Social Distancing Watchful and Thankful

Social Distancing

Watchful and Thankful

Yes, the pandemic is bringing out the worst for those who cannot see Heaven

But for those who are praying

They are seeing the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven

 And have much to be thankful for

Because they are seeing their prayers bring heaven’s provisions

Those provisions meet the needs of the body, soul and spirit

Never forget the definition of Peace or Shalom

It means to be complete, to be safe, mind, body and estate, well, happy & friendly

Heaven is where our answers are

And prayer is the way to find them

Watchful and Thankful

It amazes me that the Coronavirus is so small

that it cannot be seen…

 But can change so much of what we do see.

 

We see people getting sick and dying.

And if we don’t know any one personally,

 we see the numbers reported each day.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has caused us to watch

out for our personal health and the health of others.

Watching the Pandemic unfold has

changed the way we see things.

Sandy and I spend February and March in Florida.

March 11, we spent 3 days in North Miami.

 I remember the first night seeing on the TV

the spring breakers on the beaches and

dancing in the nightclubs.

The next day an announcement that the

mayor of Miami tested positive for the virus.

It was at this point my level of concern

increased and so did that of America.

On that Saturday, March 14, we traveled

to Marathon Key where we had a

week planned with my brother.

That week we saw social distancing being required…

 Events were being canceled.

Restaurants closed to only take-out orders.

And hotel pools were closed.

By the end of the week, South

Florida knew they were in trouble…

 Hotels and vacation

rentals were forced to close.

We were not allowed to extend one day

and forced to leave the Keys as an order

that the Keys would be closed

and only residents could enter.

Watching businesses close...

 Seeing over 6 million filing for unemployment.

By April, America was seeing the huge crises

in New York and other states become

hot spots and the worst was yet to come.

Watching our political leaders,

 we saw another war.

Paul when he was writing to the

Colossians was confined to a prison.

Paul says…

 Devote yourselves to prayer,

being watchful and thankful

 “Being watchful”      

I think every American is being watchful,

 but are we watching for the right things.

Jesus tells us when we see tribulation on the earth to…

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.

Being watchful, must be done with both eyes open…

An eye on earth and an eye in heaven.

Jesus’ instruction on how we are to

pray could never be more important...

“Pray thy kingdom come they will

be done in earth as it is in heaven.”

The Kingdom of Heaven is never

shut down or closed to the righteous.

Every good and perfect gift comes

down from the Father of Lights.

What you and I need comes from God…

Wisdom

James 1:5

Provision - Food and Clothing

Matthew 6:8; James 1:17

Strength

Isaiah 41:10

Peace in the midst of the storm -

Perfect Peace

 Isaiah 26:3

 Look at the second part of Matthew 6:33, 34…

 …And all these things will be given to you as well.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:33,34

Paul says…

 Devote yourselves to prayer,

being watchful and thankful.

When we are watching and

seeking the things God is doing…

 We will have lots to be thankful for.

The Pandemic has brought about a lot of things

we are not thankful for, but don’t forget…

And we know that in all things God works

 for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Great opportunities to

give us reason to be thankful.

I love hearing the stories of Christians who

are enjoying life in the midst of the pandemic.

Families making adjustments and

finding joy in the midst of trial.

As routines are broken, discovery

of new ways to fulfill our purpose

are being revealed every day.

Values and priorities are being evaluated…

 Helping us fine greater fulfillment.

Yes, the pandemic is bringing out the

worst for those who cannot see Heaven.

But for those who are praying…

 They are seeing the glory of the

Kingdom of Heaven.

 And have much to be thankful for because…

 They are seeing their prayers

bringing heaven’s provisions.

Those provisions meet the needs

of the body, soul and spirit.

Never forget the definition of Peace or Shalom…

 It means to be complete, to be safe, mind,

body and estate, well, happy, and friendly.

Heaven is where our answers are…

And prayer is the way to find them.

Scripture Reading

Colossians 4:2-6

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.