Category: Covid19

How Should We Think About Death?

5/23/2020

How Should We Think About Death?

With the Covid-19 pandemic now reaching over 340,000 deaths worldwide, and 100,000 deaths in the US alone, there is great mourning all around us. On top of these losses, we have also seen the passing of many well known and dearly beloved public figures in recent days - from pastors and teachers, to athletes and actors. We will also be honoring those who gave up their lives defending our country on Memorial Day. It seems everyday, we are reminded of the reality of death in the news. It is something we can no longer comfortably ignore - and it is something we never should have ignored. Most people aren’t comfortable thinking of death, yet it is one of the few things in life that is certain. And it is the one appointment we will not be late for. Instead of ignoring this reality, there are many important lessons we can learn about death. Here are some reflections on death that is worthy of our reflection.

Death is a picture. Physical death is a picture of the power of sin that can destroy a life. Death is a reminder that life is short. Life is fragile. And life is fallen. Therefore we need a savior. And we need to be reminded of this time and time again, so we don’t get blinded by the lull of this world that tries to keep us from thinking about the eternal significance of our choices. There are many kinds of death in our world. There is the death of a friendship or a relationship that can feel just as painful as a physical loss of a friend. There is the death of a dream or a death or a job (which many have experienced during this pandemic too).

Death is to be mourned. Toward the end of his life Rich Mullins said, “I think we cry at funerals—even at funerals of people we don't like—because we realize what a miracle a life is. You realize, ‘This will never happen again.’ There will never be this exact combination of genes, there will never again be the things that have created this person to be what he is. God has spoken uniquely here, and it's gone. It's over. And I think there's some regret, because we all realize, boy, we didn't pay enough attention.”

Death must be prepared for. Jonathan Edwards had as one of his life resolutions to focus on this topic: #9: Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death. He resolved in his life to think as much as he could about his own death so that he would be ready to die, then he would be ready to live properly now. Only when you’re ready to die, are truly ready to live in this world. If you’re not ready to die, you’re not really living. Because if you’re not ready to die, you’re going to be living for the wrong things. We must remember that our spiritual status is sealed forever at death. Those who have repented and turned to Christ: you are sealed and secure forever. Those who have rejected Christ and hardened your heart towards Him: you will be sealed and condemned. We will be in an unchangeable state from that moment on: either forever a saint or forever a sinner.

Death is a doorway to our eternal dwelling. But in Christ, the doorway to destruction has now turned into the gateway to glory for the people of God! Death, which is the last enemy, is now Christ’s servant. Death serves as a servant to Jesus - bringing God’s children home. Are you ready? Let’s live ready - ready to walk through the gateway to glory.

[These reflections are portions of a sermon entitled “Lessons on Death”. To hear the sermon in its entirety, click here]

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When It's Not Safer at Home

4/29/2020

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When It’s Not Safer at Home

During this Covid-19 pandemic, most of America and other countries are practicing a shelter-in-place order to protect people from the spread of this deadly virus. Local government leaders have encouraged us by saying that it’s “safer at home”. For most people, this is true. But for some, it has not been safer to stay at home. There has been a 20% rise in domestic abuse globally. “I’m in coronavirus lockdown with my abuser” is being reported in the UK, Latin America, and every country that has been locked down. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has seen a spike during the pandemic across the US.

Sadly this is not the only kind of abuse that has been on the rise during this pandemic. The sexual abuse and cyber-trafficking of young children has also been spiking. The National Sexual Assault Hotline said they have received a 33% increase in the number of calls in March and 50% of those calls were from minors. 79% said they were living with their perpitrators. That was just in the United States. In the Philippines, which is the center of the cyber sex trafficking world for children, 7 minors were rescued recently ages 3-14 (yes, you read that correctly). Just a few days ago in Cebu, 4 women and another child was rescued from a cyber trafficking ring, while another 10 women were rescued from a spa.

