Over 50 years ago, I first started enjoying The Inspirations Quartet and this is one of the first songs I remember. It seems the past few mornings, God has woke me up with songs of encouragement and serve as a reminder, He is in control. I don't recall the last time I heard "The Next Step" but I believe it might have been Jeff Easter during one of the Gaither concerts.
I don't worry about much. In fact, I don't think I worry at all. (There are advantages of getting older LOL) But this may also be in large part to the fact that two years ago, when the reality that one day you can be feeling good and the next day be at death's door brings a total different perspective on how precious life is and the opportunities we have each day. I know quite well (at least based on what the doctors say) that the next illness, even something as simple as the "common cold" could be the last time I would ever be sick. I have trust and confidence in God's plan to protect me as He wishes and I believe He has made me wiser to take the right kind of precautions to take better care of myself.
Yesterday, several family members questioned why I was going to church. But I couldn't imagine not going. (I wasn't afraid to go to Walmart Saturday so why would I be afraid to go to church Sunday?) But I don't fault anyone who didn't or couldn't go. Everyone's situation is different and we all have to do what we believe is best for us and others. I sure missed the handshakes, the hugs and our normal Sunday greetings. But even without those normal greetings you could feel the love and the Holy Spirit in our service. At the conclusion of the service as we knelt in prayer and we prayed for each other, our church, our community and our country, I realized, these are the same people who prayed for me and my family on several occasions. I am proud to call these special, prayerful and God loving people my friends and church family.
I am a blessed man! I don't think I am any more blessed than others but I know how blessed I am and proud to tell others. I'm also thankful! I am thankful for that "Blessed Assurance", Jesus is mine. I am thankful for the "Amazing Grace" that saved a wretch like me. So why should I worry when the next hand I shake could be the hand of my Savior? Now I love living my life, I love my family and friends but that's still a pretty good thought, I think!
With this virus floating around there's a lot of fear, chaos, panic and so forth. I asked my pulmonologist last week are there additional precautions I should take. He said not now, continue what I'm doing and he would keep me aware. This virus is having quite an impact on our lives. I heard it said yesterday, that God created it and He could end it just as quick as he created it. It may very well be His way of making us realize our need to turn our hearts back to Him. It's time to pray for each other, our communities and country. I believe I quoted the following scripture yesterday:
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
So for the next couple of weeks, I will do even more handwashing, social distancing (whatever that means LOL) and lots of praying.
The Inspirations have recorded "The Next Step" a couple of times but I woke up to the original recording, I hope you will enjoy!
I have mentioned often, my writing skills leave a lot to be desired. Most of the time, there is a big disconnect from what's in my heart and in my head and it doesn't make it to my fingers and the keyboard. This morning it was made worse as when I was proofreading before posting, I deleted the entire post. So with the second go around, I hope you are able to hear what I'm trying to say. (How come we forget so quickly what we just typed. LOL)
Commentaires