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What You'll Discover in this Episode:
NO ORDINARY MEASURES
In the Colorado Independent News update on COVID-19 crisis, Kathleen Collins Becker, of the Colorado House of Representatives, said, "These are unprecedented times, and there is a lot of uncertainty..." We are not living in ordinary times. My daughters were recently reading a biography of Susanna Wesley, and they shared with me about the turbulent times the Wesley's lived in. Of kings persecuting Christians, and political unrest within the country. Yet in the midst of all of this, the Wesleys taught their children to be glad to be alive at such historic times. They would see God working in their generation. Similarly, these are not ordinary times. Now is the time to ask God to reignite the flame of your heart. If we have grown half-hearted in our Bible reading, or in prayer, this is the time to get fervent for the Lord once again. Ordinary measures will not do.
ARE YOU IN THE WORD AND IN PRAYER?
Fellow Christians, we need to be in the word and in prayer. We need to be hearing from our Lord, asking for His work on the earth. We need to have a fervency for the Lord and His word, Church. We need to be in the word and in prayer because when we are rin God’s word, His word transforms our lives. We can have our fill of man's words on all the subjects, read all the news articles, listen to what everyone is saying about it, or we can fill ourselves with God's word. The Bible teaches that in order to speak God's word to others, to have His word pouring out of our hearts, His word needs to dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16). Ephesians 5:19,20 says, "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Psalm 1:1-6 says, "Blessed is the man... His delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night." Look at the appetite of the one who delights in the law of the Lord. The true Christian is a Bible Christian. He continues in the law of the Lord. The Bible says, "The Lord knows the way of the righteous". Another way to read that is, the Lord "is knowing" the way of the righteous. He is personally involved, intimately involved in the way of your life and mine. We need to be hearing from Him daily and inviting Him to have His way in our times.
Three examples of Old Testament believers who recognized their need for the Lord in the times in which they lived, are Daniel, Esther, and Jeremiah:
1) "In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks..." (Daniel 10:2).
2) Mordecai told Esther of the time in which she lived: "Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" To which Esther replied, "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me."
3) Jeremiah devoured God's word: "Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart," (Jeremiah 15:16).
God promises to pour Himself into the life that seeks Him instead of seeking after the things of the earth, "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat... Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me."
MORE FERVENCY
The believers in the Bible recognized their need for God in the times in which they lived, and they entered into the word and prayer fervently. We are exhorted in Philippians 2:15,16 to hold fast to the word of life in order to be a light in our generation; and in Ephesians 6:18 to pray always with all...perseverance and supplication for all the saints. We need the Word, we need prayer, we need fervency. Our Lord taught us to pray, "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," (Luke 11:2-4).
Steps to a growing prayer life:
#1 Find a quiet place, free from distraction. In these days of stay at home rules, you may need to wake early or stay up late.
#2 Recognize that with God you can convey truths that you may not be able to share with others.
#3 Don not worry about praying ornate words, or if you can't find words. God translates what we cannot put into words into prayer (see Romans 8:26).
#4 Listen. Ask God to unfold His word back to you (through Scripture), or to impress something upon your heart to pray about.
You can also pray with loved ones:
#1 Mothers and fathers who kneel in prayer with their little ones, children, and even grown children, have a great impact on them.
#2 Take the time to get in prayer with others online )using any number of video apps such as Zoom). Be assured that where two or three are gathered in His name, God is in the midst.
GOD WORKING IN AND THROUGH YOU
As you let the word of Christ dwell in you richly you will overflow with a word fitly spoken available to share with others in your home or over the phone in conversation. You will be ready with a reason for the hope that is in you. God will fill you with His word and His word doesn't return void, but accomplishes what He pleases. He wants to give you the type of walk with Him that you yearn for but could never produce. He will work it in you as you invest your life into your relationship with Him. God wants us to be aware of the times in which we live, so He can make us an intercessor and a light to the people around us. More time in the Word, more prayer for the church and for people to be saved, more need to encourage one another, and more and more as we see the day approaching. You wait, you watch, you’ll see what God will do when ordinary measures will not do!
