Category: Covid-19

If We Treated Sin Like Covid…

  • We’d socially distance from those who might expose us to it (1 Cor. 15:33)
  • We’d understand its potentially deadly nature (Jas. 1:14; Rom. 6:23)
  • We’d want to do what we could to be protected from it (Acts 2:38)
  • We’d try to warn everyone to take precautions against it (Luke 24:46-47)
  • We’d listen to the experts (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
  • We would avoid its “hot spots” (Rom. 13:12-14)
  • We wouldn’t want to expose those we care about to it (Luke 17:1)
  • It would completely affect our habits and routine (1 Pet. 2:11)

–Neal Pollard

Election & Covid & Anxiety, Oh My! 

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

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Dale Pollard

I bet you’re probably sick hearing about two big topics right now so for the sake of this little article and your sanity— I won’t even mention them by name. Believe me, I wish my blog posting day didn’t fall on this particular Tuesday. I thought about avoiding any p*******l-related angles all together. The fact is, it’s a big deal and it’s probably what’s on your mind today. 

Well we better pray about it!

 I’m sure you’ve heard that in your congregation many times. Let’s clarify what that needs to look like in my life and in every God-fearing individual’s life. 

When we bring God a petitioning prayer concerning anything, large or little, let’s first remind ourselves of the sacred ingredients that make up an effective prayer. 

  1. Evaluate your spiritual life. The prayers of “righteous” men and women make an impact. James 5:16 
  2. God can’t be seen as one option. Think of the rascally child who, after receiving a “no” from his father, approaches his mother in secret seeking a “yes.” That child should receive a stern chat— perhaps a spanking? When we approach God, we must do so with His will above our wants. Sometimes the two line up! If they don’t, accept the answer and press on. 
  3. Saturate your petitions with praise and thankfulness. Though the virus remains active or the “wrong” man takes the office— The Almighty deserves your praise and thankful heart. After all, He reigns with perfection and justice on His throne (Psalm 97:1). God has given us the cure to a horrible sickness that not even all the scientists in the world could cure (Ephesians 2:8). Nothing that happens today or any day will ever change those things. We’ve only scratched the surface here, too. God deserves every bit of your praise and thankfulness— no matter what. 
  4. Don’t miss the big picture when you pray. Our minds have a way of fooling us into thinking that current events ARE the big picture. That’s just not true. What’s more important? The growth and faith of every member of His church. I can’t help but think of congregations that have been spiritually strengthened and grown— despite an earth shaking pandemic. What’s most important is not this country or nation, it’s His kingdom and that kingdom to come. 

Are you righteous? 

Please pray for this world and pray for His church. If there’s something keeping you from the righteousness of God, that’s far more urgent than anything else. Your faith is  what deserves your full attention. 

Let’s be a happy and hopeful people— let’s be those who practice righteousness. 

 

Reminders For Us All During This Time…

Neal Pollard

–Be careful not to be this guy: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people…” (Luke 18:11). Remember, “He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt” (9)
–Let us respect the autonomy and judgment of congregations (and elderships)(Titus 1:5-11) who are having to make tough calls about assembling during this time without making this a faith matter.
–Perhaps this global situation, which awakens people to the possibility of death and reality of mortality, will turn people to Christ and the hope of eternal life. When they search, will they find loving (John 13:34-35), faith-filled (1 Peter 1:3) lights on a hill (Matthew 5:16) or condescending, mean-spirited people who repel the searchers and slap the hands of those reaching out for the Bread of life?
–However we respond, may we remember this: “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9). These folks faced the threat of death for their faith, and God expected them to respond this way. How much more in the present circumstance?

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