September 2020 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for September 30, 2020 – Winners and losers…remembering Who gets the last word

1 Peter 5:8-11
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

I have read and re-read this passage many times today. I have asked God to show me what to share with you in this space. And all I hear is…”Present the scripture.” So that’s pretty much what I am doing today…I am offering this scripture passage and leaving God’s message here for you to read – maybe many times. You are not alone…keep a firm grip on the faith…suffering won’t last forever. Keep your guard up, maintain a cool head – and stay hopeful.

God gets the last word – and He WILL put us on our feet. Hallellujah! Praise His Holy Name – and go about your day with hope and peace.

Daily Devotional for September 29, 2020 – Claiming victory in Jesus…conquering “the world” with faith and humility

1 John 5:4-5
Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

How blessed we were to sit on our back porch after breakfast and enjoy the beauty of a sunny 60-degree morning. We watched birds soar in the sky and listened to them chirp. We drank in the beauty of the river valley and the ever-so-slight hint of color beginning to show in the leaves. We marveled at the artistry of spiders who had spun webs from one tree to another in what could only be described as an aerial feat akin to a circus trapeze artist – or an accomplished sky diver!

We sat in the quiet, gentle breeze of this morning and basked in the glory of victory in Jesus…yes, victory! We have faith in Jesus as the Son of God…and because of Him, nothing can defeat us. Troubles may come…we are not immune to COVID-19 or a myriad of other illnesses and diseases that could attack us. There are countless people who disagree with us on a number of issues – sometimes vehemently. While there is plenty we can do to help heal our planet and perhaps affect weather patterns, you and I cannot stop tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes – and certain wildfires – from happening. Of our own strength and volition, we cannot change many things about our life on this earth. But we know Who can! And this makes all the difference.

Make a renewed pledge today to trust Jesus…to give Him the glory AND the power in your life. Focus on serving Christ with humility and complete surrender. Understand that He is in charge…not you. Ask, “What would You have me do? How would You have me to act – and react?” Then do it! Whether literally or figuratively, sit on your “back porch” and bask in the power and glory of God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Recognize His artistry and accomplishment in everything from the intricacies of a spider web to fall color changes in the leaves…to your everyday health and physical, mental and spiritual well being.

No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God. Make this the day that you redouble your efforts to claim this victory…and to truly live in it with faith and humility. Thanks be to God for His amazing and never-ending love and care. Amen!

Daily Devotional for September 28, 2020 – Deciding WHO deserves better – choosing which world to love…

1 John 2:15-17
Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

In his weekly sermon, Dr. John Robbins, Senior Pastor at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, talked about how we “steal Jesus” and “leave the cross”. I addressed this in an earlier devotional. In the same sermon, Rev. Robbins told of a time when he entered a sanctuary in the company of an older pastor, who looked upon a scant crowd gathered for worship and said, “I deserve better than this.” Rev. Robbins said he pointed out that Jesus deserved better – and he felt a little smug for having made this brilliant observation.

However, Rev. Robbins noted that in later years, he realized that he had often said or done essentially the same thing as this veteran pastor. He had made statements or thought and acted in a way that indicated a lack of humility – and an inflated sense of self-worth and accomplishment. He noted that we all do this…and he is right! Even the most pious among us often asks, “What’s in this for me?” We figure out our “angle” and proceed accordingly.

While you are probably sick of my writings about the pandemic and its affects, please indulge me here. I have made no secret of the fact that I miss our children…I miss their visits and sleepovers, car rides home after church where all three are talking over each other, our shared hugs, kisses and bedtime stories. I have worried over their safety, particularly when their mother was trying to decide whether they should go back to school in person – or become virtual learners. There were “pros and cons” for both sides. (And they ultimately chose the latter option.)

I finally came to the understanding that this was not about me…that whatever actions and choices were in their best interest, this was what needed to happen – even if it would mean that we had to isolate from them for the foreseeable future. Whether Greg and I get to spend physical time with them “like normal” is irrelevant. The same goes for other vulnerable family members. If avoiding restaurants and retail stores, isolating and remaining diligent in our actions results in safety for Grandma E – and even each other – this is more important than our own personal desires or the fact that we are bone weary from continually thinking about the health ramifications of every single action – or sneeze!

