I thank God for the good response to yesterday’s “church service.” I have received many words of encouragement. Pastor Davis got pictures of family gatherings in their living rooms being in church together… even dressed in their Sunday best! I’ve gotten reports of families being together and even responding with great thoughtfulness about the importance of the encouragement of Isaiah 40 - 47.

Thank you for being in church “together.” Yesterday’s event underscored to me the importance of Christians being together in reality, not virtually. I look forward to the time, praying it is soon, when these strictures lift and we will be able to join with one another in corporate worship.

If we are able to arrange the technology, next Sunday we will have a live stream at 10:30. If we are unable, I will preach as I did yesterday with the sermon being available on Sunday morning. Prepare by reading and meditating on Psalm 46.

By next Sunday, someone among us will be diagnosed with COVID19. It is likely that someone among us will know someone who has died of it.

How does that square with Psalm 91?

I assume (but would not base my eternal destiny on it!) that Moses wrote Psalm 91. If so, Moses, who wrote…

9 Because you have made the Lord, Who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling…

…died!

In Matthew 4 the devil mis-used this passage of Scripture (verses 9 - 12) to seek to tempt the Lord Jesus to sin.

Yesterday we built from Isaiah 40:9 in our Bible study together. “Behold your God” said Isaiah. Psalm 91 speaks of Him being my refuge and my dwelling place. Here’s what happens when I trust in God rather than in pleasing circumstance:

I can live without fear – Isaiah 40:9
     because
I have the certainty that my Heavenly Father is with me – Joshua 1:9
I have the certainly that my Saviour is with me – Matthew 28:20
I have the certainty that the Spirit of God is with me – I Corinthians 6:19
     so
I can be strong and courageous – Joshua 1:9
I can be steadfast and immovable – I Corinthians 15:58

Christian, take heart! Don’t be afraid. Don’t have your faith in good health or a good stock market. “Behold your God!”

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In light of the above, look for opportunities to serve your church family. Call on those who may have difficulty getting out. Offer your services. And remember to stay away from others if you have symptoms.

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Remember our giving needs. Our gifts this week were about 1/3 of our weekly need. You can send your offering in the mail, drop it by the church office or use the church app for your giving through Tithe.ly.

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I have so much more I want to say! Later!!!