My hope and prayer is that every one of you are well and thriving in all you do. In light of recent events, many people are anxious and even down-right scared which is totally understandable. Some are worried about their job. Some are afraid of losing their home which they have worked hard for. Some are concerned about the health risks of even going grocery shopping. Each of us have concerns and worries; that is for sure. Should we let our children play with the neighbors kids? Is it safe for our kids to be exposed to us after we return from our essential jobs? The list can go on and on. All are very valid concerns. As the leaders, protectors, and providers of our families,we should have these real concerns. I just want to take the time to encourage you and remind you of a few things. As Christians, we have a promise and a hope that the rest of the world does not have. We have a covering and protection that is not guaranteed to them. Our hopes and dreams are all in Jesus Christ! Every thought that has crossed your mind in the few seconds you have been reading this, God already knew you would have. He is not surprised at your concerns or what you think are your weaknesses. No sir, He is still on the throne, and He has not changed nor has He changed His thoughts toward you. He still loves you and desires a relationship with you.
He knows you doubted when disaster struck your home. He knows you failed in the time you thought you would be strong. He understands that you’ve been stressed out and at your wits- end. Like I said, He is not surprised. He also saw all the little things you have forgotten. How you have taken care of your family. Sacrificing for them and protecting them. How you have reached out to those in need. How you prayed for those who don’t even know you did and those that do. He sees the desire in your heart to do more for others. He saw the water you gave to the clean up crews. He saw the time you took with a neighbor just to listen to their fears and concerns. He knows your heart, and He is proud of you!
I have never been more proud to be a part of a Godly group of men than I am right now. I have never been more excited to see the outcome and testimonies of those delivered, healed, and set free than I am right now. We have entered a new season of ministry for the individual and the church as a whole. With normal activities stopped like work, church, and outreaches, I am seeing the amazing work of many men and women alike going further to reach more than ever. Using technology more than we ever have. By taking the time to be more considerate than we ever have. By just taking the time to be someone’s shoulder to lean on. Acts of kindness are running rampant, and it is awesome to behold. The church (the body) is stepping outside the comfort zones, finding more creative and exemplary ways to fill needs and giving more hope. I for one am ecstatic that I am able to see and be a part of it.
I was talking the other night to a couple of men, and the subject of levels and limits came up. When asked my opinion on the matter, I told them that I felt we all have various levels at which we do things, but I don’t believe that we have limits. I don’t believe that God gave us limits; He gave us abilities. I’m not saying that there are no limits on anything. I’m saying that when Jesus went to the cross he did away with any limitations to what we could do as His children for the Kingdom of God. Many of us look at the things we do with limits applied to all you can do. I can’t find that in the Bible. The hope that we are given in Him is without limitation, and then when we share that hope, it should be without limitation. Now this is something that I had to embrace because for years I thought that I could only do this much and that’s all I’ll ever do; as if it were my penance in life. That’s why I think the times we are experiencing right now are the most awesome and awe inspiring ever because of the things that people are doing without holding back. People are caring for people they never thought of before. They are removing the limits. People are helping people they have never even taken the time to talk to before. They are removing the limits. People are taking the time to reach out to loved ones and friends that they have never reached out to before. They are taking off the limits. People are sacrificing their time and money to feed and clothe people they have never even met. They are taking off the limits. People are walking across the yard and meeting their neighbors for the first time and lending a helping hand. They are taking off the limits. I know I’ve said this already, but it is so great to be alive and see the Church stand out and be the church to the communities like never before. I know churches have stepped up before in times of crisis, but this is not the same. It’s not a leadership driven initiative; it’s a body driven by love and compassion. I am proud to be a part of the body of Christ! You guys are pushing forward the Kingdom like never before, and I am so grateful for you and proud of you: So is God. He sees all that you have done. I want to leave you with a couple of scriptures, but before I do I just want to encourage you to take the time while you’re looking around to notice something good that someone else has done lately. Even if it wasn’t for you. I promise once you begin to see these things they will begin to overtake the scenery around you. Be intentional about it. We walk in a world that is not adjusted to seeing the good deeds but rather focuses on the negative. Remember, you have been set apart. You are different! You have a hope that is not of this world! You have been empowered to change the lives in the world around you. Remove the limits and watch God surprise you and excite you in ways you never imagined.
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.
Galatians 6:9,10 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
These were Paul’s prayers in the greetings to those at the church of Corinth and Philippi and they are also my prayer for each of you.
1Corinthians 1:4-9 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Philippians 1 9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
M.U.S.C.L.E. 