Looking for Benefits

Good Morning! 

I love Wednesday Prayer meeting for several reasons. First, the meeting is more intimate than the Sunday worship service where hundreds attend.  In our virtual meeting last night, 32 people signed in to hear the Pastor speak on prayer.  The product we use allows people to engage in  conversation … somewhat limited by the technology but allowing interaction.  Of course, I miss the close contact with other people but that is the point for the next few weeks.

The saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” becomes more meaningful in these times where person to person contact must be limited.  It is easy to fall into a funk over the restrictions that we are living in for a short time.  But what benefits might come from this period?  I can think of one or two at the very moment …

·         Having to apply new technology to our corporate worship during the crisis allows us to get accustomed to using the technology when the crisis has passed.  One of my concerns over the years has been delivering the teachings of Scripture to people who are homebound. For example, in our Sunday Bible study, we have at least two couples who can only come sporadically because of pain.  When Norma was living, she had a limited period of time that she could sit in one place before her pain became unbearable.  She had to get up and move around just a little bit.  If we continue to use the Zoom product after the crisis has passed, we can include people who are unable to attend for numerous reasons … and they can participate in the class!!!

·         Recording our lessons and / or sermons of Facebook will allow Bible students to access lessons at their convenience.  For example, Good Mornings could be recorded to Facebook!!! The drawbacks are that I would have to shave more frequently; dress more appropriately; and stop talking like Gomer Pyle.  I am considering this … and would like your input.  Send me a friend request on Facebook if you think a Facebook recording would be a better method of delivering the daily message.

Taking a look at Scripture this morning, let’s look at two verses from Psalm 103:

103 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,

Living by faith means realizing that, in every situation, God presents opportunity for us to benefit.  Paul states “all things work together for good…”.  While it is easy to focus on the restrictions this current crisis presents, let’s take time to consider benefits available … and give God praise for His faithfulness.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

  

Prayer:  Father, help me to see the benefits in this crisis and to praise You in the revelation.  In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Psalms 103:1-2