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” I remember as a little girl holding on to my father’s hand. His large fingers would tightly curl around mine, and I would be safe and protected. Nothing could harm me when my dad was with me! That’s how it is with my heavenly Father! He is holding on to my hand always, and He promises to help me in every situation! I am safe in His hands and nothing can pluck me out! (John 10:29)

Fear can be crippling, but if I remember that God is always with me, helping and protecting me, I can face my fears. It’s not always easy to overcome them, but it is possible. The Bible reminds me, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) and that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry
Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till the storm passes by

(from “Till the Storm Passes By” by Mosie Lister)

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9

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If I am following after Jesus and not running ahead of Him, I never will run into my fears alone.

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12

Lately, I’ve heard a lot about the corona virus. I’ve read about the rapid spread of the disease, and how people are in a frenzy trying to buy everything they might need to prepare for its onslaught here in America. Stores are running out of face masks, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and anything else deemed necessary for survival. There’s a worldwide movement to be prepared because it’s coming… we just don’t know when!

Too bad there isn’t that same type of passion to get ready for the coming of Jesus. We all know it’s going to happen, and by the looks of things, His coming may be very soon, but I haven’t seen a lot of people getting ready for that, certainly not at the magnitude in which they are preparing for the corona virus. Imagine if we knew for a fact that Jesus was coming tomorrow. What would we be doing today?

I know what I would be doing. I would be telling everyone I knew that Jesus was coming! I would be praying that my lost friends and family would be open to the gospel! I would be begging God to open their eyes to the truth of who Jesus is and why they need Him. I would be praying for their salvation! I would be doing so much more than I am doing right now. Wouldn’t you?

Mommy, won’t you come and hear what I learned in church today?
They told me about a man who could wash my sins away!
She said something ‘bout the healing of a man who had been blind,
I smiled and told her sweetly that I did not have the time.

Mommy, won’t you come with me to Sunday school this week?
They said there’d be a missionary coming there to speak.
She looked at me again and asked if I would like to go
But I had dirty clothes to wash and so I told her no.

I wish I took the time to hear the things she had to say
I wish that I had knelt with her at night to hear her pray
She tried so hard to tell me of the love that God had shown
I know I would have listened if I had only known.

Mommy, did you know that Jesus said He’d come again
To take us all o heaven where we’ll be with Him,
And then she ran off singing something about the glory land
I watcher her go then shook my head ‘cause I did not understand.

One day while we were walking in the park, her hand in mine,
She shouted as she pointed to the sky
Mommy, see the angels there! I tried, but couldn’t see,
I looked at her, then she was gone… in the twinkling of an eye

I wish I took the time to hear the things she had to say
I wish that I had knelt with her at night to hear her pray
She tried so hard to tell me but I never took the time
And now my little girl is gone, and I’ve been left behind.

(from “Mommy, Did You Know” by J. Lawson)

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52

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I wonder what I’m going to do today…