Eternal Mindset of P.R.A.I.S.E.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Holy Saturday – a day of mourning for the disciples observing Jewish Sabbath. The weekly events were nothing shy of a treacherous rollercoaster ride of emotions. Can you imagine how they felt? Defeated, confused, astonished, afraid…maybe even a close resemblance of a negative mindset leading way to skepticism of what was yet to come. Perhaps they had even forgotten about Jesus’ proclamation of rising on the third day.

How often does our own mindset leave us hopeless? In the midst of crisis, it is easy to fix our eyes on the surrounding issues and forget the promise we find in Romans 8:38-39. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The promises of God have the authority to align our frame of mind to an eternal attitude. An assuring view focused on the Father and the confirming love of Jesus.

When we employ an infinite mentality, God is acknowledged as the reigning authority working in us and through us. We can acclaim to the fact that the Trinity is alive and well despite the pain and suffering we face. It fills us with hope and ignites the Spirit of God within us. This light in the darkness transports meaning and purpose into our circumstances. It conveys the message to fix our eyes on things above rather than wallow in a sea of self-pity and grumbling.

Grasping to an everlasting outlook and an interminable approach brings God praise. What a beautiful display of belief and trust in the Lord. It is the ceaseless hope the disciples needed on that Jewish Sabbath. A conviction that the physical death witnessed could not rescind. The vision Jesus explained prior to his crucifixion.

For God so loved the word that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. This is our concept, a timeless life with the Father. Christ Jesus paid the fee for the pathway to salvation. God’s revelation of truth gives way to us choosing an eternal mindset and approaching life with praise.

Welcome God’s viewpoint into your life. This eternal mindset will open the door to great praise. Let it take root in your thoughts, actions, and beliefs. Hold on to the everlasting results God has promised.

Happy Easter my friends!

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6

April 11, 2020 0

Surrender of P.R.A.I.S.E.

Good Friday of Holy Week is the ultimate picture of surrender. The day when Pilate surrendered to peer pressure, resulting in the crucifixion of Christ. Jesus surrendered to the will of God and suffered in agony and pain for the salvation of all mankind. Hanging on a cross for hours upon end, undergoing more than most can bear to hear. The ultimate sacrifice to make way for grace. And yet, as He was suffering, He asked the Father to forgive those who were persecuting him (Luke 23:34). His divine nature and unconditional love for others is mind-boggling. Astonishing mercy, grace, and love!

The last words uttered by Christ are found in Luke 23:46. A display of extraordinary sacrifice and submission to God. The scripture reads, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. All that was within him he placed into God’s hands. Enormous trust in the Father was demonstrated for all the world to hear and see. His last seven words are forever part of Good Friday. What a testimony for followers.

Jesus’ submission is a display of ultimate praise. Christ validates his trust through the yielding of his spirit. I can’t help but sing, “You can have it all Lord, every part of my world”. All for your glory, all for your will, all for the advancement of your kingdom. Praise Your Holy Name!

Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great in the LORD and most worthy of praise, he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 1 Chronicles 16:23-29

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

The surrender of praise is a choice much like our attitude of praise. We are called to be living sacrifices. Scripture reminds us that this is what brings ultimate adoration to the Father. May this Good Friday bring to mind submission and allow you a time to reflect upon your personal commitment to the Lord.

Are you willing to give it all to Him? He gave His all for you.

April 10, 2020 0

Intellect of P.R.A.I.S.E.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statues and be careful to obey my rules. Ezekiel 36:26-27

Thursday of Holy Week is a reflection on the Last Supper, Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, and a new covenant. As the disciples watched and listened to Christ, the information didn’t quite make sense. They had questions—How can your body be broken and your blood shed for mankind? Why are you serving us when you are the Messiah? Who is this Spirit coming to live within us as part of the new covenant? What do you mean someone will betray you or even deny you three times? Why are you going away? When will you return? How can this be? Why does the world as we know it have to change? Within a short period of time, their grasp of the Savior’s knowledge began to unfold and their intellect began to align with the very words Christ shared and displayed.

