"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." ― Mark Twain

Dear Friends,

Good health is generally taken for granted until it is taken away. Very few give even a second thought about the fragility of life until it is threatened by disease, particularly one that is new and exotic like the coronavirus. It's scary. That's for sure. It is in times like these, however, in which we see the real soul of a nation. Personally, I am proud of mine and for the global response that I have seen thus far. I think there is a lesson here for all of us. The real lesson that I see is that men and women can live in reasonable harmony when we all decide to pull together against a common enemy. Wouldn't it be nice if we could do the same when it comes to international disputes, wars, and famines? Wouldn't it be nice if all the belligerents around the world would beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, and nations would choose to no longer take up the sword against nation, nor train anymore for war (Isaiah 2:4)?

Well, that day will come, but not until after judgment (Micah 4:3). Is this that time? I think not. Could it be a precursor? Perhaps. In any case, however, it serves as a reminder of how things could rap up in a hurry during the end times. The guidelines that have been established to control this virus is certainly a paradigm for what could be. 

In all of this, however, we must remind ourselves that "the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)." This verse in 2 Timothy alone gives us all the assurance we need to face this silent intruder. 

Most of us are restricted in what we can do physically to attack this ghostly monster; however, we must always pray, not simply as a default position when all else fails, but as a constant in our daily activities (Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). In regards to this, prayer is an attitude more than just a litany. For sure we must verbalize our concerns, but God is not only asking for our concerns; he wants our hearts, our worship, our soul, our body, and our spirit.

Why do I say this? Well, first of all, it's Bible. God has no favorites, "the prayer of a good person has a powerful effect," so says James (James 5:16). We also have this promise that when “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). So, if you and I submit to God in the spirit of holiness, then we will most certainly be rewarded.

God, however, not not a cosmic Santa Claus just looking over the banisters of Heaven with a bag full of goodies to hand out to every Tom, Dick, and Harry in need who happens along. In God's economy, it doesn't work that way, in or outside the parameters of the Church.

Secondly, I say this because prayer is therapeutic. God will keep those in perfect peace whose minds are steadfast because they trust in God (Isaiah 26:3). 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6)

  JimR_/