Creative Worship: Remedying by Reminding

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"In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all this according to the counsel of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory." (Eph. 1:11-12, ESV)

Hello and happy Tuesday, friends!

As we continue in our search for meaning and purpose in our quarantine, there are just a couple of things (well, actually just one thing) that I'd like to help us all call to mind. This may seem repetitive, but I think you'll find that there is significance and importance in repetition - especially in God's Word, the Bible.

Why do you think that is?

I can only imagine just how patient and kind the Lord is as He waits for us daily to call on Him. I can only imagine just how compassionately He bids us to Himself, drawing us into the comfort by which only He is able to comfort.
Because COVID 19 continues to sweep the nation, permeating even our more rural landscapes, we can't help but think about it: each time we step outside; each time we re-enter our occupational arena, potentially for the last time; every time we schedule a Zoom date with a friend, colleagues, classroom; each time we plan a trip to the store or bank; all postings on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter; every print out of lessons for children being educated in the home; all the commands to "wash your hands;" every sneeze, cough, and visit to the toilet...
The list is truly endless. We are inundated in a way that our country has never known.

As often as we are reminded of the hazard that claims the mind of all, the fear of many, the health of some, and the lives of others, it is to our peace of heart and mind that we CONTINUE to remind ourselves of the Gospel.
First and foremost (which is the most significant in our daily battles with fear and anxiety) is the deity of Christ.
Christ our God and Savior. (Titus 2:13)

Christ our King. (John 12:15)

Christ our Victor. (1 Cor. 15:57)

Christ our Hope of glory. (Col. 1:27)

Christ our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, Refuge, Shield, Horn of Salvation, & Stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)

He is ALL of these, and so much more, and ALL of scripture points to this One who is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. (Rev. 22:13)
He's the point of the Bible, the Word become flesh. (John 1:14)
He's the Founder and Creator of ALL things for Him, and through Him ALL things exist. (Col. 1:16)

Let's dive into scripture where we will find not only the stunning, awe-inspiring, royal and powerful attributes of Jesus Christ, but also give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to minister to our souls in this very time. He IS the Helper, after all. He IS the gift that we are given as a seal of who we are - the mark that we belong to the family of God. He IS the teacher that renews our minds, changes our hearts, and calms our souls.

What are we truly waiting for?
The virus spreads far and wide, but the love of God is wider, longer, higher and deeper! (Eph. 3:18)

What are we truly waiting for?

With every reminder of our mortality, there is power of remembering the hope of our eternity! (2 Cor. 4:17)

What are we truly waiting for?

Life changes by the minute, but our God is an everlasting God, with whom there is no shadow of change! (James 1:17)

Deeds! Too many Bible verses!
GOOD!

Go read them; go highlight them; go share them with another; go write them on the doorposts and mantles of your homes (or on an index card, a post-it note, or chalkboard in plain sight)!
Our hope for peace, life, and joy lies in these verses.
Anxiety, fear, confusion and worry can be countered with the focus on the Gospel - the determined meditation and deliberate rehearsal of God, who He is, what He has done and what He will do.

It is your life. (Col. 3:4)

"For God SO LOVED THE WORLD that He GAVE His ONLY SON, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have EVERLASTING LIFE." John 3:16

Gospel truth is important for ANY day, let alone throughout the outbreak of something our medical and scientific fields are still clamoring to understand.

As the "wildfire" of COVID 19 consumes our world, remember the God who (according to the Biblical narrative) remains the Fire that has never gone out, never goes away and never gives up.

Fight fear with fire!

Fight panic with praise!

Fight confusion with truth!

Fight worry with the Word!

Fight!

And remedy your shaken soul with rock-solid reminders of our good, good Father.

Faithful, holy Father,

We are a people of amnesia - we forget. We forget and need the constant reminder in Your Word of who You are and just how needless our fear truly is. Lord, as we battle daily, fighting for the understanding of our present state and the peace of our troubled hearts, help us! Help us! Remind us! Let us come to You and remember! Let us fall on You and be at peace. Let us call on You and find joy! Let us lift our hands to You and worship!
For You are our God!

In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen. And, amen.