Reflections

Roller coasters.
Some people love to ride roller coasters.  Some (of us) are not so thrilled.
I was maybe 7 years old and was with my family at the State Fair.  I saw this ride called the Wild Mouse.  It was a roller coaster.  I begged dad to take me on the Wild Mouse.  He agreed.  We started up and when we came to the first turn, the front end of the car we were in extended over the edge and then made a sharp turn.  I had no concept of how a roller coaster worked.  I knew nothing of wheels on tracks I could not see.  Anyway, I would have gotten off the ride in the middle of it if I could have.  Thankfully dad kept me in the seat for the duration.  When we got off I was pale and my legs were wobbly.  Even my grandfather got a kick out of how I looked.  I guess I shook it off and took off for the next thing.  But that basically defined my ideas of roller coasters.  Too scary.  Didn't like it.  Done with that.
Fast forward a few years.  I'm probably in the eighth grade or so.  Lot's of kids from my home town of Appleton City, got on a school bus and headed for Kansas City for a day at Fairyland Park.  OK, that was before World's of Fun.  It was the Kansas City amusement park on the south side of town. 
Some of us boys knew there was this mammoth roller coaster at Fairyland Park.  So we talked big about how we were going to ride it.  We were bold.  We were brave.
Then the park came into view.  Towering over everything else was the roller coaster at Fairyland Park.  We all got silent.  Soon came the moment of reckoning.  Are we going to ride this thing or not.  But we were all in it together.  Nobody could opt out.  I suppose I looked at that thing and had old visions of the Wild Mouse...but I shook it off, and with some fear and trepidation climbed on board.
Up we went.  Down we came.  And we had a blast!  We finished one ride and could not wait to get on again.  We rode that thing all day. 
Fast forward a few more years.  I was a young pastor with a youth group from a small town in
North Central Missouri.  The kids pretty much insisted I ride the roller coaster with them.  I don't remember if it was the Zambezi Zinger, the Orient Express, or what.  But there I was, walking up the ramp to ride the thing.  I don't remember much about it.  But I certainly survived.
Fast forward a few more years.  Once again I was at Worlds of Fun.  Our son, Bobby, was a little guy.  I took him for a ride on a pretty tame roller coaster.  In reflection it was probably similar to the Wild Mouse, but now I was the stable factor.  We experienced it together.
So, there is my roller coaster history.
Today many of us feel like we are on a roller coaster.  One day, or moment, we are very hopeful and positive.  Suddenly we get very pessimistic and fearful.  We find ourselves in prayer time and stand up feeling encouraged.  We look around and feel doubt.  We read the Bible and have hope.  We read an article on-line and get discouraged. 
Roller coaster.
You can read the 25th chapter of Deuteronomy and go from the heights of blessing to the depths of curses in five minutes!  (I don't suggest that today.)
Up and down. 
Roller coaster.
These are our emotions today.  I look to you who love to ride roller coasters.  What lesson can you teach me that I may apply to life in caronavirus days? 
What have I discovered through my experience?  I suppose the one thing that stands out to me goes back to the day at Fairyland Park.  There was a group of kids.  I think we were all scared.  I know we were all in it together.  Together, we not only endured, we found joy.
One day when Jesus was facing a next step in his life, "He was determined to go to Jerusalem." (Luke 9:51)
We see Jesus facing a challenge.  We see Jesus looking ahead to some things that very well seemed uncertain.  We see Jesus aware of danger.  But primarily, we see Jesus determined.  Jesus was steadfast.  Jesus set his sights on his goal.  I am going to try to follow Jesus today.
Remember, you are not alone.  We are all in this thing together.  And better yet, Jesus is going ahead of us.
Someone may need to be reminded that they are not alone.  Drop an email, send a text, give someone a call.  Together we will walk through this and not only survive, we will find joy.
This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections

Delight!
"Bless the Lord, O my soul.  And all that is within me, bless his holy name." (Psalm 103:1)
Psalm 103 is a wonderful way to enter your time of prayer and thoughts toward God.  Read the whole Psalm and you will be blessed.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul."
Somehow this brings delight to the heart of God. 
Think about a time when your mom or day, grandparent, or great-grandparent, or another significant person in your life, found delight in you. 
I keep remember some really great times from childhood. 
My grandfather used to sit in his chair and I would run by him.  But he would often reach out his arm and catch me.  He would pull me up on his lap and I would laugh.  Remember that childhood laughter than said "do it again - do it again - do it again."
Now jocular is not a term one would naturally associate with Herb Dines.  But today I see his face.  I am a child on his lap.  Dancing in his eyes is delight.
Your children or grandchildren have that effect on you.  Notice the delight they bring to your heart.  There is something purely good about a child smiling at you; asking for your help; telling you they are sorry; laughing; praying; talking; listening.  Delight.
Today I invite you to realize that you delight God.  You bring sheer delight to the heart of God.  Bless the Lord, O my soul."
You are a child of God.  God, our purely good Heavenly Father, delights in you.
God delights when you play and let Him take you in his arms.
God delights when you ask him for help.
God delights when you thank him.
God delights when you smile at him.
God delights when you cry to him.  God may even cry with you when it proves helpful.
God delights when you mind him.
God delights when you rely on him.
Remember, it is not your performance - it is not your stoic capability to remain strong while navigating the coronovirus thing - it is simply you.  You bring delight to God. 
What are ways to delight the heart of God today?  With so much bombarding us from many directions, this is a good time to stop and look to the Lord.  Bless the Lord, O my soul.  Delight the Lord God.
This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections

A microwave mindset.  I think of our culture in this image.  We want instant.  We pop something in the microwave, let it heat for 2-5 minutes, take it out and consume it.  We have a tendency to want everything like that.
We want answers that are quick and easy.  Follow these simple steps and it is done.
We have seen this with many issues in the Church.  We have a problem and want someone to fix it - Thursday!
(History would tell us it takes about 500 years for something to unfold in the Church, but that is another matter.)
Caronavirus.  Covid-19.  Stay-at-Home orders.  Social distancing. 
I stopped shaking hands March 8.  We stopped gathering for worship March 15.  We have been staying in so we do not contribute to the spread of the virus, for about a week. 
Already people are saying, are we done yet?  Hurry up.  Let's get back to normal - whatever that is.
We are victims of our microwave thinking.
Here is how it looks to me.  The coronavirus spreads rapidly.  We are at the front end (sorry, it is not almost over) of the spread.  Cases are multiplying. 
Then the virus slows.  There is still an increase but it is more like addition than multiplication.  Our intent now is to actually lengthen the time we practice social distancing and extraordinary measures.  We will still add cases of Covid-19, but they will be spread out and not as culturally devastating.  During this period the peak will come. 
Then we will witness a decline in the number of new infections.
Then we will be learning and discovering how to recognize the keys that will lead to re-engagement. 
Basically, we are in this for the long haul.  Don't think, "back to normal by Easter."  Don't focus on starting baseball season the middle of May.  This is going to take time.
Just writing that makes me pause.  I am part of the microwave culture.  Hurry up.  Fix it now.
Maybe Jesus will give us another perspective.  In Matthew 13:31-33, Jesus tells a couple of parables to illustrate the coming of the kingdom of God. 
First, is the parable of the mustard seed.  It starts very small.  Over time it grows to fullness.  It provides a place to nest.
Second, he speaks of leaven that works its way through flour until the whole loaf rises. 
In both cases, it takes time.  It takes time for a seed to be planted, germinate, grow, and produce.
It takes time to bake bread.  (We are more used to grabbing a loaf of bread off the shelf.)
Things of God work at their own time.  (Not ours)
Things of God unfold. 
Things of God call for patience, wisdom, and steadfastness.
Oh, there are exceptions.  On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came suddenly! (After centuries of waiting)
When Christ returns he will do so suddenly. (Again after centuries of watching and waiting.)
It will not take centuries for the coronavirus to run its course, for people to discover vaccines and treatments, but it is not a microwave solution.
For now, pay attention.  Learn something every day.  Trust in God - even if you are having a hard time doing so, keep say, "I trust you God".  It will get in your heart.
Get out of the microwave mindset and relish in the unfolding wonder of God's grace in your life and in the world.
This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections

Join me in reading John 16:19-24.  I especially noted 16:21.  I don't really relate to a woman giving birth, but I get the point.  There is pain and anguish, then insurmountable joy.  The joy overwhelms the anguish to the point that it is rendered irrelevant.
When Jesus spoke these words to his disciples they were in the early stages of the events that would lead him to the cross.  They would have had a sense that things were not "normal" but how things would play out was not understood. 
At the front end Jesus, 1) Acknowledges they have questions.  He knows they want to ask him things so he engages them. 2) Next Jesus assures them that although they will experience grief, their grief will turn to joy.  3) Jesus illustrates it with the woman in labor idea.  Bad, bad, bad, then JOY!
4) Struggle now but joy comes - and no one (nor no thing) can take it from you.  This is your future!
5) Ask God for what you long for, your will receive.  Your joy will be complete."
Jesus had something much larger than caronavirus in mind when he spoke those words.  The cross loomed before them.  His death would bring them pain and sorrow.  But when they realized that Jesus was risen from the dead and he was truly alive, their joy would be like nothing they could image.  It would change everything!  No trace of the pain they felt would exist because the resurrection has swallowed it up.  By following Jesus, they now enter into a "this world" experience of the resurrection life. 
I notice God gives hints and pictures of the coming resurrection life.  God breaks into this world with reminders of what is in store. 
Every time Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, cast out a demon, or performed some miracle, it was an in-breaking of the kingdom of God into this world.  No bad of this world could stand against the good of heaven, embodied in Jesus.
So here we are today.  We are in a "stay at home" moment.  (By the way, do this!  We can help the whole worlds situation by denying ourselves the joy of being out and about.)
We are at the front end of things.  We have many questions.  I anticipate the number of identified cases of Covid-19 rising.  I'll do my best, and so will you, to take measures to "flatten the curve". 
These next few days, weeks... could be longer, will present challenges.  Most of us will struggle with going "stir crazy".  We will wrestle with being disciplined enough to maintain the stay home order until the appropriate time to re-engage.
But we will.  And here is what will happen.  Your joy will be so much greater than your current inconvenience or the danger of the time.  We have an opportunity to experience a taste of the resurrection.
As followers of Jesus Christ we have assurance that the resurrection is our ultimate result.  Through history God has provided glimpses of new life.  I believe God is walking with us in these days and will once again show us wonder.  He will once again give us his joy. 
Your joy will make you forget your struggles of the moment.  You are not alone.  Joy is coming.
This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections

"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." - Isaiah 40:1
This verse came to mind today.  It is a reminder that God speaks words of comfort to His people.  Do you hear that word today?
You can read the rest of the chapter.  It speaks of the people of God coming through hard times.
 It speaks of forgiveness. 
It speaks of one calling in the wilderness and preparing a highway for God.
It speaks of people being like grass but the Word of God endures forever.  (Think, God is eternally faithful and strong, regardless of our infirmities).
It speaks of good news.  Don't be afraid.
We are cared for like a flock.  We are carried close to God's heart.
It covers many aspects of God's relation to the nations and her people.
It speaks of the wonder and power of the living God.
It speaks of our God who does not grow tired or weary.
It speaks to each of us.  "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
In light of the passage, how may I hear the word of comfort today?  By now you have probably already read the latest coronavirus statistics.  (Just a thought: don't read every notice you see and don't dwell on the numbers.  Be informed buy not overwhelmed.)
Back to comfort.  Here is how I heard the word of comfort this morning.
Cream of Wheat.
I ate Cream  of Wheat for breakfast.  I have not had Cream of Wheat for years.  I have gone to oatmeal.  Actually developed a taste for it.  Supposed to be healthy, you know.  But today, Cream of Wheat.
I associate Cream of Wheat with my mom and even my grandmother.  Cream of Wheat was something in childhood. 
Cream of Wheat was comfort during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Cream of Wheat was comfort when President Kennedy was assassinated.
Ok, so that dates me pretty well. 
The point is, I have been comforted through more events and episodes of life than I can begin to count.  And so have you.
Today why not think back to what comforts you.  Get some of your "Cream of Wheat" and hear God's comforting word in the confident reminder of your past.
By the way, Isaiah 40 is even more comforting to me than Cream of Wheat.
This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections

Today I was reading in the Old Testament when Israel was being led to claim their inheritance.  I know most of us do not spend a lot of time reading the fine print of Deuteronomy, but let me give you something today.
For a few minutes I set aside my Biblical studies and all the higher criticism, redactive criticism and historical criticism I learned in seminary.  For most people, when we read the Bible we just read the Bible.  So, in violation of much I have been taught, I want to take a few ideas from an ancient setting and amazingly find them speaking to me at this very moment.
This is in Deuteronomy 20:1-4.  God is encouraging the people as they head off to war.  The first note: we are in a "war" against an invisible enemy.  It is a virus.  Can't see it, feel, or smell it, but we know it is there.  Frankly, the unknown is what scares us most.
Israel was heading out not knowing exactly what was over the next hill.
God acknowledges that they will find themselves up against something that seems larger than life.  Their numbers are bigger than yours. 
But, don't be afraid.  (Anyone need that reminder as you get up this morning?)
Don't be afraid BECAUSE the Lord God is with you.  (Anyone need that reminder as you get up this morning?)
That reminder was huge since God was also reminding them that He had been with them before - Exodus from Egypt - that was a big deal.  The intent must have been that the people would go, Oh yes, I remember.  (Anyone need that reminder as you get up this morning?)
Drop down to verse 3, and God sends people off with this in mind and heart.  Don't be afraid; don't panic; don't be terrified.
Ok, that is easy to say.  As soon as I tell you not to be afraid, you get reminded that there is something to fear!  But there is a good reason for us to fear not.
Verse 4 gives us the reason we need not be afraid, panicked, or terrified.
"For the Lord you God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
Today, know this for real.  God goes with you.  (Anyone need that reminder as you get up this morning?)
God fights for you.  This is not some hopeless cause where we are just left twisting in the winds of fate.  This is a battle.  Keeps your wits about you!  Let faith rise within you.  The battle is truly for the Lord to win.  So when we come through this thing.  When a vaccination is discovered and made available.  When the virus simply goes dormant.  When a cure is found.  When medical people can rest.  When hospitals can get back to caring for the wide range of needs that exist.  When we go back to work.  When we gather socially.  When we fill the churches for worship.  When we discover our new normal and find life going forward. 
Then we will acknowledge that it is God who gives us these gifts of life.
God gives you victory.  Other translations say God saves us. 
(Anyone need that reminder as you get up this morning?)
This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections

I have a conundrum. (that is a confusing problem or question - I looked it up!)
One of my major drives in faith and life, in preaching, teaching, leading, serving, thinking, and encouraging, is the idea of NEW THINGS.
I believe God is always doing a new thing.
I believe in new life through faith in Jesus Christ.
I expect a new heaven and earth in God's perfect timing.
I accept a new covenant of grace through Jesus Christ.
I believe God's mercies are new every morning.
I believe in new wineskins.
I believe in new beginnings.
So, you get the point.  Faith and life are about the new things God offers and continues to bring into our lives.
Here is my conundrum.
I don't like new things.  I don't like having to figure out how to communicate on Office365 teams. 
I don't like having to do meetings on Gotomeetings.
I don't like trying to function on Zoom.
But these are all new things.  These are gifts God puts at our disposal.  They are windows, doorways, super highways to the new thing God will do in a few days, weeks, months, or whenever. 
How do I reconcile my conundrum? 
The first things I lean to are faith matters or reflections of my spiritual experience. 
The things that trouble me are things I have to do for the first time.  Things are so non-intuitive.  But it is a new world coming so I think I'll figure it out.
There are many things in faith and life I launched out on at some point in time.
I prayed for the first time.
I read the scriptures for the first time.
I loved for the first time.
I held a new born child (two times) for the first time.
Wow.  I would not have missed my "firsts" for the world.
Now if I could just do a video and get it posted somewhere.
Today, focus on the new things that are so important to you.  Remember the new things you once embarked upon.  Embrace the new thing God will do in your life beginning .....
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.
steve

