Sword of the Spirit – Peace Beyond Understanding #1130

Posted on January 20, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1130

“Peace Beyond Understanding”

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27

World peace is an oxymoron. The world has not seen peace since Cain slew Abel. It is true that there have been periods of ‘cease fire’ that we have called ‘peace’ but deep rooted hostilities remained ready to erupt on a hair trigger.

Today is inauguration day and it is marked by razor wire, barricades, gas masks, body armor, and the National Guard. I never expected to see such a transition of power in the America I grew up in and fought to defend during my military service. We have to wonder what will happen to our country. Yet God says to us ‘Fear not’.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

The world is in turmoil because of the pandemic and its new strains. North Korea has revised its nuclear threat to challenge our new administration’s resolve. Our enemies watch with anticipation as our nation’s unity fractures. But God’s Word to us remains ‘Trust Me’.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. – Psalm 138:7

My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! – Psalm 31:15

If the threat of Covid is not enough, we continue to deal with diagnosis of cancers and other health issues that need to be treated by an already over burdened health care system. Now, not tomorrow, not someday, now is the time to get in the Word of God and continuously seek His presence.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – Psalm 105:4

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

Life can be overwhelming right now. Anxiety wells up in us and further exacerbates health issues. A lot of hope is being placed in the Covid vaccine to return life to normal and bring ‘peace’ back into our lives. The truth is that the world cannot give you the peace you seek. True peace – peace that surpasses all understanding – is available to you right now in the midst of these tumultuous times through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Be still, and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10

May you seek Him, know Him, walk with Him and know His peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

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Sword of the Spirit – Mercy Triumphs #1129

Posted on January 13, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1129

“Mercy Triumphs”

For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. – James 2:13

The core of mercy is forgiveness. Mercy is forgiveness in action.

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful;…bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. – Luke 6:36 – Colossians 3:13

We can say that we forgive someone but continue to harbor hate and bitterness toward them. Consciously or subconsciously we may act and behave in a manner toward them that works to inflict psychological and emotional pain for them. Examples may be to ignore and avoid them or shun them. We may speak hurtful words or speak in such a tone of voice that words are thrown like barbs – speaking at them rather than to them.

This passively aggressive unforgiveness is unmerciful and by it we will be judged.

For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you; Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; – Matthew 7:2– Luke 6:36-37

By all outward appearances we can be seen as model citizens and pillars of our church community but the Lord looks at and knows our heart. Does He say to us ‘Good and faithful servant’ or does He say ‘Woe to you’?

Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’… Woe to you…hypocrites! For you tithe…and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others… – Matthew 9:13 – Matthew 23:23

It is by God’s grace and mercy that we receive forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— – Ephesians 2:4-5

God expects us to show the same richness of mercy by which we have been saved. Jesus taught a parable about a man who had a great debt forgiven, yet this same man refused to forgive a minor debt owed to him by another. By his lack of mercy he was judged. So it will be with us.

And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ – Matthew 18:33

May the Holy Spirit reveal to us where we may have hardened our heart toward someone in unforgiveness and have not been merciful. May we repent and repair these relationships by the grace and power of God’s Spirit working in and through us.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy; For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you – Matthew 5:7– Matthew 6:14

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Sword of the Spirit – Barnabas was Glad #1128

Posted on January 6, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1128

“Barnabas was Glad”

When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose… – Acts 11:23

We all know the classic definition of God’s Grace to be His free and unmerited favor toward mankind. But what does it look like? What is the evidence of grace that Barnabas saw that made him glad?

After Stephen was martyred, the disciples dispersed to escape persecution. Some preached the Word to the Greeks in Antioch and the Lord poured out His saving grace.

But there were some of them…who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. – Acts 11:20-21

The report of what was happening in Antioch came to Jerusalem and they sent Barnabas to investigate. Antioch is where the disciples were first called ‘Christians’ and what Barnabas saw there made him glad. We profess to be Christians. The term means that we are followers of Jesus, living in a Christ like manner. If Barnabas were to visit with us today, would he be glad?