The intellect of God is exceedingly great. Psalm 139 describes the Father as an all-knowing Lord. Scripture continually reminds us of His power and wisdom. God is magnificent in all of His ways. It is difficult for our human minds to completely comprehend the vastness of the Almighty nor understand His methods and approaches because they contrast from our human nature. Therefore, we have to rely on His Holy Word and the Holy Spirit to lead and guide. Wisdom and insight come from our faith in the unseen. The marvelous light that fills our heart, mind, and soul is far above anything we can physically see or touch. Knowledge in God produces an awareness of our purpose and who we are. We come to realize that we are created for Him and His glory. Without this discernment, how can we praise Him?

Praise can be accomplished when we become very familiar with what we are adoring. How can we bring worship and honor to something or someone we only know on a minimal scale? What makes it worthy of praise? Could it be a false act and we do it because everyone else does? Or is it a genuine celebration of the most valuable thing in life deserving of honor because of what we know about them? Do we have a deep personal connection establishing meaning for our praise?

I would encourage you my friend to examine your reason for praise. The intellect of it is pinpointing the purpose and intention. Get to know the Father on a higher level. Let Him reveal who He is through your reliance on His Word and the Holy Spirit. Embrace the stretching of your faith and be open to God’s intelligence. It is a sure way to increase your praise and defend your reasons for honoring your #1.

April 9, 2020 2

Attitude of P.R.A.I.S.E.

Through him them let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Hebrews 13:15

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
― Winston S. Churchill

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
― Lou Holtz

“Attitude is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, money, circumstances, than failures and success, than what other people think, say, or do. It is more important than appearance, ability, or skill. It will make or break a business, a home, a friendship, an organization. The remarkable thing is I have a choice every day of what my attitude will be. I cannot change my past. I cannot change the actions of others. I cannot change the inevitable. The only thing I can change is attitude. Life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it.”
― Charles R. Swindoll

“When you take control of your attitude, you take control of your life.” “Happiness depends on your mindset and attitude.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

“God is always more interested in why we do something than in what we do. Attitudes count more than achievements.”
― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?

And the list continues regarding attitude. I am sure you have a few favorite quotes on the subject as well. When I reflect upon them, one particular line comes to mind. “Your attitude is a personal price tag; it determines your value.”

By definition attitude is the way we thinking about something or someone. It includes the posture we choose to display. Therefore, attitude is a choice. This choosing is relative to all areas of life, especially regarding praise for the Lord. The approach and outlook we have directly affects the stance of gratitude and thankfulness within our hearts.

On Wednesday of Holy Week, Matthew 26:14-16 is a passage some contemplate, the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. Thirty pieces of silver was his greedy attitude. No regard of appreciation for the one and only Savior. He had spent hours upon hours following Jesus and witnessed what He spoke as truth. Where was Judas’ gratitude and recognition of thanks for God, the solitary hope for his life? Overcome by the love of his human nature and an attitude of selfishness. Choosing this stance, he could not possess an attitude of thankfulness nor could he utter a word of praise to God Almighty. A single choice. . .

Occupying an attitude of praise goes beyond the way we feel. There are days when our circumstances dominate our thinking and influence our emotions. We all have them; “rotten, no good, very bad days”. It takes our faith, inward love for God, and the Holy Spirit to seize our attitude. It is our choosing to bring our attitude under the authority of the Father and praise His Holy name.

Don’t feel like praising—Do It Anyway! Don’t feel thankful—Praise God Anyway! Why? It is a biblical stance to select an attitude of praise for a Savior whose love was displayed on a cross through a broken body and nail scarred hands. He is beyond worthy of our praise despite our feelings and emotions.

I once heard it expressed that our attitude of praise can be altered by starting with our duty to honor the Lord. As we elect to praise the Father out of sheer duty, over time it transforms into devotion. Then as we select to exercise our devotion to God, it becomes sheer delight-absolute sold out PRAISE! Duty-Devotion-Delight…a method to changing your attitude of praise.

“Even the smallest changes in our daily routine can create incredible ripple effects that expand our vision of what is possible.”
― Charles F. Glassman, Brain Drain The Breakthrough That Will Change Your Life

April 8, 2020 0

Reflection of P.R.A.I.S.E.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Reflection-Do you remember Mulan? She struggled with her outward appearance because she felt it didn’t coincide with her inward being. How often do we grapple with our own reflection portraying the one who lives within?

https://tinyurl.com/qqkssr3

Time and time again I have been frustrated with my sinful nature showing up externally when my innermost desire is a heart for God. Paul eloquently depicted this wrestling in Romans 7:14-25 when he explains how he seems to do what he doesn’t want to do. It has often been referred to as a boxing match between the mind and sinful nature. What I know to be true is the BRAWL is brutally real!