Reflections

I suspect many people are living with an increased sense of anxiety.  How's that for an understatement?  We are dealing with something that is unknown.  We do not have a road map to navigate through a Coronavirus pandemic.  But on the other hand, we do not have road maps for many things we encounter in life.
I have caught myself thinking more on the line of "what if's" regarding Covid-19 than staying grounded in faith and hope.  Today I am realizing again how important it is to not focus on an unknown future but to find grounding in our faith.
If you pay too much attention to "what ifs" you will find anxiety rising.  The anxiety is not too many steps from fear.  Fear will paralyze you.
I encourage you to think about times when God stepped forth and took you in his arms of grace.  Let me give you an example
When I was a little boy, not even sure if I had started to school yet, we lived on a farm.  In those days there would be an occasional farm sale.  The community would gather.  They would auction everything imaginable.  Someone would have a food stand selling hamburgers.  It was a family affair.  Kids were there as well as adults.  I was at one of those and while the business was taking place the kids were running around playing.
There were probably a hand full of us playing together.  We went in the barn and climbed a wooden ladder up to the barn loft. (If you are a city person I know that probably does not communicate.  Barns had two levels.  In the loft the hay was kept.  It would have been a few feet above the ground level.)
Anyway, we climbed up into the loft.  We ran around there for a little bit and then it was off to the next thing.  But when it came time to climb down, I froze.  Once we climbed up that wooden ladder that was attached to the wall, we entered a small space and then stepped to the floor.  But now as it was time to step back to the ladder, the distance from the floor to the ladder seemed insurmountable to me.  It was probably just a few feet.  It would be easy to step across the opening to the ladder but in the moment it seemed too far for me to reach.  I froze.  It was fear.  I was stuck in the barn loft.
The other kids went down the ladder.  I was alone.
Someone feels that way today with regard to Caronavirus and being isolated.
In just a few minutes I heard people coming back.  Then I saw my dad climbing up the ladder and up through the opening to the barn loft.  I'm guessing he was in his 20's.  He seemed like the biggest, strongest person in the world.  And there he was.  As best I can remember, he held out his arm.  I went to him.  He took me in his arm and down the ladder we went.  Then he let me down and off I went to keep playing with the others.
Funny how we recall things like that when we stop and think.  That was 60 years ago!  It may be the first time I recognized being saved from fear.
It has happened many times since.  A week ago a phone called delivered me from anxiety.  It really does not take great effort to be part of God's rescue mission.
We are staying at home.  We hear and read frightening reports from all over the world.  We live in uncertainty.  These are dangerous times.
Here is what I invite you to do today.
Recognize when you are letting your mind drift toward a fearful future.
Stop and say a brief prayer.  Remember our "Lord give me faith and hope to overwhelm fear and panic" prayer.
Ask God to remind you of a time you were rescued, saved, delivered...
Now rest yourself in the strong arms of our Heavenly Father.
He carries you down the ladder.
He sets you free.
Go play.
Go make a call to another and be part of God's rescue from fear.
This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections

It is a new day.  A new week.  A new step in our caronavirus battle. 
I have already had two reminders today. 
1. That which is vital and most important is "love one another".  My devotions took me to John 13:34.  Jesus tells his disciples, "A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
This is the new way of living as Christ followers.  Love one another.  Does that mean love those in your immediate circle?  Jesus was speaking specifically to a small group of disciples.  Do we limit love?
 Does that mean love fellow believers?  Does the love command expand the circle?   That would be a logical application. 
Or does that mean love everyone?  Jesus already got that message of loving your enemies out for the disciples to chew on.  Does the circle of love extend to the whole world? 
Here is what you might try.  Begin by loving those in your close circle.  Love your family.  Say a prayer for your kids.  Practice love for those dearest to you.
Next expand your circle of love.  Love those who share your faith.  Pray for the church.  Pray for all those seeking to know and follow Christ.
Do another expansion of love.  Pray for the world.  We are all in this thing together.  You have been given a great gift and opportunity.  Love one another!  Expand the circle of love.
For extra credit - Consider that we are invited to love and treat one another (see above) as Jesus loves and treats us. 
You might want to have that conversation with someone today.  How are you experiencing the love of Jesus today?
2. We are learning a new way.  For years I have contemplated something I heard from Len Sweet many years ago.  Basically, it is the idea that we are immigrants in a new culture.  I have thought about the limited technological abilities I have developed.  It is similar to speaking a few words of another language and being able to find the basics.  But that was about it. 
A few days ago the world changed.  All of a sudden I find myself barely able to communicate.  I do not know the native language of this culture.
So I, and I expect many of you, have some catching up to do.  I choose to see this as a new day with new and emerging opportunities to learn and master something new.  We are going to find new ways of living our daily lives.  We will find new ways of relating to one another.  We will find new ways to worship and put our faith in action.
This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Surreal.  Sunday morning and I got up.  Prayed and read scriptures.  Watched a couple of worship services on line.  I will always be biased toward PWC!  Good job folks.  But here I am at home.  Cindy recently traveled so we are watching for any Covid-19 symptoms - grateful that she continues to have no fever, cough, or breathing difficulties.  But here we are. 
I do not think social distancing will become our new norm.  But hopefully we will learn some things that will contribute to a healthier society.  We have been created as social beings and God calls us to community. 
But things will be different.  The world will look and think - and I suspect pray - differently when we come through the challenges that lie ahead of us.
But the world has changed many times. 
The world changed after 9-11.
The world changed when a vaccine for polio was discovered. (And smallpox, and ......the list goes on and on.)
The world changed when World War II ended.
The world changed after the Civil War.
The world changed....go ahead and fill in your ideas.
But do you know when the world really changed?  Everything changed when Jesus was raised from the dead.  From that moment on death has been defeated.  God demonstrated that life will always and eternally prevail over death, sin, sickness and all that is contrary to God's redemptive purposes.
From that moment God showed that He is able to conquer death.
From that moment God showed that Jesus is willing to do whatever it takes to make life real.
From that moment the ultimate victory was won.
From that moment Jesus has called us to life.
We simply tend to forget some really amazing things.  Today I am remembering that my Savior, Jesus Christ, has overcome death itself and lives forever - and today. 
Remember.  It's a new world that keeps coming.
Looking to good and blessed days.
steve

