The Word of God, a plan to read it, and the ability to help develop a routine.

On Sunday I attended the online church service with Cranston Christian Fellowship.

They discussed the Bible App You Version and how it offers plans for reading the Bible, as well as tracking to develop a habit or routine for getting into God‘s word.

http://bible.com/app

As we approach Thanksgiving, I chose the plan on gratitude. In the devotional section we are lead to develop our minds to handle all circumstances, by being conscious of things we are thankful for, beginning with a list of five.

• My family
• my home
• my job and its ability to support us
• having the day off to stay home today
• The Hallmark channel, as a way to escape the media and news

The verse for the day was I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

However, this verse sits in the middle of a list of instructions regarding circumstances.

• Warn the unruly, comfort the faint hearted, uphold the weak, be patient with All
• don’t render evil for evil, but pursue good for all
• rejoice always
• pray without ceasing
• give thanks in everything
• do not quench the Spirit
• do not despise prophecies
• hold fast what is good
• abstain from evil

Although my intent is to focus on gratitude, it seems neglectful to not reflect on the whole list.

In short, we have instructions on how to handle all circumstances, even in the tough ones. I can’t help but look at society and our culture, and compare it to this list. With the Covid virus and the election, circumstances are that of fear, hostility, uncertainty, hatred, confusion, and sin. Some of these instructions make sense: don’t be evil, be patient, pray. But some, like rejoice always and be thankful, these can only come from the power of Jesus and the hope He provides if we put our trust in him

So What Will I Do?

So what will I rejoice over and be thankful for in the circumstances? I will rejoice in the fact that I live in a country of democracy, where voting by the people matters. I will rejoice in the fact that ballots will be analyzed for truth and I will trust that God’s will, will be done. I am thankful for the fact that God will use these circumstances for good, whether we get the leader we want to have, or we learn valuable lessons from having the other. As for the virus, I will rejoice in the survival rate, and the fact that those that perish are a tiny fraction of 1% of the population. I will rejoice in the quieter days with more opportunity for rest. I am thankful in knowing that God has the power to end it all, but instead is using it for an alternative plan we may never know or understand. It doesn’t matter what plague we fight or who rules our nation. We have the Almighty God as our king.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for this time with you today. Being in your word gives me the opportunity to center myself in the craziness and to be reminded that you are in charge. I put my trust in you, and for that I will rejoice and be thankful. I rejoice in knowing that none of the circumstances surprise you, and I thank you for handling it. Use us to help carry out your plan, and give us peace and comfort in knowing you love and care for us always. In Jesus name, amen.