Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2 (CSB)
We’re more than halfway through 2020, transitioning into the school year and most likely spending the rest of year sheltering-at-home. The continued waves of grief and loss and constant adjusting has worn us down, and yet we must continue on. We don’t have a choice but to take in new information on an almost daily basis because we’re figuring out life as we go. It can feel like a fire hydrant of information is being spewed at us, and sometimes it can feel too much to process.
It’s difficult to discern what is true, what is real, what is most urgent, or what we need to plan long-term when everyone has an opinion and a reason for doing something. More than ever, we need God’s wisdom to make our way through this time. When everything around us gets too loud, let’s not lean on the latest news report or tweet or the already digested spiritual truth from another. Instead, let’s go to the Word of God first and have our minds renewed by the truths and promises of God. Let’s trust that the Holy Spirit will guide us and teach us to live as Jesus did — loving our neighbor (Luke 10:25-37), considering others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4), and even being righteously angry at injustice (Matthew 21:12-13).
God, keep us grounded when we don’t know who or what to trust anymore. Renew our minds by Your Word and give us wisdom to discern the next right thing we need to do. Amen.
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Amen!
Amen!
In Courage,
Our country has lived through many times like these. Our parents, grandparents made it through those trials by trusting solely on God. They prayed & sought God’s wisdom. We, now more than ever, need to do that also. Don’t let the world tell you what to do or how to act. James 1:5 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Tune out the world & seek God first. He will never ever steer you wrong. Take heart & know that God’s got this. He will help & guide you on this journey.
Blessings 🙂
Amen! Thank you! I needed this encouragement this morning!
Amen and Amen indeed! Nothing more to say with that. Stand strong fellow Christians!!!
I’m writing from the smoky, ash-filled sky of the Central Coast in California. Yes, the last few months have been full of trials and tribulation, but the lessons of faith have been a blessing. We cannot put our trust in man. Thank God, He is our Guide and Protector through it all. “I go to the Rock of my Salvation, I go to the Stone that the builders rejected…” These are all signs of the end times and a stark look inward urges us all to seek the Lord. Be safe, “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God…”
Thank you again incourage for another excellent word as always. What your write is so true. We have yes listen to news as to know what going on in our world. To know how to pray for it. But not let it take over what we hear. Let it make us fearful. As that is what the Old Devil would want us to do. Especially if you have kids going back to school. If not already back at school. How will they cope after being of so long. With the Covid 19. You could begin to think as a parent. Will they still be safe. Will we still have our jobs to pay our bills for much longer. Hay who are we really trusting in all this. Are we going to let the Old Devil fill out mind with fear. Like what if this happens I loose my Job. My kids are not safe at school. The schools are closed again. Because of Covid 19. We are then not trusting the one who made the world who like the song I was taught at Sunday School. “He got the whole world in his hands other words of the song go He got me and you brother in his hands” That is so true God has me and You in his hands. You get it on YouTube the song. So God has he God the whole world in his hands. We have to pray and if have kids still at school trust and hand them over to God into his care to project them. That he will not let anything happen to them. God will not let anything happen to them. Trust him with your jobs as well. As when you listen to the news. The Old Devil would want you to fear and panic. Say ah I have you worrying. Will things be ok. Will my job be ok. Will my kids be ok in School. Let’s be people who look to God put our trust in him through Prayer and his word the Bible and standing on the Promises in his word the Bible. Telling especially if saved the Old Devil. I not going to let you whisper in my ear any thing that will make afraid or fearful. I going to listen to God his word the Bible and Prayer. Through these hard times. Thanks you again incourage for everything thing. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xxx
Good one! Something we all needed to hear and share with others.
Our church is journaling through Proverbs during the month of August, a chapter a day. I’ve been surprised how timely some of the verses are, addressing issues currently facing our nation. Indeed, “let’s go to the Word of God first and have our minds renewed by the truths and promises of God.” Proverbs is a good place to start!
Hi Nancy,
This is a wonderful idea! Would you share what this looks like or what instructions are being given?
At the end of July, the pastoral staff and elders delivered to every member’s home a journal (or two for couples), published by Crossway. The even-numbered pages include the text, the odd-numbered pages offer blank lines for recording observations. There are no instructions, per se. I’ve been noting word definitions as appropriate, prayers, praise, gratitude, thoughts. I’ve even checked some online commentaries to add insights I wouldn’t think of. Some of the small groups are using the journals as the basis for their discussions (those that are meeting outside or online). On Sundays, our pastors have been sharing thematically on wisdom: for life, for parents, for friendships, etc. I believe the study will have a lasting impact on our character, as individuals and as a corporate body.
Amen and thank you. I needed this so much today. I am tired and weary. Pray for my strength in God. In him alone do I depend. Praise His holy name.