With the alarming rise of abuse and even trafficking happening during this global crisis, we must not forget these victims in our prayers and in our acts of loving support. I had the honor of seeing the start and growth of Restore Children and Family Services, based in Cebu, Philippines. It was started by some dear friends of mine after seeing the number of minors being sold and exploited online in Cebu to customers logging in from all over the world; most of these customers are from wealthy, Western nations. I’ve been having monthly prayer meetings via Zoom with the Restore staff and wanted to pass on some key prayer requests to you.

Pray for the protection of these children who are oftentimes living with the one selling and abusing them.
Pray for the safe house workers who are under increased stress with the pandemic forcing them to not leave the homes. Some of them are caring for several children who are still processing the trauma they endured.
Pray for provision for many of these vulnerable families as they are oftentimes living in poverty themselves. Restore has been able to bring some much needed food and other necessities in recent days. Cebu is under much stricter lockdown measures, but Restore was given special permission to visit some neighborhoods to distribute food and toiletries.
Pray for the children who were in the middle of counseling and care, but due to the lockdown, they are unable to meet with their counselors. It is an added stress for them on top of the trauma they already endured.
Pray for the financial provision of Restore and other groups as this pandemic has hit many NGOs and nonprofits hard with a decrease in financial giving. If you would like to give to Restore and provide much needed support for their work with young children and survivors of trafficking, you can give through their website.

There are many important things to be praying for during this special season. God has given us time and space to pray these prayers. I ask that you remember to pray for those who are vulnerable in their own homes. Dear Church, let us pray.

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Dear Church, It is Not Business as Usual

4/4/2020

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Dear Church. This is Not Business As Usual. It is a Season to Repent, Fast, and Pray.

Dear Church. This is not business as usual with the exception that everything is online now. People have died by the thousands over the past few days. Tens of thousands have entered eternity in the past few weeks. Many are entering a Christ-less eternity. People are dying. Creation is groaning. The church must be praying. There has never been such a clear, in-your-face, signal of urgency from heaven like this in our lifetime before. He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

This isn’t the time to simply pray for a few seconds, watch Netflix, and wait for things to return back to normal. Being the Church in this hour isn’t about learning how to broadcast our services online. Being the Church in this hour isn’t about how to get “more views” for our church services online. Being the Church in this hour is about being the Church. Loving God and loving our neighbors. Living the gospel and declaring the gospel. Being the Church in this hour is about repenting of the sins in the Church that have become far too comfortable in our hearts for far too long. Being the Church in this hour is about repenting of the sins of our nation and of our generation. Sins of prayerlessness. Sins of spiritual apathy. Sins of adultery. Sins of abortion. Sins of racism. Sins of greed. Sins of idolatry. Sins of spiritual abuse. Sins of pride. Sins of pornography. Sins of lust. Sins of sexual abuse. Sins of narcissism. Sins of ambition. Sins of wanting to be a celebrity and worshipping celebrities instead of following Christ. Sins of selfishness. Sins of impatience. Sins of unkindness. Sins of jealousy. Sins of loving this world, more than longing for Jesus. Sins that Jesus came to die for. This is how we need to be preparing for Easter. By examining our hearts and seeing that we are still in desperate need of a Savior. Yes, our neighbors need to hear the gospel. Yes, our neighborhoods need revival. And that revival needs to begin in our own hearts first. “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Our concern in this hour should be to humble ourselves before our holy God and pray to Him. “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24) God is calling us to repent. To turn from sin and to trust in Him. God is shaking the world. God is shaking His Church in this hour. He is not coming to us in a whisper. He is screaming. Arise! Awake! Repent! For the Kingdom of God is near! “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17) It is Spring cleaning for the family of God, therefore we must repent, fast, and pray.

More than prayer meetings, we need to see prayer movements rise up. God is calling the Church to pray. We must live in the place of prayer, and fasting must become a normal part of our discipleship. Church leaders, allow prayer and fasting to become central parts of your church’s life and culture. Lead your people into His Throne Room and call them to intercede. Call them to fast - a meal, a day, several days, and let it become a regular part of their lifestyle. John Piper calls fasting, “a hunger for God.” May our hearts be marked by that hunger.

