Freelance writer and Speaker
‘Take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.’ James 1:19
How do we cope with this in these difficult times? I’m certainly quick to listen as there are not many people to listen at the moment. Definitely slow to speak, ditto. What about slow anger? Not so easy for me (cross with panic buyers) maybe I should feel sorrow for those people, who do not have a loving Father who will provide.
Wherever you are in the world I know that you’re suffering. I think this is God’s wake-up call. We need to call on Him. Now is the opportunity while we have time. Though I do not know you or will ever see you face to face, I do pray for you.
‘Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.’ Isaiah 55:6
I asked myself why should we do good? I know the Lord asks us to, but why? Is it for hope of reward? No. Is it for recognition? No? Is it because we have nothing better to do? Definitely not. It is because of love. Only love keeps us going through thick and thin. Love and thankfulness to God and love for our fellow human beings.
‘Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.’ Psalm 37:3-4
With nine fruits of the Spirit mentioned in the Bible it can be easy to gloss over the list. Maybe we could concentrate on one each day and then two at the weekends. then at the end of the month think about the ones we are not very good at.
‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ Galatians 5:22-23
God is all powerful. We can rely on Him. We need to cry out to Him, especially at this difficult time. As I get hits from all round the world, I pray for you.
‘Jesus said, ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’ Mark 9:23
‘I do believe, help my unbelief.’ Mark 9:24
We can be joyful in difficult situations and, oh boy, have we got one now. Even so we can be joyful, we have a Saviour. He is suffering with us. So many of you were suffering before but our God is faithful, He will not let us down.
‘With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.’ Isaiah 12:3
‘The Lord will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.’ Isaiah 26:3
There is a great deal to worry about at the moment right round the world. This text tells us that we can have perfect peace, but there is a proviso; We need to trust in God. God’s peace is not just handed out on a plate.
‘Never doubt in the dark what God has told you in the light.’
There is no doubt that our countries and all your countries are in the dark. But some of us have had years and years of hearing God’s promises. We can now prove them to be true. Even if you have only known God for a short time, this is your chance to see that He is All Powerful. In spite of everything He is in full control.
We need to tell everyone about our God. Not easy at the moment as we are isolating from other people because of the virus. But there are others ways. What social media, which is so important to keep in touch. We also need to remember that it is God who is in control. Tell others that.
‘Declare His glory among the nations, His marvellous deeds among all peoples.’ Psalm 96:3
In the present situation that the world is in at the moment, we all need to work together. This means nations, neighbours and families all looking out for each other.
‘He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.. 2 Corinthians 5:19