On this day during Holy Week, let us consider how our reflection influences our praise. When our lives manifest corruption, the immorality restrains our ability to give full honor and praise. Sin separates us from the Lord and becomes a crippling and paralyzing mechanism. Our reflection contradicts any likeness of admiration for the Lord. Why? Because guilt and shame restrict our full ability to display compassion for the Father. So, the fight pattern Paul describes raises its ugly head again.

As we desire to give God praise, we must take a good look at our reflection. Are we self-reflected or God-reflected? Are we willing to abstain from every source holding us back from radiating the Father? Whose strength are we relying upon to refine us in becoming more like the image of God?

Ray Vander Laan has a study called In the Dust of the Rabbi. In his study there is a session where he refers to us as living stones. Ray states we are a rock to be utilized in building the Lord’s temple but we must be chiseled and shaped by the Almighty Father. Our response to the process will determine our destiny. It is a lifetime process which I refer to as refining.

Let us embrace our journey and consent to God’s purifying and polishing so our reflection of Him enhances our praise. Be encouraged by Colossians 1:9a-14 as you allow the Holy Spirit to assist you in aligning your outward appearance with your inward love for God.

…We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

April 7, 2020 0

Posture of P.R.A.I.S.E.

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:4

Body language-need I say more! Scrunched up face, crossed arms, bobbing head, mocking mouth, rolling eyes—total disrespect. Oh, don’t let me forget outward actions like slamming a door. Yep, that will cause any father to take the door right off the hinges. You understand if there are or if there had once been teenagers in your household. Maybe, you’ve had the privilege to be an educator, childcare worker, coach, youth pastor… Yet, who am I kidding? I was a teenager once and still this youthful posture will arise its ugly head.

As we dive into Holy Week, let us ever be mindful of not only our body language but also the stance of our heart, mind, and soul. Praise is an expression of something relished and adored. When you possess love for someone or something, it is evident in your posture. You radiate with admiration and you can’t hold back your feelings. You want the world to celebrate with you because of the emotion it generates.

So why is our outburst of discontent sometimes easier to display than our compassion for God? (Ouch! That hurts even more when I see it displayed in words.) It is a question we must visit when we exam how we praise the Father. The position of our entire being bears the demonstration of worship on many levels. Posture exposes and presents the owned passion for God. Although we all retain a level of public display, God recognizes a heart for Him. He is never fooled.

Luke 19 describes the Monday of Holy Week as a day when Jesus discovers a stance of disrespect and unbelief in the Temple. His intense desire to purify His children is clearly seen by His intolerance for disgrace and lack of honor. He found their demonstration far from exalting God. It looked more like a proudful strut flaunting selfish desires and parading their gods in the presence of God.

What is your posture of PRAISE? How do you show reverence inwardly and outwardly? Does the world know who you love above all else? Where can you improve upon your praise stance? In what posture do you want Jesus to find you on any given day?

May God’s word encourage you as you examine your entire praise pose:

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm 95:6

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Rev. 7:9

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. Psalm 134:2

When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD. Genesis 24:52

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

It came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. Exodus 17:11

May we be found leaping for joy, bowing down in worship, standing in honor, lifting our hands in reverence as we gaze upon His glory.

Share your position knowledge and experience of praise with someone today. I can’t think of a better stance on Monday of Holy Week.

April 6, 2020 2

Six Days of P.R.A.I.S.E.

Praise Him for He is the tree of Eternal Life!

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103: 1-5

Hi friends! Welcome to Holy Week. This is my favorite season. It signifies such an outpouring of love. A time where the Almighty Father awarded His very best, His son, Jesus Christ, to a lost and dying world. I am overwhelmed and humbled by the Lord’s all sufficient mercy.

Our Great and Mighty Jehovah is beyond worthy of our adoration. He has prepared things before us, is present with us, and is fashioning the days ahead. How can we not bellow it from the mountain tops and even in the valleys low with all that we possess?

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is the Lord God Almighty!

Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him!