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1. Know to whom you are speaking. (Father, Son, Spirit)
2. Thank him.
3. Ask for His will.
4. Say what you honest. (He already knows what you need)
5. Ask for forgiveness.
6. Pray with others.
7. Pray the Word.
8. Memorize Scripture.
is*
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Write a quick comment on Kevin Carson’s Blog!
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Thanks for another great pod cast Pastor Jeff. It is very important to stay in the word and not get distracted by what the news says or what people say, because ultimately God has the final word in everything. There could be chaos all around us but if we are planted in the word of God we will be filled with God’s peace in our heart. All the distractions around us can cause us to have anxiety and panic attacks if we are not studying the Word and being doers of the word. Thanks for the reminder to be praying for our leaders, our pastors and others who could fall under spiritual warfare, in this times we are called to hold one another up and be encouragers and doers of the word. To always pray for others and always try and remember to stay in the word and not ourselves be led by what we think we know always use truth from the Word as our counsel
This is an awesome comment. Will you copy/paste it over on Kevin Carson’s blog? (He is a Biblical Counseling Professor) You might have to change your comment a bit to be a bit shorter, and to be relevant to a blog post, not a podcast.
Will you copy paste this comment on Kevin Carson’s Blog? You might have to change your comment to be a bit shorter, and to be relevant to a blog post, not a podcast.
I like the observation of the fact that we are not living in ordinary times, and with that ordinary measures in facing them will not do. We need to be driven to fervent prayer and being in the word. Have I let myself be cold or half hearted in Bible Reading and prayer? I need to ask God to search my heart in this. In order to speak God’s word to others we need to have His Word pouring into our hearts and lives. I am challenged by the fact that Esther knew that she was living in her time for such a time as this. Do I have that perspective for this time? These are unprecedented times, God is looking for those that He can work through and I want Him to work through me.
Hi Kim! I’m Andrew, one of Pastor Jeff’s community support moderators. If you could copy-paste an abbreviated highlight this comment on Kevin Carson’s blog that’d be awesome! You might have to change your comment a bit to be relevant to a blog post, not a podcast.
There’s a lot of uncertainty and unprecedented times, especially with the effect regarding Covid-19. I like how Pastor Jeff asked if we are in the word and in prayer more today because of what’s currently going on. Social media can impose many negative things within our lives, and we as believers need to delight in the word of God for God’s word has reviving characteristics and since God promises that he will pour himself out on to those who seek his word, than we should hold his word within our hearts. Not only because it has been said to me, but I see myself like King David, a man after Gods own heart. I want to not get caught up in the old testament traditional practices, but I do want to pray as they did with fervency. Since I live in a huge and noisy city, peace is kind of hard to come by if I look at things in the natural. As for me it is very hard to get away from all the noise, and so I do want to find my quite place even in the midst of this busyness. Praying with loved ones plays a major key to successful Christian living and I love when I am with my children whether praying for a meal or praying in the midst of the Covid-19 can be a memory that they will never forget, and I know this to be true, because I also remember my mother praying as we were kids, and to this day she kept her faith and it has been an effect that she will never know.
Hi Johan…I was encouraged by the call to pray in the podcast as well…my prayer life is pretty good (so I would like to think)…:) 🙂 🙂
My wife and I pray together every morning and I have my own personal time of prayer. I silently talk to the Lord throughout the day…giving Him thanks for the awesome Father that He is.
I also live 15 miles outside of town with no neighbors within the radius of a mile… so there is no problem in finding a quiet place.
This is an excellent statement that you made…”we as believers need to delight in the word of God for God’s word has reviving characteristics and since God promises that he will pour himself out on to those who seek his word, than we should hold his word within our hearts.” this is so true and it reminds me of the scripture in Ezekiel 37… And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
Again He said to me, “Prophecy to these bones, and say to them,
‘ O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!”
It is as you say… “God’s word [truly] has reviving characteristics.”
No wonder God’s word is God’s means in counseling God’s way. Thanks Johan…I can picture praying with your family…that’s great…keep making those memories.
Thanks, Johan! Will you copy/paste your comments on this blog, too? Kevin Carson’s Blog You might have to shorten your comment a bit to be relevant to a blog post, not a podcast.