Thoughts

Today in my devotions the scripture was Philippians 4:4-7. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentle spirit be known to all men.  The Lord is near.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Today you may find yourself drifting toward anxiety and fear.  Don't beat yourself up.  That seems pretty natural considering the circumstances surrounding us.  Covid-19 is at the front of our attention. 
Here is a practical application when anxiety begins to creep in on you. 
1. Stop dwelling on your fears.  In your mind you can picture the worst possible things.  Of course it is good to prepare for the worst and hope for the best, but check yourself from dwelling on that which frightens you most.
2. Replace your anxiety with praise.  Rejoice in the Lord always.  Even today.  Even this moment.  That may be something like, "Oh God, source of my joy.  I give you my highest praise today."
3. Be reminded that the Lord is near.  The Holy Spirit is right here with you.  You are not alone.  God has not forgotten you exist.  God has not abandoned you. (or anyone for that matter)  May the Lord enter your thoughts even as you praise him.
4. Be anxious for nothing...Acknowledge your anxieties, fears, and even your sense of panic, but there is something greater at work with you.  The peace of Christ - the God of peace itself - is with you and in you.
5. Replace your thoughts of fear with prayer.  You might pray something like, "Lord, heal those (myself included) infected with the coronavirus and protect all others from it.  Grant extraordinary wisdom and knowledge to all the medical researchers and people working to develop treatment in every form.  Move people across the world to look after the interests of others and trust you to provide all that is needed.  (You can fill out your prayers as they rise in your heart and mind.)
6.  The next part of prayer is supplication.  Example: God, I ask you for peace and wholeness in my life.
7. The underlying principle of these prayers is Thanksgiving.  In a spirit of gratitude to God we make our prayers known.
My prayer for you is that the peace of God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 
Hope these steps spur you on to prayer.  Trust these ideas spark more creativity in your personal faith and prayer life. 
Do all the experts are encouraging us to do but let's not neglect the spiritual gifts and power God has made available to us through His Spirit.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We are continually seeking the latest information on the corona virus. How many new cases? Is it still spreading? What about where I live? What should I do? There are many questions we ask.
I have been asking myself , “what is the Christian response to the corona virus?”
Historically Christians have stayed to help when others fled. Check out Christians and the Black Plague and you May find some inspiring and sobering stories.
We followers of Jesus Christ have a compelling drive to love one another. Early Christians demonstrated love for fellow believers and non-believers alike. They captured the attention of their world.
What should we do in our current setting?
Seek out and take seriously the best information from the best sources. Seek wisdom to apply acquired knowledge.
Wash your hands. Stay home if you are ill. Use common sense.  Nothing revolutionary here.
But there are a couple of things that challenge me.
Isolation.  This is a strategy to slow and stop the spread of the virus. Isolate people if necessary but do not abandon people. What does love require?
Do not fear people. I have been intentional about enjoying Chinese  food simply to be supportive.
I guess the bottom line for me is care for those in need. You will practice love in action as God leads.
In the meantime. Stay informed. Be diligent. Care.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Diligence. This is the word that comes to mind. Be diligent in caring for your health. The flu, colds, corona virus...
While we cannot will ourselves to not catch cold we can take steps to minimize risk and lessen the impact. This may simply mean wash your hands.
Stay informed, take things seriously, think of others, be open to new discoveries, be diligent.
Actually, that course of action could apply to many areas of life. What about your spiritual life?
Stay informed. Read the book. The Bible informs us on how to map our path.
Be serious. Life is precious and meant to be a joy. There is also eternity to consider. Take your relationship with Christ seriously.
Think of others. As a Christian you belong to God. Look for ways to put the interests and needs of others before yourself.
Open to new discoveries. We are on a road to perfect love. There are joys unimaginable along the way. Discover grace.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve