All In This Together

SCRIPTURE

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:12-13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“My dear friends, you always obeyed what you were taught. Just as you obeyed when I was with you, it is even more important for you to obey now that I am not there. So you must continue to live in a way that gives meaning to your salvation. Do this with fear and respect for God. Yes, it is God who is working in you. He helps you want to do what pleases him, and he gives you the power to do it.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:12-13‬ ‭ERV‬‬

Fear used here refers to reverential awe. Paul is not saying be afraid of God. He is saying do this out of reverential respect and awe of who God is. The All-Sufficient One!

OBSERVATION

The Novela Coronavirus Pandemic has changed our lives forever. COVID-19 has hit several countries incredibly hard. Many have lost their lives to this virus in China, Italy, and several other parts of the world. Here, in United States Novela Coronavirus has rolled in like a blanket of fog, descending on the country. Fear & confusion have swept through the land as Stay-At-Home Orders have been issued by various state governers. The speed, and lethality of this virus have rocked the country! 

Many ask “Where is God in this”? Others definitely say “This IS an act of God”!

My assignment today is to speak to the People of God.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you will be blameless and pure, children of God without any fault. But you are living with evil people all around you, who have lost their sense of what is right. Among those people you shine like lights in a dark world, and you offer them the teaching that gives life. So I can be proud of you when Christ comes again. You will show that my work was not wasted—that I ran in the race and won.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:14-16‬ ‭ERV‬‬

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭ERV‬‬

APPLICATION

• Yellows (Speak the language of People & Fun) can use their needs to be constructive, creating ways for people to experience fun/joy, instead of being destructive, by violating Social Distancing protocols because they’re experiencing Cabin Fever.

• Reds (Speak the language of Power & Control) can flip their needs and be an inspirational voice in a time of panic, fear, and confusion, by creating structures that provide a sense of normalcy. 

• Greens (Speak the language of Calm & Harmony) can be a center of calm. Creating a soft landing place for those whose lives have been disrupted by the darkness of this virus.

• Blues (Speak the language of Perfection & Order) can flip their innate wiring. They can be the Logistics Officer of the house, making certain that all necessary supplies have been gathered. Checking to see if people have what they need.

PRAYER

Father,  I thank You that nothing takes you by surprise. I know that You are aware of our situation. We call You Lord of all, and Lord in all!! You protect us, and keep us, comfort us, and lead us. And we love and thank You for it, in Jesus’ name.