YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE!

I feel that if you listen closely, you can almost hear a cosmic, “Ahem. May I have your attention, please.”

Or, as they say in pre-school … “1-2-3—eyes on Me!”

Like most churches across the world today, we did our services this week online. There was a song service, offering and music, and fantastic messages. The Word was preached and those who tuned in were encouraged. I’m sure this was played out over and over in various countries and cultures, making full use of the technology available to us.

I sang along with the band, gave my offering online and took notes – just like I would at a regular church service. I went on Facebook to see the funny and not-so-funny posts of friends and family about how they are handling all this; and ended up on the prayer chain my church uses and joined in prayer for the great needs presented there.

Although I am missing the everydayness of my life and, if this quarantine should go on longer, there will definitely be an impact on my world that may take years to recover from – I can have peace in chaos and hope in my future – no matter what they say on the news.

WHY?

Because every Word of God is true, and Jesus has already given us instructions and promises about what the future holds.

Most Christians are familiar with Matthew 24:7, which states: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers (various) places (King James version).

This is part of the answer Jesus gives to his disciples who ask Him, “…what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?”

Am I saying that this is the end of the world? No! Because further on in Matthew 24:36, Jesus says, “But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”

THINK ON THIS

So, while there may be great fear because we are faced with unknown and unusual circumstances – those who know Christ as their Savior, can have great peace amid the turmoil.

But what about those who do not know Christ as their Savior?

Like I said at the beginning of this blog – it’s as if God has given the world a bit of a thump!

“1-2-3—eyes on Me!”

We are not in control. God is.

We do not make the rules. God does.

Eternity is not something you get to define or control. Eternity lies in the hand of the One who holds all things together by the power of His Word – a holy, righteous God.

CONSIDER THIS

This earth was never meant to exist forever. In Psalm 102:25-26, the Word says that God laid the heavens and the earth, but they will perish and wear out, and like clothing He will change them and discard them.

Imagine!! The seas, the skies, the forest – all folded up and discarded by the great hand of

God!

This earth is a temporary home. And although I love it and it brings me great comfort at times to see the natural world around me, I know there is so much better waiting for me. Indescribably better.

The whole world has come to a stop over something so small you need a microscope to see it. Don’t waste your time with the politics of it all – let the politicians do their thing. Do the best you can to be safe and help others if possible.

REMEMBER THIS

In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus tells us that “…not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs of your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (NIV)

What should we do in this difficult, unprecedented time?

Look to the Lord.

Search His Word.

Get to know Him personally as your Savior.

If you have never asked Christ to be your Savior – today is the day! Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world. Ask for His forgiveness, and you WILL receive it. Ask Him to come and live in your heart, and He WILL NEVER leave you.

And, the best news of all, when you die, you will live forever in heaven, where “…eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”( I Corinthians 2:9, NIV)

Glory to God! Great things are waiting for us!