Thanks Jeff, great to be back to the podcast after the week off.
I have enjoyed the theology assignments especially about the person and work of God the Holy Spirit. I feel even more confidence now in the power and work at the the Holy Spirit in these harder times. I have started some online prayer groups and the amount of prayer & fasting has been amazing, we are seeing answers to prayers. Ever time I pray I feel the Spirit filling me so my eyes are focused on him and not on the death toll figures that come out every evening.
It’s only in suffering that we can go deeper into Christ and away from ourselves and I rejoice in this victory.
The prayer is the way forward and memory verses that lift the spirit. Today in our prayer group one man felt very down and then in prayer we all turned our focus to the character of God in these verses:
“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.” Exodus 34.
As we began to praise God for his character we were all lifted up and rejoiced in God!
Thanks Anne! Will you do me a big favor? Write this comment over on the Kevin Carson Blog? Click Here You might have to change your comment a bit to be relevant to a blog post, not a podcast.
Thank you so much for sharing this. One thing that really tugged on my heart is the fact that I don’t want to be put on the shelf when the Lord is using His soldiers for such a time as this. I believe that He has been pouring into me, leading and teaching me in preparation. I do, at times find myself a bit dull and not spending as much time with Him as I should. I am encouraged to be much more intentional about praying more often and fervently. Many of us have much more time on our hands than before and I pray that none of us come out of this season wishing that we’d spent the time different. I pray that we spend more time completely still in the presence of the Lord.
Amen! I don’t want to be put on the shelf either. It is too easy to waste the time, but instead as you said, I pray we are more intentional so that we can be a part of the work that God is doing in the midst of these times.
Amen, less time wasted, more time used productively and effectively.
So true Britt!
I am encouraged and stirred by what you said:
“Many of us have much more time on our hands than before and I pray that none of us come out of this season wishing that we’d spent the time different. I pray that we spend more time completely still in the presence of the Lord.”
It seems like the Lord is always calling us to a deeper seeking of Him, along with more stillness with Him. Jesus please lead us into these times, so that we can pour out, give us wisdom and a fresh filling and boldness.
Hi Brittany! I’d love if you could support pastor Jeff by adding this comment (or an abbreviated highlight) over on Kevin Carson’s blog. You might have to change your comment a bit to be relevant to a blog post, not a podcast.
Thank you for the encouragement in this podcast. As we are living in unprecedented times, we need to draw close to the Lord as we seek His truth during this time where fear and anxiety is through society. I liked the way Pastor Jeff explains some simple ways we can pray. These were simply explained, and I passed them on my prayer team page at my church to encourage others. It is important that we keep apprised of the current situation, but we also need to be on guard with how too much influence of the media in our lives will bring us away from the Lord and cause anxiety. However, during this time, I have been encouraged as Jesus is being spoken about more and more as the weeks pass.
Hey Autumn! If you could do pastor Jeff a favor and post an abbreviated highlight of this comment to Kevin Carson’s blog that would be really appreciated! You might have to change your comment a bit to be relevant to a blog post, not a podcast.
One verse stuck out to me personally. Colossians 3:16-17 says ” Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Its clear from Scripture that it takes God’s Word and the Gospel Truth sinking into your heart to change you. It shouldn’t be light suffice level teaching of Scripture but wise, teaching and counseling from one Christian to another. It will create a community of worship, both in praise songs and in actions with character. The Word dwelling in us also makes us thankful.
These are the benefits of biblical counseling in these unordinary times. We have what we people need.
Alejandro, if you could put this reply (abbreviated) over on Kevin Carson’s blog Pastor Jeff would really appreciate it. Thanks! You might have to change your comment a bit to be relevant to a blog post, not a podcast.
Revived, renewed, and quickened. Those three words really stood out to me in this podcast. Pastor jeff is right, we are inundated with so much brutality via the news media, Twitter, and other sources of information that I believe are designed to stir up negative emotion in order to both further a particular cause and also get users “coming back for more.” There’s a business model that depends on that.