We are in a physical and spiritual battle. Therefore we must fight on our knees for a breakthrough in this pandemic. We must fight on our knees for healing, for a vaccine, for the provision of supplies, for protection for medical professionals. We must fight on our knees for hearts to return to Christ. We rejoice in seeing so many doctors and nurses praying before, during, and after their shifts - on the rooftops, in the hallways, and in the ER. We rejoice that God is moving. We must follow His lead. We must move with His Spirit that is drawing all men and women and children to Himself. We must fight on our knees for wisdom to be released in greater measure over our leadership. We must pray for God to use President Trump and other world leaders for the good of the people and for the glory of God. We must pray against racism and for a spirit of compassion and kindness to reign in our communities. We must pray for homes to be filled with love and forgiveness, joy and laughter. We must pray for the Church to repent and pray.

God is calling His Bride to turn from sin and return to Him. For He is our hope. Jesus will heal. Jesus will restore. Jesus is coming back to make all things new. And Jesus is coming back soon. Those who have ears to hear, let them hear.

There is so much pain. There is such great urgency. There is so much to pray for. There is so much at stake. And there is hope. Jesus is the hope of the world.

Brothers and sisters … let us pray to Him, trust Him, treasure Him, and point the world to Him.

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Preparing Your Church for the Next Wave of Challenges

3/29/2020

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The Next 2 Challenges the Church Must Prepare For in the Covid-19 Era

As the reality of this Covid-19 pandemic settles in more and more, with no clear end in sight, the stress and strains on relationships and within our own minds will likely increase. Those of us who have been asked to shelter in place will be encountering a new wave of challenges. And we as church leaders need to do our best to be ready to face these challenges and find ways to help our churches deal with them. Two challenges in particular that we need to prepare our churches for are mental health issues and marriage and family conflicts.

Mental Health Resources

The awareness of and acceptance of mental health issues within the church is finally getting some traction. Millions are affected by mental illness in the US each year. In fact, over 47.6 million American adults (19.1% of the US adult population) experienced some form of mental illness in 2018. And 7.7 million youth (16.5%) aged 6-17 experienced mental illness in the US in 2016. This is a huge issue for our generation and chances are, with all the stress and worry that comes from the Covid-19 virus spreading each day, along with the stay-at-home orders, these numbers for mental illness will only increase. We don’t want to minimize the care that they need, especially when professional intervention is needed, but as pastors, I do want to put this issue on our radar so that we can begin thinking about how we can minister to them more effectively. Chances are high that many will be experiencing degrees of mental illness in the days to come. Here's an excellent article by my colleague at Talbot, Kevin Van Lant, on What Every Pastor Needs to Know About Mental Health and the Church. We may not be experts on this issue, but as pastors, we can provide some basic steps to alleviate some of the mental strain.

Prayer. God promises us that peace will be released in the hurried place of prayer. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be make 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) Continually encourage your flock to deepen their prayer lives and practice pouring out their hearts to Him in the secret place during this season.

Meditation. Meditation is not only biblical, but studies show the positive impact it can have on the mind and the emotions. But when the believer meditates, she doesn’t try to make her mind “blank”, but rather, we fill it with the Word of God, the promises of God, and the presence of God in our lives. Joshua 1:8-9 reminds us to meditate on God’s Word day and night. It is God and His truth that brings us peace. There are also meditation apps that can help guide us to reflect on God’s truth and pause as we listen to scripture. The Abide app is something I’ve found to be very soothing to listen to as I listen to the devotional and allow the background music to still my soul. I let that lead me to reflect on God’s Word and begin a time of pausing in His presence as I pray. “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things” (Philippians 4:8-9) Let’s encourage our flock to meditate on the goodness of God instead of the worries of this world.

Exercise. Encourage your congregation members to stay active physically. Studies have shown that people who regularly exercise see an increase in positivity in moods and a decrease in depression. Exercise releases endorphins into our body that will help decrease stress and increase joy. You don’t have to go outside or even have exercise equipment at home to get a good cardio workout. I’ve been doing over a hundred burpees each day for that past several years and that has definitely gotten my heart pumping. Here’s a website from CrossFit that offers exercises you can do from home.

Community Connection. Have your leadership team check in on your members personally (call or video) to see how they are doing and to discuss what challenges they are facing. Just knowing that someone is thinking about them will go a long way of not feeling so alone in this difficult time. If they are in a small group, have the small group become an online community to talk with, pray with, and connect with regularly. If they are not in a small group yet, create opportunities for them to join one soon. And consider starting “Book Clubs” in your church community (even with kids, youth, teens, as well as adults) that will allow them to find an opportunity to find purpose, encouragement through the books, and an appointment to look forward to each week (online).

Partner with Counselors and Coaches. Don’t be afraid to reach out to counselors in your congregation and community who can help guide you in understanding and caring for those with mental health issues. Keep a list of professional counselors available as a reference when needed. Biola University’s Counseling Center has a website that can be a good starting point to find tools for your leadership. And here is a list of Top 10 Mental Health Ministry Resources by Christianity Today. Though it is difficult to think about for our members that we love, there may also be a rise in dark thoughts, even of suicide. One resource to have on hand is the national suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255.

Marriage and Family Conflict Resources

We are being forced to deal with issues in ourselves and our relationships that we have normally ignored or buried under our work. But as time at home increases, tensions will also increase. So we need to be ready to help our congregation deal with increased relational stress as these weeks turn into months. You can consider doing a sermon (or series) on Jesus’ model for handling conflict and sin through Matthew 18:15-19.

I was able to talk with my friend Chuck Starens recently, who is a gifted relationship coach. He and others have noted a rise in relational stress and even requests for divorce in the US and other countries that have been under lock down these past few weeks. He offers some excellent tools that can strengthen your marriage during this time instead of seeing it grow tense. Here are some great suggestions he offers:

Hug Each Other. For husbands and wives, have a full 1 minute hug in the morning, at each meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and before you go to sleep (so a total 5 minutes each day). Physical touch is a powerful way to bring healing to our bodies - both physically and emotionally. Starnes notes that, “human touch triggers the release of oxytocin into our bloodstream. This increases feelings of trust, generosity, and compassion. And it also decreases feelings of fear and anxiety that block our communication.”

Appreciate Each Other. Starnes encourages couples to say an encouraging word of appreciation to your partner. Try saying during meal times to each other (and children can be included too), “One thing I appreciate about you is …” It will cultivate an environment of thanksgiving in your home and it will strengthen the emotional bond between family members. Starnes notes the science behind this exercise by saying, “New positive brain pathways are created in both of you every time you share an appreciation with your partner. And old negative pathways start to dissolve” That benefit alone is worth the time invested into this exercise.

Listen to Each Other. Practice a “mirroring” dialogue exercise with each other to develop better listening habits to one another. It’s a tool that helps mirror (listen to every word), validate (affirm your partner’s perspective), and empathize (be fully present with your partner’s emotions). Starnes says, “when you listen to your partner, it says ‘I love you’ in a very tangible way’”. Starnes also encourages couples to surprise each other with things that delight them. We have the time now, so let’s use it to learn to listen and learn to love better than we have before.

For both of these upcoming (or current) challenges that will most certainly grow in our congregations, it’s important not to carry all these burdens alone. Like Jethro teaching Moses about the wisdom of delegation in Exodus 18, be wise enough to equip others to do the work of the ministry with you. One important and strategic piece of advice I’d offer is to partner with your small group leaders to shepherd your flock.

Small Group Leaders as Shepherds. Train and encourage your small group leaders to make themselves available for pastoral care online. There are solid online training courses available through Peacemaker Ministry and Ken Sande of Relational Wisdom 360 if you or your leadership need training in conflict resolution and mediation. These are excellent organizations that will give solid biblical guidelines to help people experience peace in relationships.