Barnabas would have to visit us outside of our church context where we wear our Sunday best and put on our church smiles. Barnabas would have to see us in the brutal context of the world to see evidence of grace. What would make him glad would be to see that we do not just go to church but rather that we are the church by the gift of the grace of God.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: – 1 Peter 4:10

Visible evidence of grace would show us to be slow to anger, more caring and less judgmental. If Barnabas were to ride share with us during rush hour and tag along in our place of work would he be glad?

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. – James 1:19; 1 Corinthians 10:24

As born-again believers, professing Christians, we are ‘boots on the ground’ ambassadors for Christ in the reality of a fallen world desperately in need of salvation. The grace of God evident in our life is seen when we allow the light of Jesus to shine in this dark world by remaining people of integrity with respect to our Christian character in the face and near occasion to follow the crowd in sin.

We were saved by grace. We must not stop there. We need to continue to grow, stand and live lives of grace upon grace upon grace.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ;  For by grace you have been saved through faith; continue in the grace of God; Stand firm in it – 2 Peter 3:18– Ephesians 2:8-9– Acts 13:43– 1 Peter 5:10-12

May God’s grace be evident in your life, May His grace flow in and through you to draw those who need saving grace to come to Christ.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. – Galatians 6:18

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Sword of the Spirit – Kindness and Severity #1127

Posted on December 30, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1127

“Kindness and Severity”

Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. – Romans 11:22

Having just celebrated the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ we now move into a New Year toward the celebration of Easter, the resurrection of Jesus. In between these two celebratory events stands the cross where Jesus bore the punishment for our sins and provided the means of salvation and eternal life for us through Him. The Cross is where the kindness and severity of God meet.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life; …God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. –  John 3:16; Romans 5:8

Beware of the one-sided ‘feel good’ Gospel that ‘tickles the ears’ with what our flesh wants to hear about the kindness of God while downplaying the conviction of sin and the need for repentance that is required to truly be spiritually born again.

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

 The Truth of the Gospel is balanced with the kindness and severity of God. Jesus came into this world to die for our sins. He came because of the severity of God. The curse of Adam’s sin that we each have can only be removed by Jesus.

Jesus said to him,“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6

Sadly, the Church has grown fat with worldliness and has diluted and compromised the Truth of the Gospel and the Word of God.

But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked; you grew fat, stout, and sleek; then he forsook God who made him and scoffed at the Rock of his salvation. – Deuteronomy 32:15

Know this: God will not be mocked.

The Lord  s slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty; Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life… – Nahum 1:3– Galatians 6:7-9

There is such a thing as ‘healthy fear’ and respect for what can harm us. However, we seem to have more fear of viruses and civil unrest and terrorism than we have for the severity of God.

But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! – Luke 12:5 (BSB)

Have you considered both the kindness and severity of God? Do you have a balanced eternal perspective and outlook? May the Lord give you a healthy fear and respect for His kindness and severity.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom… – Proverbs 9:10

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Sword of the Spirit – Double-Minded #1126

Posted on December 23, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1126

“Double Minded”

…the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind… he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:6-8

The definition of double-minded is to be wavering in mind: Undecided and vacillating. Being double-minded is marked by hypocrisy and insincerity. It is like the Dr. Dolittle Pushmi-Pullyu character trying to go in two directions at the same time.

Have you wished someone a ‘Merry Christmas!’ in response to their trite ‘ happy holidays’ only to have them look up in surprise and respond: ‘Oh, yes, Merry Christmas.’ It’s almost as if you can see their thought process that they can come out of hiding and it is safe and OK to say ‘Merry Christmas’. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” – Matthew 11:6

Christian business owners have to choose between offending some people and being all inclusive during this busiest shopping season. In the pursuit of maximum revenue Happy Holidays, Xmas, and Santa Claus become safe substitutes for Jesus Christ, the real reason for the season. Is there doubt that the Lord is their provider for their business? Such doubt is being double-minded.

