Posts from April 2020
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. (ESV)
Mr. Rogers – What Can We Learn?
Dave and I recently watched the movie, “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” – the behind the scenes story of Mr. Rogers and his impact on others both on screen and off. It deals in particular with Mr. Rogers’ positive influence on a magazine writer whose life was burdened and messy. Overall, it was inspiring. (I would highly recommend it!) It struck me that the reason Mr. Rogers appealed to so many people was that he reflected the Spirit…
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)
2 Corinthians 7:11
For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. (ESV)
Shield
In late January I was burdened with the COVID-19 crisis in China. As I was praying for the devastating situation, surprisingly, I found myself asking God to put a shield around me, my family, and my community. Two months later, this pandemic quickly moved to the U.S. and I realized it was a Spirit-led prayer at a time when few were expecting the pandemic could be a great threat to many around the world. The image of a shield has…