That seems to be the way every commercial or newscast begins lately.  Okay, they might use the words “anxious” or “unprecedented” instead of “uncertain”, but here’s what they DON’T say:

“This Coronavirus STINKS!”.

And it does. The threat of physical suffering is real, but the overwhelming burden that most of us feel, including our residents here at The Gardens, is really separation. We can’t meet our friends for dinner somewhere, we can’t greet loved ones with a handshake and a hug, and we can’t cuddle our grandbabies. And the question on our minds more than any other is this:

When will it end?

During our morning breakfast devotion at The Gardens we concentrate on and cultivate one fruit of the Spirit each week. Want to guess what this week’s fruit is? It’s patience. Overlooking the inconveniences of the world. Instead of complaining about a delay, thanking God for an extra moment to pray. Choosing to face new challenges with joy instead of cursing and clenching our fists.

Paul wrote in Romans that everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope. Max Lucado writes that these scriptures show “historical moments in which a real God met real pain”.

So it helps us to remember that the same God who comforted the children of Israel through every exile, who wept with grieving sisters before he raised their brother to life, who whispered hope to two bereaved and bewildered believers on the road to Emmaus . . .

 . . . this same God waits with you today as He repeats the words He uttered to the Israelites: “Be still; the LORD your GOD will fight for you.” This same God “will cover you with His  feathers and . . you will not fear the pestilence . . or the plague”. 

Your Father cares, and He will protect you.

Neil Stephens, Chaplain

For one of our Thursday Bible Studies this month we are looking at what Jesus said about our life’s purpose. You may have seen Viktor Frankl’s well-known quote, “The meaning of life is to give life meaning.” That is clever but contrary to what God’s word says. Our life’s meaning is found in God Himself. Ephesians 2:10 tells us “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

We who follow Jesus as our Lord and Savior have found life’s meaning and purpose when we found Christ. Rick Warren has written, “Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope.” Our purpose is to present ourselves to Jesus to allow Him to work his purpose in us.

God is good and his work for us, in us, and through us is also good.  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Jesus always says it best. When discovering our true purpose which gives our lives meaning, we find it simply put in Matthew 5:15-16. “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I am always amazed, when I look back at the past, at how much can happen in one year. Many memorable moments were had. There were many changes in the lives of family and friends. So many new faces have come and so many sweet faces have disappeared. There were achievements and failures, rejoicings and sorrows, trips, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, highlights, turning points, and life-changing decisions. Speaking of happenings in the year, the one thing I hate most about facebook is the occasional past photos that popup for you to repost showing how you looked one year ago. A lot happened in one year, even in my body and face.

There is a point to this reflection. Will I let another year whiz by without some thoughts of what I want to happen in these next eleven months? This is not about goals. It’s about planning for somethings to happen this year instead of just drifting aimlessly through it. I could plan for change. I could decide what I want to ask from God. I could map a course that would improve my relationship and commitment to God, family, and friends. I could plant some seeds that will produce fruit to enjoy in future years. I could grow, and build, and live, and breath and be.

I don’t really know what I’m saying. I guess I need to think about it for a while. You know, before this year is gone, while there is time. Maybe, I’ll pray about it. Here is a good prayer to begin the year.

Psalm 17:5-8  “Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip. I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; incline Your ear to me and hear my speech. Show Your marvelous loving kindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye: Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.”

The most sacred season of the year is the period leading up to and including Easter Sunday. Many churches call this season “Lent” in which we observe a time of repentance and fasting for forty. “Lent” is an Anglo Saxon word which means “spring.” The 40 days begin on Ash Wednesday which is March 4^th this year.

Though Lent and Ash Wednesday have not been traditionally observed by Baptists, I have found value in them for my celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Using these weeks leading up to Easter as a time of self-examination and reflection intensifies my anticipation of this very special celebration. I find the practice to be a way of becoming more disciplined in prayer, Bible study, and fasting.

The ritual of Ash Wednesday is the placing of ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead of the believer accompanied by these words from Genesis 3:19, “Remember, O mortal, that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” This is a symbol of identity with cross of Christ and commitment to follow him. It is also a symbol of humility as we stand before God seeking nearness to Him, strength to do His will, and answers to prayer. (Genesis 19:27) “And Abraham replied, ‘Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am but dust and ashes.’”

We will offer an Ash Wednesday service at The Gardens at 11:00 AM, March 4^th. At the conclusion of the service, those who would like to receive ashes will be invited to the altar. We will also conduct a “Service of Shadows” at 7:00 PM on the Thursday before Easter Sunday.

Every Sunday is a celebration of Jesus. Our prayer is that you will worship the resurrected Lord every Sunday, and that you will grow in excitement regarding Easter Sunday when Christians around the world will capture the attention of unbelievers with a united proclamation that Jesus Christ has risen from the grave. He has risen indeed!

Norman Drummond, Chaplain