The pandemic has humbled me. I have gained a greater respect and appreciation for the little things. I think more about my daily behavior and how it affects others. I ask myself more frequently, “Am I representing Jesus and demonstrating His will over my own?” I’m looking at others with “new eyes”. Sometimes, I am filled with awe and respect for how seriously they are taking this virus – and how carefully they are going about their daily living and interactions with others. There are also those who cause me to wonder, “Who are they following?” – as they seem to throw caution to the wind and do as they please.

Sometime in April, my cousin remarked that when this pandemic is over, we are going to look at a lot of people in a different way because of how they have reacted and responded. I agree. I also believe that the bigger issue is that Jesus is going to look at a lot of us differently. He will still love us…I am certain of this. But will He feel like we embraced Him and left the cross? Will He be pleased with how we put Him first and implemented His wisdom and guidance in our daily living? Or will He be saddened by our selfish “declaration” in word and deed that “I deserve better than this!”?

My question to you this day is this…”What – and WHO – do you really want?” How you answer is consequential…now, and for all Eternity.

Daily Devotional for September 27, 2020 – You can’t take Jesus…and leave the cross

I am tempted to provide the link for the sermon* of Dr. John Robbins, senior pastor at Pulaski Heights Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, and call it a day. His message this week on humility is one we all need to hear. If you have time, I encourage you to check out the video for yourself. One of the first illustrations Rev. Robbins offers is of thieves who broke into a church in New York and stole a 200-lb. statue of Jesus. They left the cross…only the “body” of Christ was taken.

Rev. Robbins makes the point that too often, we want to “take Jesus – and leave the cross”. And this is the point of today’s scripture passage from 1 John. We don’t always want to do the hard work of serving. We don’t always want to conform to Christ’s ways – particularly when they conflict with those of the world. Too often, we want everything to go our way – and we want all of the glory. For some of us, every decision begins with the question, “How will this affect me?”

I cannot remember a time in my life when I’ve seen more selfishness. Perhaps it’s always been this way, and God has simply helped me to see more clearly in this season of my life. As a kindergarten teacher, one of my daily objectives was to teach young children to be kind to others…to share…to work and play well together and get along…and to respect the property and “space” of everyone else. These were basic tenets that helped everything operate smoothly. When we all got along and treated each other well, learning flowed. When we respected every individual, opportunities to create, play, and experience joy and have fun abounded.

Sometimes, this meant sharing a toy – or a cookie. Sometimes, this meant stepping to the back of the line – or saying, “Here, let me help you with that!” Sometimes, it meant saying, “I’m sorry.” The children quickly learned to put the needs of others – and the group – above their own. This was pretty heady stuff for five-year-olds, who by nature can often be quite stingy and self-centered. But they did it! As the year progressed, they matured and evolved.

I don’t think my classrooms operated in a bubble. So my question is…”What happened?” Where did we get off track and shift focus? How can we possibly think that we can take Jesus – and leave the cross? Do you see that this is where we truly grow and learn? The lessons and struggles of the cross – serving Jesus in suffering and hard situations and circumstances – is where we cultivate the best characteristics of discipleship…love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, inclusion, compassion – and humility.

We cannot truly live as Christ’s disciples without fully embracing Him entirely – cross and all. We cannot serve Him and serve ourselves. We cannot live in a bubble and do as we please. We must start every decision with the question, “What would Jesus do?” or “What would Jesus have me to do?” – and proceed accordingly. This is the day to draw near to Jesus and ask these important questions…to set aside our own selfish desires and take up His cross. Christ is counting on us to make the right choices.

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJO9ys_HjsI

Daily Devotional for September 26, 2020 – Letting God show you how to get creative…finding blessings, even in a pandemic

1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

One of the blessings of this pandemic – and yes, I said blessings – has been a renewed appreciation for many things we generally take for granted, and a creative approach for how to continue to “live”. We’ve had some pretty good birthday parties, if I do say so – even at a distance of six feet or better. And our driveway/porch get-togethers and “sprinkler/water gun parties” are always a ton of fun. I’ve done my part to keep the Post Office afloat with the cards and letters I’ve mailed. We have a new-found appreciation for front-porch deliveries, and we have come to realize that sometimes “simpler” is better – and less truly is more.

