I Got This
What is Our Response to COVID-19?
by Rocky Fleming
“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12 ESV)
The Apostle Paul was imprisoned and taken to Rome. He was taken out of his public ministry. His form of distributing the Gospel had been changed. But and this is a big “BUT,” it turned out for the good. He said it. He was given more direct influence on people who would have a broader influence than his individual preaching and meeting with people. He was also forced to write his letters, which make up a great part of the New Testament and required him to speak only to those few physically around him. BUT it turned out to be good. Do you think God had a plan in all this? You can bet on it! How about current events with churches having to cease meeting together for a while? How about Influencers and our ministry that gathers men and women into discipleship groups? Will this postponement with physically meeting together and using Zoom work out for advancing God’s ministry through Influencers even though it disrupts our methods? It is already proving to be so. Let me share some things with you to prove it.
We’ve been using virtual staff meetings for several years to both encourage and pray together. We’ve been using virtual connections with a person who cannot be in his or her group because of such things as traveling, and thereby including them in their group that they would have missed otherwise. For two years now we’ve been having discipleship groups via Zoom both nationally and internationally on a limited basis. While they have worked wonderfully well, these early pioneering groups and efforts we’ve made in other ways have served as the foundation for an explosion of groups that I think will be happening soon. I believe God was preparing this ministry for this additional form or discipleship groups way before we would realize, as we do now, not only the necessity of them, but as well the opportunity we now have. Do you sense my excitement?
Now my encouragement to you is you do not have to be isolated or without community. Just look for the opportunities and jump in. Stretch yourself to learn the technology and jump in!
COVID-19 is a dangerous enemy and we must respect it. But our God is the most dangerous ONE to combat any enemy that comes against His family. Let’s choose this day Him who will make good from bad, and amazing from desperation. Remember these words:
“I’VE GOT THIS!”
Love, God
Our Daily Bread
“Light of the World”
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.—Revelation 3:20
One of my favorite pieces of art hangs in the Keble College chapel in Oxford, England. The painting, The Light of the World by English artist William Holman Hunt, shows Jesus holding a lantern in His hand and knocking on a door to a home.
One of the intriguing aspects of the painting is that the door doesn’t have a handle. When questioned about the lack of a way to open the door, Hunt explained that he wanted to represent the imagery of Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.”
The apostle John’s words and the painting illustrate the kindness of Jesus. He gently knocks on the door of our souls with His offer of peace. Jesus stands and patiently waits for us to respond. He does not open the door Himself and force His way into our lives. He does not impose His will on ours. Instead, He offers to all people the gift of salvation and light to guide us.
To anyone who opens the door, He promises to enter. There are no other requirements or prerequisites.
If you hear the voice of Jesus and His gentle knock on the door of your soul, be encouraged that He patiently waits for you and will enter if you welcome Him in. —Lisa Samra
REFLECT & PRAY:
Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation and Your promise to enter when we open the door. Please help me to respond to this gift and open the door for You today.
Credit: Our Daily Bread
What Would You Say?
What Would You say?
Imagine you could climb to the top of the highest mountain in the world. Once you were there you would have the attention of everyone in the world. Your purpose for being in that position with that audience was to shout out One Thing you love about your spouse. What would you say?
Think about it. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. You can honor your spouse and your marriage. What will you say? Got it? Now tonight when the two of you are alone tell your spouse what you would say!
Today’s One Thing: Tell your spouse the One Thing that you love about them!
DON’T JUST SURVIVE! – Your Marriage Was Meant To Thrive!
If you like these series of tips and want to receive your One Thing Email please sign up at http://awesomemarriage.com/onething (It’s free!)
The WLCC service is set up to accommodate everyone during the pandemic:
• Sunday Service: Starts @ 9:00 AM Sharp at Old 690 Brewery at 15670 Ashbury Church Rd, Purcellville, VA
We have drive-in service where you can stay in your car, watch the service, and listen to Pastor Ray by tuning your car radio to 1610 AM.
• We also have numerous tables, spaced appropriately, for anyone wishing to attend the outdoor service in a more personable atmosphere.
• In the event of rain we will move under the covered roof portion of the building.
• WLCC continues to stream Sunday Service at 10:00 AM on Facebook and YouTube.
We Continue our Wednesday Evening Study Group online
Join us every week at 7:30 pm for an hour of great discussion.
Western Loudoun Community Church is about being the church — not just some religious exercise. We are about fulfilling the Great Commission and living the Great Commandment.
Come see what all the laughter and joy is about – We’ll save you a seat.