One More (for Later): An Increased Importance of Counseling for Ministry

Things will never be the same after this. But one thing to prepare for when we go back to our regular lives is the increased role of counseling in our ministries. The whole world is going through trauma right now. It will have great implications in the months and years to come, and it will effect people differently. Some won't feel the effects of this unique season until many weeks or even months later. So begin asking the Lord what it will look like to provide counseling and care to process the trauma for this season. Will it mean hiring a counselor on your staff? Will it mean further training for yourself, your leadership, your small group leaders in counseling or trauma care? Will it mean a closer partnership with counselors in your congregation and your community? These will be important things to think through. You and I will probably need to see a counselor too, and that'll be part of the healing process.

We are in uncharted territory and living in unprecedented times. And if you feel like you don’t know what to do, that’s totally okay. We begin by doing what we know to do - and that is to come before God humbly in prayer and before His Word. Come before God and ask for wisdom. Come before God and ask for mercy. Come before God and ask for strength. But the one thing we know to do each day … is to come before God.

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Prayers We Must Pray in This Hour

3/28/2020

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Prayers We Must Be Praying Right Now
A Prayer Guide for the Church During Covid-19

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 ESV)

As this Covid-19 virus is exploding globally each day, we need to see an even more explosive growth of prayer by the Church in this hour. We do not operate out of fear or panic, but we can’t deny that we are in time of great urgency. The sense of urgency for prayer has only been growing in my heart with each passing day. Church, this is our hour to pray. As I wrote in a previous blog post, we are clearly in a new season that we must be aware of and respond to properly. God is sounding the alarm clearly and loudly for His bride to awake from her slumber.

What We Must Be Praying for in This Hour

While there are many important things we can be praying for at this time, I sense a great urgency to call the Church to be in daily prayer for these things:

Pray for an End to the Spreading of Covid-19

The numbers we are seeing each day are staggering. As of today, there are over 640,000 cases worldwide and almost 30,000 who have died. There is little sign that this is slowing down. Let us pray specifically for the end of this virus.

Pray for a Cure and Vaccine to Be Found

Pray for the pharmaceutical and research companies who are testing for possible vaccines. Pray that there will be a breakthrough soon and proper medication would be created that would provide relief for those infected.

Pray for Healing and Comfort

Pray that God would heal the hundreds of thousands who are sick and suffering because of this virus. With almost 30,000 who have died globally because of the virus, many more are mourning their loss. Pray that those who have lost loved ones would be comforted as they grieve the loss of these precious family members.

Pray for Strength and Protection for Healthcare Professionals

Not enough can be said about the heroic efforts that are being done right now for our healthcare professionals. They are literally risking their lives to provide care for the sick. The physical, emotional, mental, and relational toll that they are under is unprecedented in our lifetime. Pray for God to strengthen each one of them, as well as their family members. Pray for grace to cover over their spouses and children too.

Pray for Wisdom for Leadership

Pray that God would give divine wisdom and right counsel to our local and national governing leaders. Regardless of your political views, we are called by God to cover our leaders in prayer. (1 Timothy 2:2) We are all in uncharted territory and need to extend much grace to our leaders as they seek to make the right decisions and the tough calls.

Pray for Love and Compassion to Grow

There has been an increase of racist acts and hate crimes against Asians due to the fact that the virus started in Wuhan, China. We naturally want to blame someone for our suffering. We want to focus on our anger and frustration on someone or something. And unfortunately, Asians are being targeted. Pray that love and compassion for one another would grow as we realize we are all in this together. “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) Pray that hatred would decrease and a spirit of compassion and kindness would grow in our communities.

Pray for Patience and Joy at Home

With millions around the world staying at home, we need to pray for much peace and patience to fill our homes. Many parents are experiencing the challenges of homeschooling or online learning while appreciating teachers more and more with each passing day! Pray for eyes to see each other and this season as a gift. Pray for joy that isn’t dependent on circumstances but rises above it.

