For those who understand Dutch: A beautiful song for adults and children as well! Click on this link: Opwekking 42: k stel mijn vertrouwen

(I’ve tried to find a English version, however, I can’t seem to find one…)

Yes, I’m now also a home-school teacher now… As probably many of you are these days. So far, so good! Our second youngest daughter received 2 envelopes, each containing with homework for every week. This week we know what we’re learning. But oh, that second envelope! How badly she wants to open it and see what’s in it already…

Our lives are like opening envelopes. You wake up; your day unfolds as it goes. And the mailbox never seems to be empty, so with our daily lives. Unexpected things always come and go. The unexpected; is it something we fear for? Or try to get ready for? Or are we armored. We as Christians should be. Armored by the grace of God. We have His final envelope in hand, half opened: knowing of His saving glory, though not knowing fully what His beautiful destination looks like. When we arrive with this ‘envelope’ or better said: soul of ours; will it show Jesus saving bloodstains? Or is the paper pitch black…

He tells us; do not worry about tomorrow… Our minds are set to plan ahead, be prepared. In a way that’s good. Though with the right intentions and without worries.

The unknown: a treasure by itself. God knows the unknown; He’s the one sending/giving you that ‘envelope’ (soul). Do you open it up? Let Jesus cover it? Or do you leave it closed, and let it fade away?

May God in His glory give you His grace to open up your heart and soul.

Our daughter was singing this song multiple times today, it brought me much delight! To Him are the Highest praises, honor and glory!!!

We are a moment, You are forever
Lord of the ages, God before time
We are a vapor, You are eternal
Love everlasting, reigning on high

Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your Name
Be unto Your Name

We are the broken, You are the Healer
Jesus Redeemer, mighty to save
You are the Love song we’ll sing forever
Bowing before You, blessing Your name

Written by Deshazo B Lynn / Sadler Gary Edward

When things get out of hand and out of control, chaos is the result. But empty streets and gathering places right now, are empty. Silent. Is this the silence ahead of a storm? Chaos right now is controlled, although that’s what it seems like. Inside our houses are still living souls.

And sure, control is a big word. But who holds the strings? And do we want to be controlled somewhat? Sure, our health is important; sure we all want to strive. Yes, we need a leader. But do we want to be traced down? What is happening with our freedom? Do we need to be silent and sit in a corner waiting? What does that create? Complete chaos in our hearts… 1 easy remedy: Trust in the Lord and be patient. It may feel like He’s silent, but He’ll jump in at a time we don’t expect. A couple of events in the Bible can teach us better days are coming.

Rahab, in Joshua chapter 2, being a Gentile-harlot, testifies God’s in charge. (verses 9-11) By her faith she was spared from the city’s destruction.

Joseph, in Genesis 41, after being sold by his own brothers to a foreign land; showing his faith and idea’s with the Pharaoh. Verse 39: ‘And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”

These 2 Bible texts show that faith, courage and trust in God have good things in storage. In every bad situation, God has a plan. You can hide and leave it up to the people in charge or you can show and speak up for your faith. It doesn’t guaranty a glorious outcome on earth, but it will be in Heaven.

Does this look/sound familiar? Luke 2: 1&3: ‘And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. So all went to be registered everyone to his own city.’ – In a way that’s what’s going on now… Who doesn’t have a GPS with him anymore?

Yes, Joseph and Mary obeyed and delivered our Deliverer into the world, but ones the king finds out, they hide. Today, that’s almost impossible. But my hiding place is in Jesus.

When you’re healthy you shouldn’t have to hide; not in a basement, not in a separate room, not in a distanced social conversation. Jesus visited the sick who were separated, so you’re not alone! He’s there and so are the doctors!! But when you’re healthy and using common sense, why are you a thread? ‘When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:17) This passage has 2 meanings; the common sense of no need of a doctor when you’re not sick and the cryptic meaning of that: He came to save sinners to repentance.

This whole controlled chaos is the thread. But to whom? To ourselves? Aren’t we soaking up the media updates? What is that doing to our brains and souls? Now we’re sitting at home, fending for ourselves. Unanswered questions. We need leaders in this world, but there’s only 1 Who is the King of the world. And we tend to let that slip. Put your best foot forward and follow the narrow road, not the broad one like today…

‘Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.’ Matthew 7:13

In Luke 23: 13-25, the ruler, Pilate chooses Jesus to be released, because he did not find any fault in Him. 3 times he wants to let Him go free. But the people chose for a murderer man to be set free. Now this event had to take place, in God’s plan. Jesus blood on the cross will set us free. If we believe. The same people who yelled crucify Him, crucify Him, said to Pilate in Mathew 27: 25; ‘His blood be on us and on our children.’ – Sure thing, Jesus died for all, but only if you simply believe and follow His ways, He cleanses you from sin.

Are we today, standing in that crowd in front of Pilate? What would we say? Would we follow the rest or would we stand up for what we believe? We have a free choice. On who’s side are you on?

‘For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.’ Romans 8: 24,25

Right now, in this time of restricted isolation; what are your hopes? Do you hope not to get sick, or are you worried for enough toilet paper? Or are you actually in fear?

Fear, is the word to describe this event of time. But do we have to be afraid? The birds in the air are still fed, the stores are still open (though some shelves are empty) Our hearts are still beating… Farmers are still preparing for food supply, hospitals are still available, and trees are still growing. The sun still comes up. Rain provides us for spring: a time of planting.

Being ‘locked up’ may feel hopeless, though we have cloths on our backs and roofs over our heads. Now, my dear people, if you wonder what you can do with your ‘spare’ time: turn off the TV and dive into a book. For example: the Bible. It opens your eyes and will feed you with hope. Because hope is found in Jesus. He see’s us now, He see’s our struggles, frustrations. Pray for guidance, for strength and hope. Leave it with Him; He carried all our burdens for us on the cross. That works been done already. So let us now, take up that cross and bear with Him.

He wants you: He doesn’t want your attention towards the media; He doesn’t want you to side-track. No He wants your attention. Be ready, always! Be prepared, not only to survive, no be prepared. Because sooner or later He’ll show up. Either at the end of God’s timing in this world or at the time when you take your last breath.

This virus-lockdown is a warning, and not a small one. Do not fear; do not hide your hearts. Dear friends: Hope for tomorrow and may He guide you in your steps. For what tomorrow brings will happen anyways, but what will happen now, may change your life: Confess, believe and don’t give up, because He is not either! His love endures forever.

‘But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.’ (Isaiah 40:31)

‘Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may bound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ (Romans 15:13)

Fear is what is being created by this virus. Whether it’s man-made or not. Fear is what the devil wants you to feel, he’ll do anything to keep your attention away from the Truth. So when our governments don’t allow us to worship together anymore in large gatherings, it does not mean to give up. And we shouldn’t be afraid of tribulations if we’d keep at it. It’s God who reigns.

The church doors may get shut; But God’s door is wide open!!!

Please take the time to also read October 13, 2019’s blog called: H.O.P.E.