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Adventures in Odyssey

Local Perspectives on Coronavirus – Pt 3

April 17, 2020 By Joe

Fear Not by James Lynch

We have all probably heard the term “unprecedented” more in the last several weeks than many have in our entire lives before 2020. Although we may be tired of hearing it and other-like terminology, it is fitting, at least in reference to modern times. Possibly one of the most difficult aspects of this pandemic is the unknown. Some of these unknowns are concerning the virus itself, some are concerning the impact of this virus on our way of life, our finances, and our future. There are more questions than answers right now, and the answers we do have seem to change quickly as new information becomes available. Circumstances like these can certainly be fertile soil for fear to grow, and the harvest of that crop can be very detrimental on a person’s emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Fortunately, we serve a God who delights in saying to His children, “Fear not!” In the Scripture, this phrase appears 33 times, if you combine it with the phrase, “Do not fear”, it amounts to 70 times that someone in the Bible is told not to fear. The very first time “fear not” is used is in Genesis 15:1. Abram has just defeated the 5-king coalition who carried off his relative, Lot. He was blessed by Melchizedek, and then refused to take any of the spoils of the battle for himself. Then the Bible says, “After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”” (Gen. 15:1). What was the antidote to fear? It was the knowledge of the character of God. In other words, “Abram, fear not because I (God) am your shield.”

I have been so impressed by our senior saints here at West Park, who recognize that God is their shield in this uncertain season, and are living out their faith in real time. Some that I have spoken to are confined at home with family members bringing groceries and supplies as needed. One family drops off the delivery in mom’s garage and leaves so they don’t run the risk of bringing her the virus. One senior brother has made his own mask with several layers of material, and is using great care as he does his own shopping. Another brother shared with me that he calls ahead to his favorite eatery close by, and drops by to pick up his meal without even having to get out of his car. So, what do these saints have in common? They have adapted to this current difficulty in various ways, but none of them are being controlled by fear. They are making wise choices and trusting God to take care of them. I could go on to tell how a nursing home has planned a day to bring a dear wife down from an upper floor so she and her husband can see each other through the glass while they talk on the phone, or how an ABF is supporting another sweet sister with phone calls to her rehab room since visits aren’t possible.

The social distancing has certainly presented challenges, but what I have seen in West Park members has encouraged me. Our deacons have had to move from visiting the sick to making phone calls, and many have been so faithful to pray for one another. We may not know what the next few weeks or months hold, but I am confident that the Lord will continue to guide us as we discover new ways to minister to one another and serve our Lord during this very unique situation.

 

Filed Under: Articles, Stories Tagged With: Abraham, Adventures in Odyssey, fear, fear not, senior saints, West Park Baptist Church

Daily Dose of Faith (March 30)

March 30, 2020 By Joe

Free stuff!

Our family has been truly blessed by all the ministries and organizations offering free or deeply discounted resources during this time of quarantine. Let me highlight just a few.

First is the roundup on The Gospel Coalition blog post Free or Discounted Books to Read in Quarantine

Among my favorites are all the ebooks offered for free on crossway.org, the publisher of the ESV Bible.

Second, Focus on the Family is offering a free month of Adventures in Odyssey club. Our kids have enjoyed listening to those stories while we eat or they work on crafts for school.

Finally, I know a lot of parents have kids at home at least through April 24. This challenging time and change to your work schedules is tough, but there’s also much growth the Lord wants for you as parents in this unique time. My wife has pointed out the free online conference geared towards parents and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on homes. Head over to this website for sessions with Paul Tripp, Ted and Margie Tripp (Shepherding a Child’s Heart) and others. It’s a homeschool online conference, but don’t let that deter you! We’re all homeschooling in this unique time period and need equipping and hope this conference provides.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Adventures in Odyssey, ESV Bible, Focus on the Family, free, parenting, Paul Tripp, Ted Tripp, The Gospel Coalition

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