 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. – Matthew 6:24

In our recent election, professing Christians voted for candidates that proudly support killing our babies by abortion. They bow down to the Lord on Sunday and then swear allegiance to Milcom, another name for Moloch the pagan god associated with child sacrifice. This is double-minded hypocrisy. “I will stretch out my hand against …those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the Lord and yet swear by Milcom – Zephaniah 1:4-5

‘Tis the season when everyone makes nice to each other. Yet some harbor hate, prejudice, unforgiveness and bitterness in their heart. This has no place in a professing Christian’s character.

Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; – Psalm 12:2– Proverbs 26:24-25

‘It’s the thought that counts’ is a popular phrase with respect to gift-giving and receiving during the Christmas Holiday. Our behavior that defines our character stems from our thoughts. Double-minded thinking will drive insincere behavior. As we think, so we are. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he – Proverbs 23:7 (King James 2000)

Examine your heart and repent of the times when you have been double-minded. He is faithful to forgive and restore you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. – James 4:8

We proclaim ‘Peace on earth…’ during the Christmas season. It is the Lord’s peace that will keep us from being double-minded. …And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

May the peace of Christ fill your heart and mind.

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

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Sword of the Spirit – In the Gall and Bond #1125

Posted on December 16, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1125

“In the Gall and Bond”

For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. – Acts 8:23

These words were spoken by Peter to a man named Simon, a magician who had proclaimed himself to be someone great. He loved being the center of attention in his community.

But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him… – Acts 8:9-11

So now Philip comes on the scene and in the power of the Holy Spirit is performing miracles.

And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed… – Acts 8:6-8

Simon also accepted the Gospel message and was baptized by Philip and followed him around.

Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. – Acts 8:13

Now Peter and John arrive to lay hands on the baptized believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit. This is when Simon’s true character is revealed which prompted Peter’s sharp rebuke.

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. – Acts 8:18-21

How many Pastors in how many churches have had to deal with people of means and position from the local community as members of their church who are like Simon of Samaria? They tithe and donate to church programs – but sometimes with strings attached. They may not be seeking to buy the power of the Holy Spirit as Simon was but they may seek positions of prominence and authority. They may seek to influence church direction and decisions ‘or else their tithes and offerings will leave with them’.

Rather than give in out of fear of impacting church finances, Pastors need to call them to repentance in love as Peter did. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you… – Acts 8:22

Peter’s bold discernment and rebuke constitutes tough love in faith and trust that the Lord will provide for His church. As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty…They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share... – 1 Timothy 6:17-19

This Christmas reflect upon Jesus’ example of humility and servitude. If we are blessed with means and societal position it is a blessing of God and a call to obediently and humbly serve in the church as well as in our communities.  God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. – James 4:6

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Sword of the Spirit – Sojourners and Pilgrims #1124

Posted on December 10, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1124

“Sojourners and Pilgrims”

I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. – 1 Peter 2:11

I remember the first time I had to surrender my passport when travelling to Japan. It really bothered me to let go of what I felt was my link back to my homeland. I was a sojourner there and it indeed was a strange land for a country boy from Maine.

A sojourner is a person who resides temporarily in a place. I am a sojourner on the earth; – Psalm 119:19

The word ‘exiles’ in our reference Scripture is sometimes translated as ‘strangers’ or ‘pilgrims’. A Pilgrim is someone who is on a spiritual journey. As Christians, we are on such a journey. We are pilgrims travelling through a strange land as we live temporarily on this earth. Our true home is in heaven and we have the deposit of the Holy Spirit as our ‘passport’ link to our heavenly homeland.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. – Philippians 3:20 – 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

We have to not only get our mind but also our heart set on the fact that we are not to love the world or the things of the world to the detriment of our relationship with Jesus.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; – 1 John 2:15

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. – Matthew 6:19-20

As sojourners and pilgrims we are also ambassadors for Christ, empowered by His Holy Spirit to bring the Gospel message to those who need to hear it by our words and life example.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. – 2 Corinthians 5:20

This Christmas season, set aside the materialism that has taken over the holiday and reflect on the fact that Jesus came to redeem the world. He came to show us the way to return to our true home. He showed us what it is like to be a sojourner and a pilgrim here on earth.

