In these unprecedented times, as Pastor John has said “we want to not simply survive but thrive during this time of quarantine.” So welcome to our weekly Blog, titled Stay Encouraged & Equipped. Each Friday you will find encouragement and digital resource links in the areas of :
• Faith
• Finances
• Family
• Fun
• Freedom to Worship
• Frontline
Keep scrolling and reading all the way to the end to find all of the resources for this week.
We challenge you to make use of this time of staying in place to explore and grow in Jesus!
DISCONNECTED
About a month ago I was watching a basketball game on TV that I had been anticipating for weeks. There was about three minutes to go in the game with my team leading by two points when suddenly, the screen went black and a notification appeared informing me that my cable signal was not connected. I remember thinking, this can’t be happening! Not now, not with the game on the line! Then my Smart TV proceeded to instruct me to be sure to check the power source, make sure the cable was plugged in correctly and to check all other connections. Then another message appeared that told me to call my service provider. Then another message told me my service would be restored momentarily. Wow! Momentarily wasn’t good enough because I wanted to see the end of the game…now! So, I quickly looked up the number and called my cable provider because they needed to know that my cable was disconnected and I was missing my game and needed it connected…like two minutes ago! How could this be happening? I was going to miss the most important part of the game. I was not happy. About three minutes later, my TV came back on and to my amazement, the game was still on and I was able to finish watching the game and seeing my team win because the – game – had – gone – into -overtime. Overtime! I had no idea that had happened and had given up all hope of seeing the ending but fortunately I was able to see the most important part of the game! And it made it even more exciting and special. Then right as the game ended I received a text informing me that indeed my service had been restored.
Isn’t that the way it is right now with our current circumstance? We’ve suddenly been disconnected from our jobs, stores, restaurants and each other without having much, if any, control to do anything about it. And the fear and anxiety we’re feeling now will most likely only increase over the next three weeks as we deal with being Sheltered in Place and an uncertain future. Our lives have been interrupted and turned upside down by COVID-19 and we find ourselves looking to someone to fix it…now!
So, what are we supposed to do in the meantime? How do we deal with being disconnected from our daily routine, from losses we might sustain and from each other?
Here are five suggestions.
1. Check your power source. – Turn to God and let him be your source of power and strength.
2 Timothy 1:7 tells us “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power…”.
Psalms 147:5 “Great is our Lord and mighty in power, his understanding has no limit.”
You see, God not only is our source of power but he completely understands everything you’re going
through right now… at this very moment!
2. Make sure you’re plugged in correctly. – How do you do that? Read your Bible every day.
God speaks to us through His Word. So, if we want to hear what he has to say we need to read it.
Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Romans 10:17 “So faith comes by hearing and hearing through the word of Christ”.
3. Check other connections. – Reach out to people and check on them and encourage them. You certainly have the time now…so make an effort to connect and help others by calling them or sending a text, email or card.
I Peter 4:10 states, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…”.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust, he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
4. Call your provider – Spend time in prayer with God every day. He is the provider of all things!
Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you”
Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God.
5. Wait patiently to be restored. It will happen!
God knows each of our circumstances and he will not let them go to waste. He will use them for his glory if we seek him first.
I Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
If you feel disconnected today and need help. Please contact us at…..
D. Grube
FINANCES
Do you have concerns about money and the economy? Find out what the government’s coronavirus stimulus plan means for you from a trusted voice. https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/government-stimulus-plan
FAMILY
Family Movie Night – watch this free showing of the 2019 animated movie The Pilgrim’s Progress. This movie will encourage your family to stay on the path and see anew how God is with us through all seasons of life!
FREEDOM TO WORSHIP
Worship Playlist – JD Dulinsky, our Worship Arts Director, has assembled a theme driven worship playlist. Seven songs, one for each day. Or just hit repeat every day!
FAITH
Have you ever wondered if the biblical account of creation and flood are meant to be understood as real events? Check out the movie “Is Genesis History?” and follow host Del Tackett as he hikes through canyons, climbs mountains, and dives into the sea with real life scientists to uncover how our world intersects with the history recorded in Genesis. Only available from Thursday, March 26 @ 5 pm through Sunday, March 29!
FRONTLINE
The Missions Committee of FBC, would like to invite you to join us in supporting a need in the community we have been made aware. We are honored to have this opportunity to Be the Church and assist Hailey, Sheridan, Jennifer and Kendra, four young mothers from Grace’s Table, with their groceries for the next three weeks. Because of the current situation they are not able to go to Grace’s Table to pick up their food as they have done in the past.
How can you help? We need $600 to provide food these moms need to feed their families. If you would like to partner with us, use this EasyTithe link and choose Grace’s Table-Covid-19 Response. Any funds over $600 earned will go to the FBC Benevolent fund to be used for other needs present in our church family.
CONTACT US WITH ANY NEEDS YOU MAY HAVE