The Lord God Almighty is worthy to be praised with all that I am.

Bless His Holy Name.

As an invitation of praise, come join in six days of P.R.A.I.S.E. during this Holy Week. Let us discover together how to offer our very best to the one who gave it all. May we unite with one another through a Spirit of praise and allow the Lord to fill our vessels to overflowing. During these days, may we be energized to rise up and offer our daily takeaways with at least one other person, each day for six days.

Father God we pray for a Spirit of Praise to be forever present in our posture, reflection, attitude, intellect, surrender, and eternal mindset. We give you all we have in sincere worship because You gave all you had for us. We aspire to grant our best to You. Thank You Father God for Your Love shed on the cross. Oh gracious Lord, it should have been us.

April 6, 2020 0

Psalm 91

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:15-17

Happy Friday Friends! I pray your week has been a time to draw closer to the Lord and even a chance to stop and smell the flowers. The fragrance of God’s goodness is always a pleasing aroma.

In a recent post I encouraged you to meditate and pray over Psalm 91. Many have referenced this passage as an encouragement during this time. It seems to be the “go to” area of God’s word this week for many searching for comfort and a way to cope.

I just wanted to share my approach with you today and let you know I held myself accountable to the task as well.

As you can see, I clarified meaning (words in bold print) as I meditated on the verses. Then I wrote my takeaway throughout the scripture as a means to apply it to my personal life and current circumstances.

May it provide insight to your methods of digesting God Word and assist you in your spiritual walk.

Whoever lives in the protection of the one and only God will take comfort in pursuit of the omnipotent/omnipresent. I will continue to draw near to the Lord and seek His will for my life. I am grateful that He is ever-present and available.

I will declare of the LORD, “He is my safe haven and my stronghold, my Abba Father, in whom I confide and depend.” I am not ashamed to claim Him as my Lord. I choose His truth and love as my substance. I bring my life under His authority. Help me Lord to be obedient to your word.

Without question he will rescue you from the enemy’s trap and from the terminal virus/pandemic/disease. Through His son, Jesus Christ I have been given life saving grace. The gift of the Holy Spirit has directed my pathway and made me aware of satan’s schemes. His Holy Word provides truth to fight against the poisonous lies and equips me with his freeing power.

God will guard you with his armor, and under his loving arms will find a safe haven; his dependability will be your shield and barrier. The Lord is my barricade from earthly ways when I seek Him as my protection. He has proven over and over that He is worthy of praise and His word will withstand. His promises are true and will never change.

You will not have concern or anxiety about the fright of the dark world, nor the direct targeted trials that come by day, nor the pestilence that haunts and prowls in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. I will strive to put my trust in God and stay focused upon His goodness regardless. I will recognize the fear and try to remain calm in the storm of life and the panic of the world.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will be kept at a distance from you. You will only watch the punishment of the immoral. The Father will take care of His children who humbly surrender to His ways and keep His commandments. Lord, I need you. Strengthen me and let me flea from all unrighteous. Let me pray for my enemies and not fall prey to their evil.

If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Lord of Lords your heart, mind, and soul’s residence, no harm will take you by surprise and engulf you, no disaster will come near your tent. The Lord will not let you endure more than you can stand. Draw strength from His protection and claim it.

For he will instruct his heavenly bodies concerning you to protect you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. I will cry out to my Father for His control and the protection from the spiritual war that rages all around me.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. In God’s timing will the trouble end and His goodness will reign.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will free him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in difficulty, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” The Father knows my true love and dedication for Him. He is my security and defense because I call upon Him in good times and in bad. Although the pain and suffering on earth may continue, He is always with me. I will embrace His pathway and find security under His authority. I will trust in His timing and wait upon Him for His answers. His promises will remain and He has assured me of an eternal life for His glory.

March 27, 2020 1

His Perspective

For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. Romans 15:4

We study the Bible because within it are the very words of God. God “breathed out” the Scriptures and inspired men to write His truth. It is an expansion of Himself to all mankind. As Christians, we rely on these words to complete us and equip us for every good work to bring the Father honor and glory. Can you imagine life without them?