Scriptures, though, are where we find the truth and are what revive, renew, and quicken us so that we may see with spiritual eyes and overcome. I’ve worked in the news industry For more than 20 years and, while there has always been an element of stirring emotions, never have I seen it like it is today. Thank you Pastor Jeff for emphasizing the importance of being nourished in the Word and in prayer, and encouraging us to pursue that even more than we ever had before. Ordinary measures just won’t do. Amen.
Welcome back Pastor Jeff! Thank you for the Podcast #54 – No Ordinary Measures Will Do. I remembered a preacher saying that we need to be in the Word of God and in Prayer so deeply when we are in the mountaintop so that when we are in the valley, we are so full that nothing will get us down. This have been my experience. There have been some many times where things happened and God’s word comes into my mind and my heart gets so comforted and encouraged. It is so amazing what God’s word can do when is in our hearts. I pray that what is going on right now will have a great impact on believers and also unbelievers, and in the way that they are living their lives today. As you said, when we are in the Word, there is transformation and revival; God then can use us to be a blessing to others. I have prayed so many times for the Lord to kindle my fire within my heart more and more. I like the reminder of Colossians 3:16 letting the Word of God dwell in us richly. God promises that He will pour out to the seeking hearts. I love that, because it gives me hope. I love Jesus and His Word and I love to talk to Him, so I want more of Him in my life. We need to seek God with urgency, no only for ourselves, but also for the benefits of others. The four steps you provided are good and simple which are to find a quiet time with no distractions; to share things with Him that I wouldn’t share with anyone; to not worry about what to say, because He knows, and last to listen to what He has to say through His word and/or in my heart. Again, thank you Pastor Jeff. Stay safe!
Hi Ritter…Thank you for your comments… Encouraging and Inspiring…I like the part about God’s word coming to you… “This have been my experience. There have been some many times where things happened and God’s word comes into my mind and my heart gets so comforted and encouraged.
This is so true and right in line with biblical counseling.
As disciples/biblical counselors we are to study God’s word diligently, memorizing it, meditating upon it, and hiding it in our hearts… In doing this… God can bring forth His word
(at the right time and at the right place) up from within us…
to not only provide comfort, encouragement and counsel, but to admonish as well. No wonder we are to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” You are so right when you say…
“It is so amazing what God’s word can do when is in our hearts.”
What a great reminder of where our thinking should be during this time of turmoil. The Old Testament examples are great. I especially love Daniel. Few of us know people who lived through a more turbulent time than Daniel. The effect that his testimony had on Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom is truly remarkable. God continued to honor Daniel with positions of power and influence because He knew that Daniel would properly represent His kingdom to the world. I often picture the day after the lion’s den incident, as he stepped up before the young Satraps, the whispers were, ” what ever you do, don’t mess with this guy”. Even hundreds of years later the Wise Men acted on things that were passed on from Daniel.
Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Lots of time on our face, and in His Word will be required.
Yes! The example is always Esther… but Daniels life is just as powerful about “right time, right place.” God used him remarkably and its proof that men of prayer and men of the word will be lifted up to spiritual tasks God calls us to. Hundreds of years after the reformation we are still blessed by men like Luther. I think we have men like Daniel and the reformers living today who have taken up their call to spiritual tasks too. But, like you said… it starts with time on our faces and in the Word.
Hi Harry!
I agree with you that we are able to see in the Old Testament how they handled challenging situations in society. It has been a source of encouragement for me as a believer who works in an environment with all nonbelievers. I carry the examples and words that are in scripture in my heart and mind as encouragement in this stressful time.
This has been an excellent podcast! It is no doubt that we do have to do differently in times like these. W have to make sure to continue growing otherwise we can either be smothered by the pressure or placed on the shelf. Thank you for the encouragement Pastor Jeff!
Also, I am glad that he mentioned praying for the church leaders. Every time I think about who may be experiencing spiritual warfare and loads of stress, I immediately think about my senior pastor. I sense an intense uneasiness about him. I often worry more than I do pray for him. Thank you for the reminder.
Same here Josiah. I always think pastors when I think of warfare. They are just always surrounded by the stresses of how the flesh reacts to spiritual tasks God gives them. But, the Lord is faithful.