I will admit, I am frustrated at times that I cannot physically connect with others. I wish I could hug SO many people. I wish that I could physically sit with a friend whose dad is passing over to Heaven soon – and personally offer my condolences to some of my Sunday school children who just lost their grand-daddy. I wish we could have attended our niece’s wedding in June. I wish our nephew and his family could come from Tennessee for a long-overdue visit.

I miss teaching Sunday school each week and sharing the love of Jesus with the children in person…and watching their faces as they begin to understand the points I’m making. I really missed hearing about Space Camp and church camp – because these did not happen, so our kids did not get to attend. I missed attending Timothy’s plays and Zola’s gymnastics recital. I really missed Vacation Bible School.

Here’s the thing…I truly was sad that these events and “milestones” in our kids’ lives did not happen – or happened without us. But when I look at Grandma E and others in our family, I am reminded that we are blessed to be healthy and safe – and to still be able to sit and visit with them, if only at a distance. When Greg and I unpack a grocery delivery and realize that some of our items were out of stock, I am thankful that we still have plenty of food to eat and are healthy and able to be at home together. We are safe, comfortable, and lacking for nothing in the scheme of things.

I am thankful that I have found ways to stay connected with family and friends – to remind others that we love them. I am so grateful that I have the “vehicle” of these Daily Devotionals for sharing the love of Christ with others, each and every day. I appreciate my smartphone, laptop, the Internet, and the US Postal Service and other delivery services. Most days, I’m even thankful for social media!

Every day, I spend a good deal of time talking to God. I ask Him to show me which “direction” to go…whether what I want to do is a good idea or not. I keep my eyes open. And God continues to tell me to “shelter in place, wear a mask, and stay socially distanced,” I hold tight to my convictions that He is not going to give me bad advice or directives. Meanwhile, I give all I have to every day – and steadfastly trust His timetable. I fully believe that someday, somehow, things will change. We will be able to safely return to many of the activities we enjoy so much. We will be able to hug each other and kiss our children goodnight.

In the meantime, I will keep listening to God and talking to Him. I will remain resolute in my determination to follow His lead…and I will love without stopping, in whatever ways that God shows me. What about you?

Daily Devotional for September 25, 2020 – Toss up our hands – or stay the course with Jesus…what difference does it REALLY make?

1 Corinthians 15:30-33
And why should we ourselves be continually risking our lives, facing death hour by hour? For it is a fact that I face death daily; that is as true as my pride in your growth in the Lord. And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those men of Ephesus—if it was only for what I gain in this life down here? If we will never live again after we die, then we might as well go and have ourselves a good time: let us eat, drink, and be merry. What’s the difference? For tomorrow we die, and that ends everything!

Don’t be fooled by those who say such things. If you listen to them you will start acting like them.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

My daddy used to say, “If you can’t eat steak and fried food, what’s the point of living?” He was kidding, of course…but there was a part of him that truly enjoyed good meals. My siblings and I had an “aunt” who smoked so much that she literally kept a burning cigarette in an ash tray on the dinner table beside her plate. She declared that she “loved to smoke”…and some six months later, she died of breast cancer – at age 48. During this pandemic, I feel like I’ve heard people say things like…

“What’s the point? We’re all gonna die someday anyhow!”
“I can’t just stop living!”
“I’m trusting the LORD to take care of me.”
“If it’s your time…it’s your time.”

There is a “nugget” of truth in some of these statements. Yes, we are all going to die someday. Yes, the Lord WILL take care of us…but He gives us clear guidelines to follow and speaks to us continually about how to live. I believe God is telling me to wear a mask around others…to social distance, stay home as much as possible, wash my hands, and be thoughtful about the potential spread of COVID-19 to those I encounter. No, we cannot stop living…but we may have to change our definitions and parameters of what this looks like a bit – at least until a vaccine and effective treatments are mainstream.