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. – John 17:14-15

May you hold the things of this world loosely while maintain a firm grasp of our Lord’s hand as He leads and guides us through this life and eventually to our eternal home with Him.

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Sword of the Spirit – Self-Righteous #1123

Posted on December 2, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1123

“Self-Righteous”

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 18:9-14

Self-Righteousness is defined as having an unfounded certainty that one is totally correct or morally superior. Self-righteousness is the sin of pride which hinders one’s ability to accept the Grace of God for salvation. Let us humbly reflect on the following Scriptures:

There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. – Proverbs 30:12; – 1 John 1:8

 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. – Isaiah 64:6

… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, …as it is written:“None is righteous, no, not one; – Romans 3:10; – Romans 3:23

There is no room for boasting about our Christian walk. It is not about us and what we have accomplished. It is all about the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. – Galatians 6:14

As we humbly approach the throne of grace in prayer let us not think more highly of ourselves than we ought always acknowledging our sinful nature and our need for the saving grace of the abiding presence of Jesus in our heart.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment … – Romans 12:3-8

Let the light of Christ shine through all that we say and do so that all may give glory to God.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:3; – Matthew 5:16; – John 15:5

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Sword of the Spirit – Assurance #1122

Posted on November 25, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1122

“Assurance”

…I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.  – 1 John 5:11-13

If there is one thing I can be certain of in this world is that I cannot be certain of anything in this world. Our Presidential election results are hotly contested and in question. Industries such as Disney, long considered bastions of job security are laying people off by the thousands due to the pandemic. Will our retirement plans be there? Will the vaccine work? Are we safe to walk the streets of our neighborhood and local shopping areas? All is uncertain except for the love that God has for His children.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

We do not know what the future holds but we do know Who holds our future and that assurance gives us peace – a peace that surpasses all worldly understanding.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation – Psalm 18:2– Psalm 61:2– Psalm 18:46

While the world around us seems to be imploding we have a stronghold of security in our Lord, Jesus.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe; My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. – Proverbs 18:10– John 10:27-28

We have assurance of His love and care in the present day as well as the assurance of salvation for eternity.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. – 1 Peter 1:4-5

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine…Now this is reason for Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Sword of the Spirit – Spiritual Distance #1121

Posted on November 15, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1121

“Spiritual Distance”

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; – Matthew 15:8

During this pandemic time we are encouraged to wear a face mask and maintain a six foot social distance apart from other people. We need to avoid touching them or surfaces they have touched and to frequently wash and sanitize our hands. For many people in retail and service industries social distancing can be a challenge.

As I reflected upon these pandemic guidelines it occurred to me that many of us who profess to be Christian have been practicing spiritual distancing from Jesus, our Lord and Savior. We have been spiritually self-isolating ourselves from Him except for the occasional church appearance at holidays, funerals, weddings and the like. We who are spiritually distanced from Him are the ones Jesus speaks of when He says that they honor Him with their lips but their hearts are far from Him.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. – James 4:8

Our world is in a difficult place right now. Now is the time to close the spiritual gap between us and Jesus.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. –  Hebrews 10:22

Are we experiencing the beginning of the ‘birth pains’ of the end times? Maybe – maybe not.

…See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet…there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. – Matthew 24:6-8

Our global travel and interpersonal connectivity has allowed this virus to spread faster than any other in human history. Now is the time to practice safe social distancing from each other and now is also the time to get close and stay abidingly close to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. – 1 John 2:28

Like Peter, James, and John, now is the time to move into Jesus’ inner circle of friends.

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. – John 15:15

Close the spiritual distance gap between you and Jesus and hear Him speak to your heart, ‘Fear not’.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

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