focus on the future, not the virus

We have never been here before. That is one reason that this situation is so hard. Many have characterized it as worse than the tragedy of September 11, 2001. No matter the case we have much ahead of us.

It is my opinion that things will not be the same when this is over. There will be a new normal. In the struggles ahead we will experience things we have never experienced.

We can make our plans. We can strategize, but there is not telling what is ahead and how it will all play out. We will get there. This will end.

The most important thing is we do not give us. This virus will not end the world. It is not going to steal our faith.

We will press on. Paul said it best.

Philippians 3:12-16 NASB

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

We haven’t arrived, but this is not the end.

There is a great result and reward ahead of us.

We must learn from what we have and what we are going through.

Pressing on takes faith and courage.

Check your attitude. Check it often.

God is in control, and thus we keep on living.

Friends, this coronavirus pandemic will not define us. Let’s allow the facts God gives us be the definition and the passion that helps us push through and see the constant victories that He, our great and gracious God, has laid up for us. There is much ahead.

That’s why we will not dwell in the present. I will focus on God and the future He has prepared!

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

Search This Blog