Scripture is clear that we all have an appointed hour to die…but even more is written about what we are to do with the time we are given on this earth. Paul is telling us in this passage that we cannot quit. We cannot throw our hands in the air and ask, “What’s the point?”! We have to keep “fighting the beasts”, listening to God, and following His lead. We must keep sharing the Good News of Jesus, loving our neighbor (even when that means wearing a mask around him), and trusting Christ to make the difference.

We are not called to fix everything…our job is simply to do what God directs…to follow His plans and love others with the love of Christ – and let Him do the heavy lifting and control the outcomes. This is why my dad’s cardiologist folded up Daddy’s file one day and said, “I’ve done all I can to get you healthy. I’ve told you what to do…now it’s up to you whether or not you do it.” God has given us a pretty detailed “playbook” for life. He has blessed us with scientists, teachers, and experts on virtually any subject. He has told us to “watch and pray”…to study Jesus’ teachings, and to pay attention to the wisdom of those in our midst who are practiced and proficient. Now it’s up to us to actually do these things. The choice is ours to make…what are you going to do?

Daily Devotional for September 24, 2020 – Learning from lessons of the past…meeting tests and temptations head-on with God’s help

1 Corinthians 10:13
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

When the Coronavirus pandemic began in February/March 2020, I wrote about the flu pandemic of 1918, and how it affected my family. I shared the story told by my grandparents of several members of one household who died within days of each other. I told of an uncle who was working in South Arkansas and traveled home (against the advice of others). He succumbed to the virus, as well. These are physical, personal examples of how dangerous and deadly a virus like the one we are experiencing today can be. I offer an actual illustration of how risky – even lethal – it can be to place yourself in a position where exposure is even possible. My grandfather always talked of how my great-grandfather and his brother stayed in South Arkansas – and begged this man to stay with them, and the difference was literally life and death.

We have plenty of books, old news accounts, and documentaries at our disposal to tell us about war, the Holocaust, civil and racial unrest and more. The Bible gives us numerous accounts of bad things happening to good people…and how so many rose above and overcame, with God’s help. Truly, there is nothing new under the sun.

Indeed, these are trying, troubling times in which we are living. Some are suggesting that it has never been this bad…and just as many would beg to differ. The point I want to make today is that we have so much information at our fingertips. We have “science” to guide us and show us where to make corrections. We have history that can show us what not to do and how to change course. We have technological advances to make it easier for us to manage during a pandemic from a healthy distance…and medicines and treatments to enable us to better fight illness and disease.

Most importantly, we have the wisdom, strength and power of God Almighty…and He is guiding us at every turn. Are we listening and paying attention? Are we hearing Him when He sends a virologist or epidemiologist to tell us, “This is how you protect yourself from COVID-19 until we develop an effective vaccine.”? Are we paying attention to the stories of those who survived the Holocaust…the “John Lewises” who marched for civil rights and freedom for all – and got into “good trouble”? Are we learning from the examples of faithfulness that are presented all throughout the scriptures?

Are we truly in a watchful, prayerful mode? Are we continually communicating with God – and paying attention to His guidance? The world is filled with temptations…and chief among them is the persuasion to do what feels good – or fits in with the crowd. We want life to be “normal” and cozy…we want to exist on our own terms without any pressure from others – or sacrifices on our part. We want to live in a “Burger King” world where we “have it our way”. The problem is, God is not always included in the mix – and He must be!

Make this the day that you start paying closer attention to what God is showing you. Watch and pray, and let God do the heavy lifting. He can help us with any and all tests and temptations. We just have to let Him.

Daily Devotional for September 23, 2020 – Living by “The Golden Rule” – and remembering three souls who made a difference

Luke 6:31-34
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

This morning, two dear friends of mine posted remembrances on Facebook of loved ones who passed on this date. One was Judge Richard S. Arnold – husband of our lifelong friend, Kay – who left this earth in 2004. The other was Ann Egan – mother to our friends Keith, Beth and Amy – who died in 2006. Both were incredible individuals who believed in “The Golden Rule” of treating others with fairness and kindness – and as we wish to be treated. To these memorials, I add my own… that of my brother, Tim Chandler, who died twenty-two years ago this morning. I submit that Tim was also someone who lived by this “rule of thumb for behavior” and made a point to treat others as he wished to be treated – often better!

I did not have the honor to know Judge Arnold personally, but from what I have learned about him, this is my loss. I knew Ann Egan well, and I loved her dearly. My brother, who was four years younger than I, could be a typical “little brother” at times and get on my last nerve. But oh, the lessons he taught me – especially about love and acceptance. His thirty-seven years on this earth were not always easy, for a number of reasons. And as a gay man who could often be loud and flamboyant, many people cut him a wide berth.

Those who got to know Tim discovered someone who loved God, his family, and people in general…a nurse who cared so deeply about his patients that he often cried when they did not do well physically – and especially if one of them died. Those who knew Tim knew a man who loved others so much that he was sometimes duped because of his generosity – and quite literally lost all but the shirt on his back a couple of times because if it. I don’t recall Tim ever questioning why his life was cut so short. He simply embraced what God gave him and lived as exuberantly as possible. And many are better for having known him.

It is easy to become self-absorbed…to only accept those who are “like us” – and to distance ourselves from those who are not. Rather than make the effort to treat all others as we wish to be treated, some of us have all but made a “sport” of treating many with ridicule, disdain, and downright hatred. We cannot possibly muster love for someone who doesn’t look like us or share our skin color or ethnic background. We have no room in our hearts for anything but pity and disparagement for someone who worships or believes differently – much less those whose sexual orientation is unlike ours. We use politics to draw lines in the sand…and those on the “other side” are often viewed not just as having a different opinion – but rather, with disgust, abhorrence, and vile, ugly words and labels.

I cannot think of three more diverse people than Judge Richard S. Arnold, Ann Egan, and Tim Chandler. And yet, I cannot think of three people who loved others and followed the “Golden Rule” any better. I don’t know for certain about Judge Arnold, but I suspect that like Ann and Tim, he never met a stranger. From what I can tell, one could say that anyone who was ever introduced to each of these beloved souls was better for the encounter.

Many of us seem to be growing more judgmental, cynical and selfish by the day. This is not what Jesus calls on us to do. These words and actions run counter to everything that surrounds true Christian discipleship. On this day when many reflect with love and fondness on three people who made a difference in this world – and genuinely put “The Golden Rule” of Jesus into action – let us renew our efforts to do the same.

Daily Devotional for September 22, 2020 – Finding God’s patience in the fall season – what will you do with the next three months?

Romans 5:3-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

“Take a second and pick one thing you want to accomplish in the next three months — that when I welcome you to winter on Dec. 21, you can say: I crushed that! Maybe add a habit, drop a habit, serve someone else, give yourself a chance at a longer life.” – Mike Allen, Axios AM

Happy Fall, Y’all! When I read this challenge today – then I read the scripture passage from Romans 5 about patience – I asked myself, “What do I want to do with this next three months?” Everything I read and hear points to more challenges…more isolation and creative thinking with regard to ways to stay connected to others…more challenges for our nation – and the world at large…and more opportunities for the devil to derail us and pit us against each other.

In recent weeks, my daily prayers have included a plea to God to give me more patience. Some days, I seem to do just fine…and others, I think I can’t stand this another minute. I want to snuggle with our kiddos, go out to dinner with friends, go back to teaching children on Sunday mornings, and feel comfortable sitting in Grandma E’s living room and sharing a visit – or sharing a Sunday meal at her dining table. I want Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas to be “normal”. I want to get a haircut and a pedicure…and to be able to run into Dollar Tree for stocking stuffers, greeting cards, inexpensive fake flowers, and more.

