Tuesday May 19, 2020

A message for the time of the coronavirus pandemic:

“For he sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.  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.”  (Galatians 6:8-10)

It is true that God can and does forgive our sins, but the consequences of our poor decisions remains with us.  We are being reminded every day that ignoring the directives of our leadership is spawning new cases of the coronavirus and more death from it.

Sometimes the determination to do as we please costs ourselves or others health and life.  West Virginians have done better than folk in most states, but we must not relax our guard.  Sometimes we find directives from leadership wearisome and irksome, but we must not relax our fight against this killing virus.  In the first two days of this week, forty-five new cases of the virus have been diagnosed here in West Virginia.

Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for the gifts of sunshine and rain, for life and opportunity.  We thank You for the blessing of family and friendship.  We thank You for our daily bread, and we are grateful for every good gift You give us, for everything good is a gift from you.

Good Shepherd, we pray for the gifts of health and hope and peace.  Please equip us for well-doing, and grant us the wisdom to obey Your command to love one another as we love ourselves.

Forgive us when we fail you and others, and help us to do and become the persons You created us to be, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

–Pastor John