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BACK AGAIN!
It was good to be back together again, even if only for one hour! Faces were half covered,
but we could still see the smiles as we entered the building together. It was so good to hear
multiple voices singing praise to God. On a personal note, it was really good to see faces as I
shared God’s Word. We had 89 for the two services combined. There were folks traveling and
some not ready to get out yet with health concerns with the virus the way it is. But I know that in
time we will all be together again. I pray that happens sooner than later!
I would encourage each of us to be calling on folks you know who weren’t present Sunday,
just to check on them and make sure they are doing well. Because of the virus and the affect it
has had on all of our lives, we may have the tendency to think that everyone is fine and just
staying safe in their homes. Safe in our homes from the virus still leads to discouragement and
frustration because we are not able to be about our normal lives. This is when we all need to step
up and reach out to each other and encourage during difficult times.
Several years ago, I was reminded by a preacher friend that discouragement is just one tool
of many in the devil’s arsenal. One defense of discouragement is our rejoicing in God and His
promises. But sometimes it is a big help just hearing from someone else, so we know we are not
alone in the battle. The devil knows well that when we are alone, we are at our weakest. And this
is one of the reasons it is so important to be together as God’s family as often as we can—
strength in numbers!
Lately, I have heard from many with their concerns on where our country is headed. I am
not going to go political on you, but perhaps we need to stop and rethink the problem. When
Jesus visited with Mary and Martha in their home, Martha was distracted by many things. Upon
complaining about the lack of help from Mary, Jesus responded, “Martha, Martha, you are
worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has
chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).
I can’t change everyone around me, but I can concentrate more on my relationship with the
Lord and less on the frustration, discouragement and anger of the world. This is the work of
Satan and I would rather concentrate my efforts on being a light for the dark world to see their
way to Jesus Christ—the only answer to these problems! ~P. Mowrer
