I am sorry that I have been negligent in posting on this blog. With all that is going on around us, I will be posting more frequently in the days ahead.
Here is the post that I wrote my our weekly America’s Keswick blog, Freedom Fighters. It will be posted for them on Monday so you get a first peek.
Don’t Waste These Moments
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Just think about how different our world has become in less than a month:
People hoarding toilet paper – I will never understand this one!!!
Food shortages in the grocery story – Some of our seniors are going to be eating Mac and Cheese for the next two years
The Boardwalks are closing because people have not practiced social distancing
Most people made fun of or criticized families that have been homeschoolers – Now most of our country is being homeschooled
We are learning out to use technology to interact with our family and friends. I read of a grandfather who is teaching his grands how to play chess over Zoom.
Musicians whose concert ministries that were drastically slowing down, are now doing free online concerts and can do offer their product on-line.
Chic-Fil-A has taken its drive-through services in a new direction and has set the standard for how to still serve with excellence. My son-in-law said that if the Federal wants to streamline drive through Covid-19 service, set Chic-Fil-A to handle it, and it will all be done by midnight.
And just think … the past couple of Sundays, my guess is that there were more people in church globally through the internet than there are in real-time most Sundays.
These are unprecedented times, my brothers. We have several options:
Pull the covers up and not get out of bed because we are so distraught
Look for ways to drown our fears and anxieties with all kinds of addictive substances and activities
Become angry and lash out at everyone because things are so bad
And unfortunately, some will decide enough is enough and consider suicide
OR
We can redeem the time by digging deeper into the Word. Now would be a good time to start a Bible reading plan. If you are a tech person, download the YouVersion app. There are hundreds of Bible Reading plans.
Take advantage of teaching resources online. You can join Right Now Media through America’s Keswick and enjoy thousands of teaching videos and movies for your kids. Send me an email with your name and email address, and we will sign you up for this free service!!! (bwelte@americaskeswick.org)
Text Bible verses to your family, friends, and especially your kids and grandkids. You can do that right from your YouVersion app. I send out verses to fifty friends every day.
Write an actual letter to a friend or family member. They may faint and have to call 911.
Journal about the goodness of God in the midst of these momentary and light afflictions. And remember, a good portion of our world doesn’t have nearly the money, food, housing, or the technology that we enjoy without even given a thought about it.
We can waste this time and give up in despair, or we can use these times to draw us closer to the Lord and each other.
Send me your ideas, and I will share them (bwelte@americaskeswick.org)
In His grip,
Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick If your hope cannot outlast you, how can it sustain you? Ray Ortlund
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