Pray for Hearts to Turn to Christ

Pray that this difficult season would be used to turn hearts to Christ. My followers of Christ look to Him each day, humbly dependent upon Him. Let us make the place of prayer our home. Let us pray for our nation and this generation to return to the Lord. Pray for those who have yet to know Christ to find the peace that only He can give. Pray for those who filled with worry, fears, and anxiety come to the Savior who alone is the hope of the world. May the peoples of all nations know Christ and sing His praises.

Therefore, Church, let us pray.

Pray

Pray individually. Deepen your time before God in this season. Pray as you wash your hands. Pray as you spend time with your children. Pray as you watch the news.
Pray as a family. If you haven’t started yet, now is the perfect time to begin family devotions as you pray for each other and the world in this crucial hour.
Pray in small groups (online). Pray with your church community. Pray with your family members in other cities. Use this time to comfort, bless, and intercede for each other - together.

Fast

Fast a meal or a day per week. Prayer and fasting go together in Scripture. And in seasons of crisis, God often calls His people to humble themselves through prayer and seek His mercy. I will be fasting each Wednesday. If you’d like to join me, know that you will not be alone in our hunger for God and for a breakthrough together.

Fast as a group. Consider a corporate time to fast and pray together as a church or small group. We are in a very unique season and must seek His heart together.

Creation is groaning. The world is grieving. The Church must be praying.

Church, let us pray.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 ESV)

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7 Things to Do in This Season of Uncertainty

3/26/2020

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7 Things to Do in This Season of Uncertainty
Eddie Byun

A Surprising New Season
The world has changed this year in ways none of us would’ve ever anticipated. While this has surprised most of us, this hasn’t surprised God. He who knows the number of the hair on our heads, and guides the hearts of kings, also is sovereign and supreme over every cell, every virus, over every city, and over every season. There are seasons for everything the book of Ecclesiastes tells us. A time to laugh, a time to cry. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to break down and a time to build up (Ecclesiastes 3). We are clearly in a new season of life. Life seems so uncertain now, but what can we know for sure? And what can be certain of in our lives? What is God leading us to do in this new season? While we can never fully understand the ways of God (Isaiah 55:8-9), His Word gives us steps we can take in uncertain times. Here are some steps that are clear for us right now.

A Season to Pause
Now more than ever, our souls need to be still each day. We need to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). There is heightened stress, fear, and anxiety in our world today. While a few countries are seeing the numbers of infections decline, as I write this, most countries are seeing those numbers escalate each day. Begin crafting new habits. Begin each day by being still and surrendering your heart, your life, your family, your career before the One who reigns and rules over all things. That stillness each day is good for your mind, your body, your faith, and your leadership. It is a unique season of sabbath, where God is taking us out of our normal routines of life in order to be centered around Him again. Let a heart of surrender to His sovereignty be where you begin each day. When you wake up simply say, “God, I surrender. You are God. You reign. You are greater. You are in control. And I surrender all to You. You will be exalted in the nations. You will be exalted over all the earth. I exalt You right now.”

A Season to Pray
Closely connected to my first point of pausing is that we have a new season for praying. For many of us, we have a unique opportunity to have extended time at home and more flexibility with our time like never before. To pray always is God’s clear will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We no longer have the excuse of not having enough time to pray. Take advantage of this season to deepen your prayer life. We need this. Our soul needs this. Our family needs this from us. Our ministry needs this from us. And our Father in heaven longs to spend unhurried time with us. With the burdens and stress that come upon us each day, we need to cast all our cares, worries, and burdens to Jesus knowing that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Could it be that God is calling His Church to intercede for our world, our nation, and our generation like never before? Could it be the need for prayers is so urgent from the heart of God, that He has allowed all of us to have extended periods of days, weeks, and even months to increase our prayers for our leaders, our neighbors, the sick, the health care professionals, the schools, and the nations? Yes, pray for your family and loved ones, but don’t stop there. As a family, pray for those who are sick and vulnerable. Pray for wisdom for our President and mayors and governors. Each time you wash your hands, pray for healing, protection, and revival. We are in a season where God is calling us to pray. Learn to make prayer your home.