I have been blessed to see countless pastors step up in this strange time to keep up the work of the ministry. I have also seen many people step up to help as best as they can from afar.
Praise God for strength from the Spirit.
Very true Josiah, we do need to pray for our leaders especially as most of them are now preaching online, which is so hard when they can’t see the flocks faces or hear their amens. (We do pray Lord that our leaders would be strengthen and encouraged in Jesus name.)
Agreed. I think that it being uncertain times, a lot of pressure is put on our pastors and we can be quick to judge what they’re doing and how they are handling church even in these times, but we instead need to lift their arms in prayer and encouragement and look for how God wants to use these times still to spread His love and His Word in these unconventional ways.
“a lot of pressure is put on our pastors and we can be quick to judge what they’re doing and how they are handling church even in these times, but we instead need to lift their arms in prayer and encouragement and look for how God wants to use these times still to spread His love and His Word in these unconventional ways”…yes, more thank you even realize.
than*
This is really good insight. I like the sentence you wrote: “we do have to do differently in times like these. We have to make sure to continue growing otherwise we can either be smothered by the pressure or placed on the shelf.”
It is so true, I just read something a friend wrote, and it said ” in the midst of heart- burdening suffering in the world, I want to grow, learn and fight for who God wants me to be, and make the most of it all.”
We have been given so much opportunity and many distractions have been stripped from us. It almost takes more concentration , because now we have such a clear focus, and less excuse. May the lord help us to know how to speak up or rise up in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
We should do differently in these times and always continue to grow in Christ thru the scriptures and never grow weary and get distracted by other things that is when we can be smothered by the pressure. We have been given more opportunities but we need to be concentrated on the truth of the scriptures by focusing rather then having excuses why we think we can’t do something. We need to be guided more by the Holy Spirit an use that as a guide to speak for truth thru scripture.whenever the situation allows us to.
This is a timely warning of where to keep our focus. It is rather easy right now to look at social media and see where people have fixed their eyes. Some are focusing on keeping themselves safe, looking to their own ability for safety. Others are busy looking for who to blame, raising the conspiracy theories of the day. Some are looking forward the government for guidance, waiting to be told how and what they should do. As believers it is so easy to guard our minds, fixing our thoughts on Christ. I don’t think it is wise to ignore cautious behavior, or to be unaware of what isa happening in the world, but we must worship Christ alone.
Very true Sherra, it is so easy to have the wrong focus: the negative news reports or the daily death tolls and it is amazing how people around us are reacting in such different negative ways. In my neighborhood most people have hit the bottle, getting drunk to hide their fears. I know people are looking at us thinking why aren’t they doing the same? They know we are Christians. We pray God would save them.
Revival comes when individual believers are each in the word and prayer fervently.The word brings transfomation.
It was encouraging to hear that we need to be poured into, in order to pour out. This has always been true for me. When I am dry. I can pour nothing out. I sometimes still try to give crumbs. But I desire to be filled to overflowing constantly.
These four reminders for prayer were very refreshing. Find a quiet place. Share everything with the lord what you might not be able to share with others. Do not try to have the innate words, just pour it out he knows the communication of the heart. Move through the word and listen.
Your beginning statement made me think of something. Looking at the many people of the church, I frequently look to others to start something, hoping that all I would have to is observe and listen so that I may be transformed by their work in me. It’s so vastly different from what Pastor Jeff mentioned in the podcast. Just like you said, if I desire to be transformed, it starts with studying the Word of God and applying what I’ve learned to my life personally. Thankfully, the Lord is faithful to supply His Holy Spirit that whenever we need the strength to obey Him, He makes it possible!
Hi Hannah!
I agree with you about the prayer points were very refreshing and a good reminder for us to share during this time. Yes, He knows our hearts and communication through them when our words can’t express our thoughts and feelings. I agree with you also about a revival coming. I have never heard about Jesus and church in the media and other outlets more than I have during this time and as the time passes, it continues to increase. I am so thankful the Lord is using this to turn His people toward Him.
Hey Sis! Thanks for sharing this! I love that statement! “Revival comes when individual believers are each in the word and prayer fervently”. This is great encouragement as it is so easy to forget the simplicity of prayer, His Word and fasting. I desire to devote more of my life and time to doing just that. His Word brings transformation. In His presence is the abundance of life!