The Father employs scripture and prayer to communicate. God is known as an intimate and relational spirit. When we speak with Him and ask for clarification of truth, God reveals wisdom and understanding. Remember, Holy Scriptures are fashioned to feed our souls with everlasting nourishment and refresh our mind. In Matthew 4:4 Christ reminds us, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Not only do we have God’s Holy Word and a direct line to the Father through prayer, but we possess the Holy Spirit. He lives within us as a helpmate. As we read in 2 Peter chapter 1, verse 21 discloses the fact that interpretation of scripture is never attained through human means but from part of the divine Trinity’s promptings. (aka Holy Spirit) Just like Jesus informed the disciples in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit is a gift to us to guide and instruct. We cannot uncover truth in scripture through the use of our human flesh and thinking. Why? God’s ways far outweigh our own and we would be fooling ourselves to believe otherwise. “For is anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Galatians 6:3.

God’s word makes known His directives and assurances. They are a road map for righteous living. His perspective and outlook, along with faith-filled reliance on the Holy Spirit, empowers us to grasp His truth and live out God’s will. The bible is our source of truth, yet spiritual development and perception requires trust and dependence on the Holy Spirit AND continual interaction with the Father through prayer. Our reliance on these mutually supporting actions generates clarity and precise scripture meaning. Once clearness is obtained, we can commence to launch God’s truth into our present-day circumstances and daily living. Without God’s viewpoint and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we are left on our own accord to determine meaning based on our evaluation. How clear of a picture do we get using this method?

Given our current crisis, I would extend the message from Sunday’s service by encouraging you to draw out God’s perspective for Psalm 91. Read it. Meditate upon it. Through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s promptings, allow God to reveal His words for you as a means to cope during a time such as this.

LOVE AND PRAYERS for our world!

March 24, 2020 0

Manifested Loyalty

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Ruth 1:16

Happy Saturday friends! Our world has been turned upside down over the past couple of weeks and has shown to be an ever changing environment. Who would have ever thought we would be social distancing and desperate for essential items? (even medical facilities are short on masks) It seems like the world is on pins and needles when trying to deal with the unknown future.

Yet, this week I have seen faithfulness shown over and over. It has been heartwarming to see people show loyalty to others without it benefitting themselves. Such a different view than the “ever man for himself” view displayed as empty shelves, lack of goods, and heightened emotions.

The love of Christ and respect for others was demonstrated when I witnessed:

1. Someone donating many rolls of toilet paper for those who may have a need instead of hording.

2. A friend willing to shop hop with you during lunch to find eggs for your husband’s birthday meal.

3. A college student assisted a couple unable to pick up a Walmart order during workhours by picking it up, delivering it, and even putting the cold/frozen items away! (who does that?)

4. A church secretary taking toilet paper to a family who was running low and two of the family members had just undergone surgery in the past five days.

5. Administrators carrying out social distancing procedures and working out remote systems.

6. Employees putting in long hours without extra compensation.

7. People holding doors for others who were trying to leave the store with what they could possibly find with kids in tow.

8. Phone calls, emails and text messages-checking in with others and making sure everyone is doing okay.

9. Less comings and goings on the roads because people are following the health officials’ mandates/suggestions.

10. A doctor cancelling his family’s ski trip due to his concerns for his patients and their needs.

11. People dedicated to prayer and setting aside time every night at 7:00 p.m. to specifically pray for the coronavirus issues.

12. Social media postings thanking local medical staff.

13. Parents understanding the struggle of educating through online means and teachers scrambling to roll out online instruction.

14. Business owners following regulations despite profit concerns.

15. Restaurants giving away hand sanitizing wipes and/or toilet paper with orders.

16. Food facilities willing to sell eggs and bread to the public without price gouging.

17. Government officials taking things serious and unifying their efforts.

18. A teenage boy warming up lunch for his mother who is working from home.

And the list goes on and on…

I love seeing loyalty in action and not mere words. God brought faithfulness to mind this week when reading the book of Ruth. Her story highlights unselfishness and dedication. She stayed true to her family and did whatever was required. Ruth placed Naomi’s needs before her own and God showed faithful to meet their needs.

How is God using this time to resurrect your loyalty and faith in Him? Are you witnessing acts of love and concern during the COVID-19 outbreak? Take time to reflect on your personal journey and don’t forget to acknowledge kindness and the outpouring of love you see all around. May it inspire you to do likewise.

I know it has for me!

March 21, 2020 7