A Season to Play
God is giving many of us a very unique and rare season to have extended time on our hands. And for those with children, it is a special season to pour into them. If your kids are young, don’t let the news of sickness and death dominate their days. Instead, turn the TV off and create wonderful memories for them. Play games with them. Do sports in the backyard. Make puzzles and Legos together. Put a tent in the backyard or living room and camp out with them. Paint, color, draw, make a YouTube channel together with their talents. Work on a home project together. Exercise as a family. Take advantage of this season because it will be gone one day. We may remember this as a difficult period in our lives, but they may remember it as some of the best days of their lives because it was time spent with you. Enjoy it. Enjoy them. They are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Play with them to the glory of God.

A Season to Praise
There are many messages that will speak fear into our hearts today. But we are not a people of fear, but a people of faith. As the Israelites would put the praise leaders on the frontlines before entering battle, we too need to fix our gaze and release the praise out of our hearts and into the courts of heaven. Praise and worship are powerful. It can strengthen and encourage our hearts during this uncertain period we are in. Fill your mouth and your homes with His praises. Let everything that has breath in your homes, praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6). Let your family be marked with worship instead of worry. And parents, you need to lead the way. Fight the fight of faith by fixing your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Sing of His goodness. Sing of His might. Tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord (Psalm 78:6). Let this season be remembered for the songs that were sung to the Savior of the world.

A Season to Put God’s Word in Your Heart
I want to encourage you to fill your mind with God’s Word and to meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8). If you’ve never done so yet, commit to memorize a book of the Bible (maybe begin with Ephesians or Philippians). You know the best way to memorize a book of the Bible? One verse at a time. And think of it as a lifelong goal to have. Do one verse a week and keep building on that. During your morning devotions, review it. Especially for those who have trouble falling asleep right away at night, use that time to go over all those verses. I’ve been going through Ephesians for the past year and I’ve allowed my time at night to be where I review those chapters before I fall asleep. (Driving is another good time to review them). We have time now to reprioritize our lives and shape our schedules so that we are shaped by His Word. Make the best use of time (Ephesians 5:16) and let this be a season of saturating your life with Scripture.

A Season to Practice Hospitality
While we practice “social distancing”, we must not let it become social isolating. Reach out to neighbors and loved ones via phone calls, texting, and video calls. Let them know that you are thinking of them and see if they have any needs. If you know of neighbors who are elderly or have physical challenges, find ways to serve them. Maybe drop off some groceries or a meal for them. If you know of health care professionals or emergency responders, offer to look after their kids or drop off some food for them. This is a special season we are in, especially for the local church to be light of Christ to our communities. With wisdom, seek ways to bless your community in practical ways. Serving the needs of others is a way of expressing the love of God into their lives (1 John 3:17). Let them see your good deeds and bring glory to the Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

A Season to Preach Christ and the Hope of the Gospel
As a pastor for the past 25 years, I can’t end without a special word of encouragement to my fellow shepherds. I will write another post specifically to pastors, but for now, I want to give you this charge: preach Christ and the hope of the gospel. Consider doing a sermon series through the book of 1 Peter, Job, Revelation, or James. In every crisis, hearts become softer to the gospel. People are fearful, stressed, and worried. Understandably so. But for those of us in Christ, we know the One who holds tomorrow in the palm of His hands. We know the One who with one word, spoke creation into existence. We know the One who lifts up His voice and the earth melts (Psalm 46:6). We know the One who can calm the storm and that can calm the child. We know the One who conquered sin and its curse on the cross. And we know the One who will return, one day soon, to make all things new. Jesus is coming to take us home. So thank God that this season is a reminder that creation is groaning for the return and redemption of Christ. Thank God that this season is a reminder that this world, in its current form, is not our home. And thank God that one day soon, the curse will forever be lifted and we will rule and reign with Christ forever. A day is coming where there will be no more sickness, viruses, or fear. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4). This is the hope your people need. This is the hope we all need. Preach Christ, the hope of the world.

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