Thanks for encouraging reminder on prayer and emphasis of God’s Word over man’s word coming in to us so we overflow it on to others for such a time as this!
Thanks for checking and saying “Hi” Sarah!!
Thank you Jeff for taking the time to get these podcasts out…we (my wife and children) really appreciate them and the encouragement and counsel that they provide. The scriptures from the old and new are both extremely relevant to the times and situations that we as the body of Christ are currently facing….It is true, “No Ordinary Measures Will Do.” Time to “gear up” as true disciples of Jesus Christ and pray like we have not prayed before, and get into the word with the same fervency, expecting God to move in and through each of us in a most humbling way. I think the part that ministered to me most in this particular podcast is point #4 concerning prayer…”Hearing from God.” I often go before the Lord adoring and worshiping Him, and then moving on to expressing myself, but I like the idea of pausing and allowing God to speak back in that still small voice. I mean honestly, how much do we really miss out on in not taking that moment to hear from the Lord? Thanks again Pastor Jeff, for this most important reminder.
James, I agree with you that often times the point of “hearing from God” concerning prayer is a part that is missed. I think of Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God. It’s in those moments of our stillness that He speaks.
You are much appreciated, James!
And so are you pastor Jeff!
Oh wow that is so true James! Often, we just pray and do not anticipate what the Lord may want for us to hear and know. What you said reminds me of this verse in Titus 3:5 which says, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,” It is through the Word of God that we find times of refreshment and satisfaction; when the world may be caught up in its issues, the Word of God stands true in the midst and provides hope and comfort unlike any other thing can. In other words, because the Scriptures are true, we can wholly depend on it!
I like your comment about hearing God. His Word always speaks if we just listen.
Amen, so true!
Hi James, I agreed with you when you said that those Old Testament accounts are so relevant to our times now. Those accounts are such an example of how to trust the Living God and how to seek Him with all of our hearts. So good!! Also, in reference to point #4, it is so good to wait on the Lord, but I know that I have missed so much because of my impatience. It took me a while to learn this. Stay safe!
Hi James,
Great post. I am seeing that as well at the old and new testament are so relative to our lives. I’ve been spending more time in the minor prophets and am seeing so much correlation to our society, and feel as if I personally am being warned to remain faithful, and to grow closer to our Lord.
Thanks for another great podcast Pastor Jeff! Your encouragement is right on for this unprecedented time! We have to keep our eyes on Jesus. We have to be intentional about what we allow into our hearts and minds. As you said, if we spend too much time listening to the news, we can become depressed. We must do as you encouraged and spend time in the Word and prayer. This is not just for our own benefit but for the benefit of those around us ~ even if it is virtually around us. I’m encouraged by the promise of Matthew 28:20 where Jesus said, “and lo I am with you always”. In His presence, we have protection, we have power, and we have peace.
Good word Stacy. Turn off the news and turn on to God. He won’t make you feel depressed.
That’s the best kind of News.
Yes, what a great passage of scripture where Jesus promises that he will be with us always. Love it.
It is good advice to keep our mind, eyes, and ears away from the news media. It’s OK to get updated throughout the day at times, but I find that we tend to over indulge as a society in the latest headlines, it’s so easy to do nowadays. Being intentional about seeking the Lord in His Word and through prayer is so beneficial and the rewards are eternal. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this Stacy. I too have been encouraged by this podcast. Spending more time in the Word right now is vital. Not only do many of us have more time to do so, but it is clear that we must tune in to what the Lord desires to speak to us and how He desires to lead us at such a time. I also agree with you in regards to guarding what we receive. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and it is very clear that the world and those around us need God’s Word more than anything. Which is why it is vital for us to be filled with it so that it is His Word that flows from us.
I do agree Stacy in these times we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, in these times it is easy to let the noise from the news, what the newspapers say or what others say and we can get side tracked based on what all that says then looking at truth based on the scriptures and that’s when worry, fear and anxiety can creep in and start to control us. we should gain comfort in knowing that God is always with us and in His presence we will have protection. power and peace.