Unintentionally, I think that COVID quarantining has produced an unwanted side effect. Increased selfishness. Now, hear me out. I realize that many positives and saved lives came from this necessary, safeguarding step. However, I have to admit that in this “almost” post-COVID period, it seems all too easy for me to be selfish.
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“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” — Luke 12:21
Through the years, I’ve never had a lot of wealth. It never really bothered me because I had enough money for burritos, and enough to take my wife on modest dates. I didn’t care all that much that we didn’t have “two nickels to rub together” to make our lives what they were. There was a sweetness in not having a lot of money.
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“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10
Last year, at a pastor’s conference, we watched the Tortured for Christ movie. This powerful film told the story of pastor Richard Wurmbrand (1909-2001). He was a Romanian pastor who endured 14 years of Communist imprisonment and suffering for his faith. The torture scenes made the movie difficult to watch. However, his courage and example were astonishing.
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“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Can you believe it? Winter is over and spring is already upon us! It seems as if this time of year brings new and exciting opportunities for us to labor hard for Jesus (and for me to start preparing my garden).
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When my co-worker asked me if I’d be interested in helping him with electrical work for a church remodel, my first thought was that it was a long shot. Why? Because the church was in Hawaii! My co-worker (who is also a Christian) is good friends with the pastor of the Hawaiian church.
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Lately, I have had a real boost in my quiet times and it’s because I have been using S.O.A.P. Not the soap you use to wash with, however. It’s a Bible study plan — let me explain.
S. – Scripture
O. – Observation
A. – Application
P. – Prayer
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Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. — Psalm 25:4-5
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“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” — Matthew 7:24-25
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“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
I know God cares for me and I know God cares for you. How do I know this? Well, it’s not because of what you or I have been through. It’s not even what we have done. Rather, it’s because of what God has done for us. I think, perhaps, we tend to look at the bad before the good (as we examine our lives). A change of perspective is necessary.
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“Blessed be the name of the Lord now and forever.” Psalm 113:2 (NLT)
Recently, I read this verse in my quiet time and one word stuck out to me more than any other. The word now.
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