I know…it’s silly. I look around at all I have, and I am ashamed that I even have these thoughts. I am blessed that Greg and I have each other (and we actually like to spend time together!), which is more than a lot of folks can say. Our family is healthy, and we have figured out ways to see them on a regular basis – and to stay in touch in between visits. I have yet to find something that I wanted or needed that could not be ordered and picked up – or delivered directly to our front doorstep or mailbox (well, okay, we’re still looking for caffeine-free Coke!). Most importantly, God is still with us – and we have plenty of ways to worship Him. As one friend remarked recently…in some ways, our worship in the quiet confines of our home has become more intimate and impactful. I can truthfully say that I have grown in my faith in the last six-plus months. I have increased my awareness of God’s power and strength – and my own frailty and dependence upon Him.

None of us knows what will happen between now and December 21st. One thing I do know is that things probably won’t look like I thought they would. Life is fragile and unpredictable…and we have no clue what tomorrow will bring. Thankfully, God knows – and He is working out every single detail. Where we are on December 21st will be right where we are supposed to be. And if we have learned to trust God and lean on His understanding and plans over our own, we will hold our heads high, bask in His love and care, and know that all is well.

What do I want to accomplish in the next three months? I want to grow in my faith and my reliance on God to orchestrate “life” according to His perfect plans. I want to grow in patience and perseverance…and to be able to declare on December 21st, “By God’s grace, I’m still standing!” My prayer is that you will be right there with me…if only in spirit. Let’s make this new season a time of renewed determination to listen to God, to follow His will for our lives, to love others with the love of Christ…and to be patient! Winter is coming…but let’s not waste a minute of the fall!

Daily Devotional for September 21, 2020 – Embracing what God does for you over current culture and peer pressure…are you ready for some “good trouble”?

Romans 12:1-2
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Last night, I read about an OB-GYN in Houston, Texas, who has succumbed to COVID-19. Dr. Adeline Fagan was only 28 years young. This second-year resident became ill in July during a rotation in the hospital ER, where she treated patients with the coronavirus. Adeline’s family reported that she had a history of asthma, upper respiratory infections, and pneumonia…but she was determined to become the best doctor she could be, and she “studied hard and worked hard.” After her passing, Adeline Fagan’s father, Brant, said, “If you can do one thing, be an ‘Adeline’ in the world. Be passionate about helping others less fortunate, have a smile on your face, a laugh in your heart, and a Disney tune on your lips.”

This young woman is a real-life example of just how vicious and non-discriminatory COVID-19 is. There are millions of people who “have something”. It may not be asthma, or history with another childhood disease…but pretty well everybody’s got something. In my family alone, I can cite everything from advanced age to COPD to Crohn’s Disease, allergies, asthma, Parkinson’s Disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions that the CDC tells us make a person particularly susceptible to the virus. Yet everywhere we turn, people are speaking of COVID-19 in past tense – if not downright declaring that it’s over.

My niece just celebrated her 30th birthday. The daughter of one of our dearest friends just turned 28 last week. When I read this story about Dr. Adeline Fagan, it struck close to home for me. And it’s not just about the virus. Our human nature is to want to fit in and be embraced by others – and engaged in the current culture. We are told to return to school and work, go back to church, meet here, eat there…and goodness knows most of us would LOVE to do all these things. We would like nothing more than to “fit into the culture without even thinking”. Quite frankly, it would make life so much easier in some respects if we could just quit considering the risk of suffering from a life-changing – or deadly – illness because we fixed our attention on the world. A lot of folks have apparently decided that it makes sense not to think about the consequences for others, as they behave or choose selfishly in any number of situations.

Read Paul’s words to the Romans again…”Take your everyday, ordinary life…and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.” When someone says to you, “Believe this or do that,” stop and ask God, “What do YOU say?” Don’t be afraid to get into “good trouble” for God…to do what He tells you to do – even when others laugh, criticize, or possibly turn their backs on you. The day that you say to God, “I’m all in with you” is the day you will truly gain your freedom and peace. You will find your place in God’s Kingdom as you operate fully in His will over the world’s.

My prayer today is that we would remember those who have suffered – and lost their lives – because of this pandemic and other events that are happening in our world today. I pray that we would ask God, “What would You have me do and say?” I pray that, with His wisdom, grace and mercy, we would do these things passionately – with love for others, a laugh in our hearts, and a smile on our faces. Wear your mask, keep your distance, share the love of Christ with others, and pray for God’s wisdom and healing.

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